Cold Weather Military Operations

Visuals depicting military personnel engaged in training exercises in snowy environments, focusing on various winter warfare scenarios.

Cadets, from Norwich University ROTC, arrive at the mountaineering station during D-Series on Fort Drum, New York, on January 19, 2024. The weeklong competition harkens back to the famous divisional maneuvers held on Camp Hale, Colorado, in 1944, the days of the original 10th Mountain Division.

Special Tactics Airmen assigned to the 24th Special Operations Wing, Detachment 1, also known as Deployment Cell or D-Cell, treat a simulated combat casualty as an Alaska National Guard HH-60M, assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment, approaches for medevac during a training exercise at Camp Mad Bull on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Jan. 10, 2023. Based out of MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, D-Cell consists of 54 members across 15 job codes forming four agile teams, whose primary role is to bare base - to rapidly turn undeveloped locations into fully functional bases. The unit visited Alaska to train and test their capabilities in an arctic environment.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Michael E. McWilliams, commanding general of 2nd Marine Logistics Group hikes with Marines during exercise Joint Viking 23 in Setermoen, Norway, March 8, 2023. Marines are deployed to Norway as part of Marine Rotational Forces Europe 23.1 which focuses on regional engagements throughout Europe by conducting various exercises, arctic cold-weather and mountain warfare training, and military-to-military engagements, which enhance overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Corps with allies and partners.

A U.S. Marine with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, reloads the M27 rifle during Cold Weather Training in preparation for the NATO exercise Nordic Response 2024 in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 12, 2024. Nordic Response is a Norwegian national readiness and defense exercise designed to enhance military capabilities and allied cooperation in high-intensity warfighting in a challenging arctic environment. This exercise will test military activities ranging from the reception of allied and partner reinforcements and command and control interoperability to combined joint operations, maritime prepositioning force logistics, integration with NATO militaries, and reacting against an adversary force during a dynamic training environment. The U.S. stands firm in commitment and readiness to support Norway, allies and partners. Marine Corps

A munitions maintenance specialist connects an arming wire on a 500-lb. bomb during CALFEX '90, a joint service, combined arms live-fire exercise. Subject Operation/Series: CALFEX '90 Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska(AK) Country: United States Of America(USA)

DM-ST-87-10913. Subject Operation/Series: COLD WINTER Country: Norway (NOR)

University of Alaska Army ROTC cadets maneuver to their objective during an air assault training event at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 2, 2022. Following a tactical air insertion, the Seawolf Detachment cadets maneuvered across snow-covered terrain, assaulted opposition forces, secured their objective, and concluded with an air exfiltration. Alaska Army National Guard aviators from the 1-207th Aviation Regiment provided air support for the training. The AKARNGs General Support Aviation Battalion routinely trains with all branches of the military as well as civilian agencies to hone its operational interoperability and maintain readiness for a wide range of state and federal missions.

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, transport bangalore torpedoes during a demolition range in preparation for NATO-exercise Nordic Response 24 in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 25, 2024. Exercise Nordic Response, formerly known as Cold Response, is a NATO training event conducted every two years to promote military competency in arctic environments and to foster interoperability between the U.S. Marine Corps and allied nations. Marine Corps

Special Operations forces from the U.S. Armys 20th Special Forces Group, Massachusetts Army National Guard teamed up Jan. 24, 2022, with local first responders from Muskegon, Roscommon, Crawford and Grand Traverse counties to perform intensive hypothermia training at Lake Margrethe near Camp Grayling, Mich. The event took place during Northern Strike 22-1 (”Winter Strike”), a National Guard Bureau-sponsored exercise held Jan. 21-30 with participants from several U.S. states and partner forces at Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center and Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, which together comprise the National All-Domain Warfighting Center (NADWC) (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Joe Legros)

Cadets, from Norwich University ROTC, arrive at the mountaineering station during D-Series on Fort Drum, New York, on January 19, 2024. The weeklong competition harkens back to the famous divisional maneuvers held on Camp Hale, Colorado, in 1944, the days of the original 10th Mountain Division.

A Marine from 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, conduct a foot patrol through the snow-covered fields of northern Norway during Cold Response 14 March 15, 2014. Cold Response 14 brings together nearly 16,000 troops from 16 countries to train high-intensity operations in the unique climate above the Arctic Circle and strengthen the alliance of partners and their commitment to global security in any clime and place.

Army soldier with sniper rifle in action in the arctic.

Air National Guard Security Forces specialists participate in a seven-mile ruck march in subzero temperatures at Camp Ripley Training Center, Minnesota as part of the Air National Guard's Security Forces Cold Weather Operations Course (CWOC) on January 17, 2024. The two-week CWOC course combined classroom instruction, outdoor skills development, and a 3-day, field training event that required students to build and sleep in arctic tent systems, subsisting on cold weather Meals Ready to Eat and incorporated land navigation, live saving skills, and cold water immersion events. 50 students from Air National Guard wings from across the U.S. participated in the advanced, cold weather survival course planned by personnel assigned to the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard.

U.S. Marines with 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division set up a secondary imagery dissemination system after an administrative movement at the Camp Ethan Allen Training Site in Jericho, Vt., Jan. 16, 2010. The Marines of the 4th Marine Division are preparing for exercise Cold Response 2010, a NATO-sponsored multinational exercise to be held in Norway.

U.S. Marines with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division conduct a simulated raid during exercise Cold Response (CR) 2010 Feb. 26, 2010, in Norway. CR 2010 is a Norwegian-sponsored exercise with the Norwegian armed forces focused on cold weather maritime/amphibious operations, interoperability of expeditionary forces, special and ground operations. Participants include forces from Great Britain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Austria and other NATO partners.

050404-F-8966D-006. Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members of Co. B, 4th Bn., 9th Inf. Div., aim M-16A2 rifles during CALFEX '90, a joint service, combined arms live-fire exercise. Subject Operation/Series: CALFEX '90 Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska(AK) Country: United States Of America(USA)

030115-A-2442C-220. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT GUARDIAN II Base: Heritage Drop Zone State: Kosovo

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Matthew Rochford, a fire support specialist with Bayonet Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 11th Infantry Division, observes enemy movement while acting as opposition forces during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 at Yukon Training Area, Alaska, April 3, 2023. JPMRC-AK 23-02 is a display of the 11th Airborne Divisions ability to survive and thrive in the Arctic, and its soldiers ability to fight and win our nations wars anywhere. Rochford is from Brandon, Fla.

University of Alaska Army ROTC Cadet Collin Wood provides security after securing the objective during an air assault training event at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 2, 2022. Following a tactical air insertion, the Seawolf Detachment cadets maneuvered across snow-covered terrain, assaulted opposition forces, secured their objective, and concluded with an air exfiltration. Alaska Army National Guard aviators from the 1-207th Aviation Regiment provided air support for the training. The AKARNGs General Support Aviation Battalion routinely trains with all branches of the military as well as civilian agencies to hone its operational interoperability and maintain readiness for a wide range of state and federal missions.

040212-M-8205V-003. Subject Operation/Series: FOREST LIGHT 2004 Base: Ojojibara State: Sendai Country: Japan (JPN)

Armed US Army soldiers, C Co., TF 1-26, move across a snow-covered field and past two deserted snow-covered buildings during an Operation Search and Sniff (a house-to-house weapons search) patrol. Operation Search and Sniff is a smaller part of Operation Joint Endeavor, which is a peacekeeping effort by a multinational Implementation (IFOR), comprised of NATO and non-NATO military forces, deployed to Bosnia in support of the Dayton Peace Accords. Subject Operation/Series: SEARCH AND SNIFFJOINT ENDEAVOR Country: Unknown

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, rest after moving across a snow-filled landing zone during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 at Yukon Training Area, Ft. Wainwright, Alaska, March 28, 2023. With more than 8,000 participants and observers from 12 different countries, JPMRC-AK 23-02s multinational environment helps increase Arctic proficiency throughout the Army and the joint force, in support of the nations, and the Armys Arctic strategy.

U.S. Army Sgt. Daniel Clark and Pvt. Daniel Vega, both Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, manage an entry control point during Joint Pacific Readiness Complex-Alaska 23-02 at Yukon Training Area, Ft. Wainwright, Alaska, March 31, 2023. JPMRC-AK 23-02 is a display of the 11th Airborne Divisions ability to survive and thrive in the Arctic, and its soldiers ability to fight and win our nations wars anywhere.

A U.S. Soldier, assigned to 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, briefly halts during a patrol as part of Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 19, 2024. JPMRC 24-02, executed in Alaska with its world-class training facilities and its harsh Arctic environment, builds Soldiers and leaders into a cohesive team of skilled, tough, alert, and adaptive warriors capable of fighting and winning anywhere in the world. Army

Airmen with multiple Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve security forces units learn to build an Arctic 10-person tent Jan. 19, 2023, as part of a 16-day Cold-Weather Operations Course led by the Air Force at Fort McCoy, Wis. More than 50 Airmen are participating in the training from across the Air Force. Besides learning about use of snowshoes and moving as a squad over terrain pulling an ahkio sled in a cold-weather environment, the Airmen also learned about cold-weather shelters, survival techniques, cold-weather uniform wear, and more. Fort McCoy has a long history of supporting cold-weather training. Eighty years prior to this training, in January 1943, the installation hosted winter training for the Army's 76th Division prior to the Division deploying to Europe to fight in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.

An Alaska Army National Guardsmen with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 297th Regional Support Group, builds an igloo as his improvised shelter at Alcantra armory, in Wasilla, Jan 19, 2018. The improvised shelter walls will protect him from the wind and trap his body heat closer to him keeping him warm. (Army National Guard

Leadership from the Wisconsin National Guard, including Maj. Gen. Paul E. Knapp, Wisconsin's Adjutant General, visited soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 120th Field Artillery and 132nd Brigade Support Battalion, both a part of the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, during Northern Strike 23-1 on Jan. 25 in Camp Grayling, Mich. Northern Strike is a winter exercise hosted by the Michigan National Guard, and took place at Northern Michigans National All-Domain Warfighting Center from Jan. 20-29.

040206-M-8205V-016. Subject Operation/Series: FOREST LIGHT 2004 Base: Ojojibara State: Sendai Country: Japan (JPN)

040212-M-8205V-013. Base: Ojojibara Maneuver Area State: Sendai Country: Japan (JPN)

Special Tactics Airmen assigned to the 24th Special Operations Wing, Detachment 1, also known as Deployment Cell or D-Cell, maintain security during a training exercise at Camp Mad Bull on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Jan. 10, 2023. Based out of MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, D-Cell consists of 54 members across 15 job codes forming four agile teams, whose primary role is to bare base - to rapidly turn undeveloped locations into fully functional bases. The unit visited Alaska to train and test their capabilities in an arctic environment.

U.S. Soldiers, assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, maintain security positions for a night troop movement during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center Rotation 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 18, 2024. JPMRC 24-02 is a display of our soldiers ability to survive and thrive in the Arctic, and the 11th Airborne Divisions ability to fight and win our nations wars anywhere. Army

040211-M-8205V-010. Subject Operation/Series: FOREST LIGHT 2004 Base: Ojojibara State: Sendai Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. David Prater, left, a low-altitude air defense officer, and Gunnery Sgt. Pedro J. Serrano, right, a low-altitude air defense gunner, both with Bravo Battery, 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalion, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, sprint across a frozen lake after finishing an ice-breaker drill in preparation for Exercise Nordic Response 24 at Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 1, 2024. Exercise Nordic Response, formerly known as Cold Response, is a NATO training event conducted every two years to promote military competency in arctic environments and to foster interoperability between the U.S. Marine Corps and allied nations. Marine Corps

U.S. East-Coast based Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs) and Norwegian Naval Special Operations Commandos cut trails into the ice on the Arctic Ocean to conduct land-based arctic mobility interoperability training in the extreme environment in Utqiagvik, Alaska, Feb. 28, 2024, during Arctic Edge 24. AE24 is an annual defense exercise for the U.S. Northern Command emphasizing Joint Force operations in an extreme cold weather and high latitude environment and is designed to demonstrate Globally Integrated Layered Defense in the Arctic. Navy

A U.S. Marine with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (26MEU(SOC)) sets security alongside Greek partners of the 32nd Marine Brigade during cold weather training part of Greek Bilateral Exercise 2.0, Mount Olympus Mountain Training Center, Greece, Feb. 14, 2024. This bilateral training enabled the exchange of tactics, techniques, and procedures for both cold weather and mountain warfare environments, increasing interoperability between the two nations. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, with the embarked 26th MEU(SOC), is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. 6th Fleet to defend U.S., Allied, and partner interests. Marine Corps

U.S. Marines with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, prepare detonation cords during a demolition range while deployed with Marine Rotational Forces Europe (MRF-E) 23.1 in Setermoen, Norway, March 31, 2023. MRF-E focuses on regional engagements throughout Europe by conducting various exercises, mountain warfare training, and military-to-military engagements which enhance overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Corps with allies and partners.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Joshua Emmons, a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) operator with Fox Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, performs a simulated reload on a HIMARS during exercise Arctic Edge 2024 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Feb. 23, 2024. These training maneuvers, highlighting HIMARS capabilities, enhance collaboration and ensure preparedness for challenges posed by arctic conditions. Arctic Edge 2024 (AE24) is a U.S. Northern Command-led homeland defense exercise demonstrating the U.S. militarys capabilities in extreme cold weather, joint force readiness, and U.S. military commitment to mutual strategic security interests in the arctic region. Marine Corps

Alaska Air Guardsman Capt. Johh Romspert, a 212th Rescue Squadron combat rescue officer, prepares to be lowered via hoist out of an HH-60 Pave Hawk Helicopter during a training mission held near Mount Susitna Dec. 16.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Brett Goodson, a data systems administrator with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, shakes a Marines hand during a meritorious promotion in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 2, 2023. Sgt. Goodson was meritoriously promoted to the rank of sergeant by 2nd MLG, having stood out amongst his peers and demonstrated exceptional performance of his duties.

021205-F-9311L-001. Base: Scott Air Force Base State: Illinois (IL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force navigate through a snowmobile course in preparation for the NATO exercise Nordic Response 24 in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 20, 2024. II MEF Marines are scheduled to participate in exercise Nordic Response 24, which is a Norwegian national readiness and defense exercise designed to enhance military capabilities and allied cooperation under challenging Arctic conditions, in high-intensity warfighting including rugged terrain and extreme cold weather. This exercise will test military activities ranging from the reception of allied and partner reinforcements and command and control interoperability to combined joint operations, maritime prepositioning force logistics, integration with NATO militaries, and reacting against an adversary force during a dynamic training environment. Marine Corps

Soldiers from the 20th Special Forces Group, Massachusetts National Guard, engage in cross-country ski training during Northern Strike 22-1 (Winter Strike) at the National All-Domain Warfighting Center, Grayling, Mich., Jan. 23, 2022. Winter Strike, the winter iteration of the Northern Strike exercise program, takes place at Northern Michigans National All-Domain Warfighting Center. The NADWC serves as the perfect place for units across the Department of Defense to experience cold-weather, all-domain training, allowing participants to enhance their Arctic warfare capabilities. (U.S. National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jacob Cessna)

Army serviceman in winter camo somewhere in the Arctic.

The aurora borealis lights up the night sky as U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, assault a landing zone during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 at Yukon Training Area, Ft. Wainwright, Alaska, March 30, 2023. The Arctic is unforgiving and requires deliberate, purposeful leaders who are meticulous in their planning and approach to their warfighting, and JPMRC-AK 23-02 is key to testing the divisions leaders and soldiers.

Soviet defectors Anatoly Kachenko and Alexander Kendr depart the Little Diomede Armory with Alaska Air National Guardsmen. Forged documents enabled the two men to join other journalist covering ceremonies for the arrival of the joint Soviet-American Bering Bridge Expedition in Little Diomede. By attending the event, they were able to seek out an Alaska National Guardsman and request asylum in the United States. Base: Little Diomede State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Army pilot MAJ. Brooke Myers tries to establish radio contact while participating in a search and rescue exercise during Brim Frost '83. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST '83 Country: United States Of America (USA)

Soldiers with Alpha Company, 101st Division Special Troop Battalion, 101st Airborne Division drive toward Afghanistan's Salang tunnel in the Hindu Kush mountain range, Friday. The A Co. "Slayer" Soldiers were checking on the security efforts for the tunnel.

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Isaac C. Green, a Live Oak, Florida, native and radio operator with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, plays a game of handball to enhance his skiing abilities during the NATO Cold Weather Instructor Course (NCWIC) in Innset, Norway, Nov. 26, 2022. NCWIC is a course designed to develop Marines and other service members to be instructors of cold weather survival training in preparation for future deployments.

Members of the Iowa Air National Guards 185th Air Refueling Wing Civil Engineering Squadron remove snow from the ramp area near the units KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft in Sioux City, Iowa on January 9, 2024 following a significant snowfall. The two-day snow event dropped over 14 inches of snow in Western Iowa from Monday the 8th into Tuesday January 9, 2024. U.S. Air National Guard photo Senior Maser Sgt. Vincent De Groot

031214-F-2256A-003. Base: Whiteman Air Force Base State: Missouri (MO) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

120128-N-SH001-001 ZABUL PROVINCE, Afghanistan (Jan. 28, 2012) Seabees assigned to Detail Wolverine of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 7 perform emergency snow removal from berthing facilities at Forward Operating Base Wolverine in southern Afghanistan after a severe snow storm hit the area. NMCB-7 and its detachments are one of two Seabee Battalions supporting the International Security Assistance Force as part of Task Force Forager operating in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Sgt. 1st Class Todd Teuling, noncommissioned officer in charge of opposing forces during exercise Northern Strike 24-1, aims an M249 Squad Automatic Weapon skyward in response to a surveillance drone while defending an area against Soldiers with the 5th Special Forces Group as during Northern Strike 24-1 at Camp Grayling Maneuver Training Center, Michigan, Jan. 21, 2024. Northern Strike 24-1 is the winter warfare component of the annual National Guard Bureau-sponsored Northern Strike exercise series. Held at the Michigan National Guards National All-Domain Warfighting Center, which includes Camp Grayling Maneuver Training Center, and the Alpenna Combat Training Center, the regions snow, winds and often single digit temperatures help units develop capabilities required to operate in arctic-like conditions.

060228-A-3733B-009. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE SHEPHERD Base: Hohenfels State: Bavaria Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

National Ski Patrol representatives observe Soldiers securing a load onto a suspension traverse system, one of the tasks that 10th Mountain Division (LI) teams completed Jan. 18-19 during the 5th annual D-Series Winter Challenge at Fort Drum.

U.S. East-Coast based Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs) and Norwegian Naval Special Operations Commandos conduct land-based arctic mobility interoperability training in an extreme Arctic environment in Utqiagvik, Alaska, Feb. 27, 2024, during Arctic Edge 24. AE24 is an annual defense exercise for the U.S. Northern Command emphasizing Joint Force operations in an extreme cold weather and high latitude environment and is designed to demonstrate Globally Integrated Layered Defense in the Arctic. Navy

SGT Carmen Centennial (USA), C Co., TF 1-26 Scout Platoon and armed with an M16A2 Rifle, observes SGT Christopher Curry (USA), C Co., TF 1-26 Scout Platoon and standing on a frozen river, as he inspects the underside of a snow-covered outside of Celic, Bosnia-Herzegovina. Both soldiers are in Bosnia during Operation Joint Endeavor, which is a peacekeeping effort by a multinational Implementation Force (IFOR), comprised of NATO and non-NATO military forces, deployed to Bosnia in support of the Dayton Peace Accords. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVOR Base: Celic Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

An Air National Guard Security Forces specialist gathers wood for a fire in subzero temperatures at Camp Ripley Training Center, Minnesota as part of the Air National Guard's Security Forces Cold Weather Operations Course (CWOC) on January 17, 2024. The two-week CWOC course combined classroom instruction, outdoor skills development, and a 3-day, field training event that required students to build and sleep in arctic tent systems, subsisting on cold weather Meals Ready to Eat and incorporated land navigation, live saving skills, and cold water immersion events. 50 students from Air National Guard wings from across the U.S. participated in the advanced, cold weather survival course planned by personnel assigned to the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard.

Airmen of the 109th Airlift Wings Polar Camp Skiway Team, Master Sgt Brian Shuey and Master Sgt Cody Hallas both from the 133rd Airlift Wing, set up a radio communication tower at Templeton Bay, Nunavut, Canada, March 12, 2023. The tower stretched the radio communication capabilities between the polar camp and incoming aircraft.

An Air National Guard Medic assigned to the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard, participates in a cold-water immersion as part of the Air National Guard's Security Forces Cold Weather Operations Course (CWOC) at Camp Ripley Training Center, Minnesota, on January 18, 2024. The two-week CWOC course combined classroom instruction, outdoor skills development, and a 3-day, field training event that required students to build and sleep in arctic tent systems, subsisting on cold weather Meals Ready to Eat and incorporated land navigation, live saving skills, and cold water immersion events. 50 students from Air National Guard wings from across the U.S. participated in the advanced, cold weather survival course planned by personnel assigned to the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Lynsie Schwerer, a Detachment 3, 1st Combat Weather Squadron combat weather Airman, lands after completing a jump at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, April 7, 2022. The jump took place on Geronimo Drop Zone with the 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron to maximize total-force training and demonstrate short-notice mission readiness in an arctic environment.

DF-ST-87-08498. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with the 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, as well as the 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, conduct a training movement at the Camp Ethan Allen Training Site in Jericho, Vt., Jan. 16, 2010. The Marines of the 4th Marine Division are preparing for exercise Cold Response 2010, a NATO-sponsored multinational exercise to be held in Norway.

An IHC Model M10A forklift truck is used to unload supplies from a C-130H Hercules aircraft at the Galbrieth Lake airstrip during exercise Brim Frost '87. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST '87 Base: Galbrieth Lake State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. John Newman, a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) operator with Fox Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, attaches snow chains to the tires of a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) vehicle before commencing a HIMARS Rapid Infiltration, also known as a HIRAIN, during exercise Arctic Edge 2024 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Feb. 24, 2024. The HIMARS weapon system is a valuable asset in arctic conditions due to its exceptional mobility, which allows for rapid deployment and maneuverability across challenging terrain, coupled with its precision strike capabilities, enabling effective engagement of targets. Arctic Edge 2024 (AE24) is a U.S. Northern Command-led homeland defense exercise demonstrating the U.S. militarys capabilities in extreme cold weather, joint force readiness, and U.S. military commitment to mutual strategic security interests in the arctic region. Marine Corps

021022-F-7449W-021. Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

DM-SC-87-12225. Base: Beirut Country: Lebanon (LBN)

Soldiers from the 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion, Utah National Guard, were dispatched in support of the Utah County Sheriff's Office Search & Rescue efforts to find a missing 65-year-old motorcyclist in and around Mapleton Canyon, May 9, 2022. A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and crew members transported search and rescue volunteers up Mapleton Canyon where they were dropped off to begin their search efforts and later returned back to the incident command center. The Black Hawk crew also conducted search efforts from the air. Local search and rescue support demonstrates Utah National Guard readiness and strengthens partnerships with local civilian agencies.

DA-ST-87-08433. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST Country: United States Of America (USA)

A young military man training to shoot a weapon during a snowstorm in an outdoor environment

Scientists embarked on board the U.S. Navys attack submarine USS POGY (SSN 647), lower a Nisken Bottle through a hole in the Arctic Ice to collect deep water samples. The U.S. Navys attack submarine USS POGY (SSN 647) returned to Hawaii, on Tuesday, November 12, after a 45-day research mission to the North Pole. The second of five planned deployments through the year 2000, USS POGY embarked a team of researchers led by Mr. Ray Sambrotto of Columbia University. During the several thousand mile trek, the submarine collected data on the chemical, biological, and physical properties of the Arctic Ocean, and conducted experiments in geophysics, ice mechanics, pollution detection, and other .... Complete Scene Caption: Scientists embarked on board the U.S. Navys attack submarine USS POGY (SSN 647), lower a Nisken Bottle through a hole in the Arctic Ice to collect deep water samples. The U.S. Navys attack submarine USS POGY (SSN 647) returned to Hawaii, on Tuesday, November 12, after a 45-d

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, move across a snow-filled landing zone during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 at Yukon Training Area, Ft. Wainwright, Alaska, March 28, 2023. With more than 8,000 participants and observers from 12 different countries, JPMRC-AK 23-02s multinational environment helps increase Arctic proficiency throughout the Army and the joint force, in support of the nations, and the Armys Arctic strategy.

Lt. Col. Gregory Eldridge, 10th Mountain Division deputy fire support coordinator, practices using a probe, used to find people buried underneath snow by avalanches, during the avalanche training provided by the National Ski Patrol near Leadville, Colorado, on Feb. 17, 2024. This intensive program equipped them with essential skills, including safe avalanche response, expert transceiver operation, effective probing methods, efficient shoveling techniques, and the ability to locate buried victims even without transceivers. Just like their predecessors who trained in this very terrain in the 1940s, our Soldiers today are mentally and physically tough, prepared to execute operations in complex terrain anywhere in the world. Army

Airmen with multiple Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve security forces units learn squad tactics pulling an ahkio sled Jan. 18, 2023, as part of a 16-day Cold-Weather Operations Course led by the Air Force at Fort McCoy, Wis. More than 50 Airmen are participating in the training from across the Air Force. Besides learning about use of snowshoes and moving as a squad over terrain pulling an ahkio sled in a cold-weather environment, the Airmen also learned about cold-weather shelters, survival techniques, cold-weather uniform wear, and more. Fort McCoy has a long history of supporting cold-weather training. Eighty years prior to this training, in January 1943, the installation hosted winter training for the Army's 76th Division prior to the Division deploying to Europe to fight in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.

Soldiers and National Park Service personnel offload equipment and supplies from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter on Kahiltna Glacier April 27, 2022. The Sugar Bears of B Company, 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment fly out of Talkeetna, Alaska, each spring to assist the NPS setting up a base camp for climbers attempting to summit Denali. (Army photo/John Pennell)

040211-M-8205V-012. Subject Operation/Series: FOREST LIGHT 2004 Base: Ojojibara State: Sendai Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, stand guard as the opposing force during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 17, 2024. JPMRC 24-02, executed in Alaska with its world-class training facilities and its harsh Arctic environment, builds Soldiers and leaders into a cohesive team of skilled, tough, alert, and adaptive warriors capable of fighting and winning anywhere in the world. Army

Shot of US Air Force Technical Sergeant Steve Lupenski, a pararescueman with the 210th Rescue Squadron, Alaska Air National Guard, as he prepares to splint US Air Force Technical Sergeant Brent Widenhouse's leg as a 210th Rescue Squadron HH-60L Pavehawk helicopter hovers nearby. This image was used in the April 1996 issue of AIRMAN Magazine. Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Daniel Gonzalez, an Automotive Maintenance Technician with Fox Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, secures his snowshoes during a cold weather class during exercise Arctic Edge 2024 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Feb. 25, 2024. The class covered essential techniques needed for successful operations in extreme cold weather environments, enhancing the Marines' preparedness for arctic conditions. Arctic Edge 2024 (AE24) is a U.S. Northern Command-led homeland defense exercise showcasing the military's capabilities in extreme cold weather, highlighting joint force readiness, and reinforcing the U.S. military's commitment to mutual strategic security interests in the arctic region. Gonzalez is a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Marine Corps

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, hike back to camp during the extreme cold weather training course prior to Exercise Nordic Response 24 in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 2,2024. Exercise Nordic Response, formerly known as Cold Response, is a NATO training event conducted every two years to promote military competency in arctic environments and to foster interoperability between the U.S. Marine Corps and allied nations. Marine Corps

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, set up camouflage netting to conceal vehicles during Exercise Joint Viking near Bardufoss, Norway, March 11, 2023. Marines are deployed to Norway as part of Marine Rotational Forces Europe 23.1 which focuses on regional engagements throughout Europe by conducting various exercises, arctic cold-weather and mountain warfare training, and military-to-military engagements, which enhance overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Corps with allies and partners.

U.S. Marines Ski and Tow an Injured Marine in A Blizzard

GRAYLING, Mich. - U.S. Army Soldiers from the 20th Special Forces Group, Massachusetts National Guard, engage in cross-country ski training during Northern Strike 2 -1 (Winter Strike”) at the National All-Domain Warfighting Center (NADWC), Grayling, Mich., Jan. 23, 2022. Winter Strike, the winter iteration of the Northern Strike exercise program, takes place at Northern Michigan’s NADWC. The NADWC serves as the perfect place for units across the Department of Defense to experience cold-weather, all-domain training, allowing participants to enhance their Arctic warfare capabilities. (U.S. National Guard photo by Master Sgt. David Kujawa)

U.S. Army paratroopers with the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, exit a CH-47F Chinook while conducting an air assault mission during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 at Yukon Training Area, Fort Wainwright, Alaska, March 30, 2023. JPMRC-AK 23-02 helps Soldiers and leaders develop and refine the tactics, techniques, and procedures necessary to successfully operate in remote and extreme Arctic winter conditions and overcome environmental and military challenges. Army aviators with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment provided air support for the operation.

Airmen with multiple Air National Guard security forces units learn squad tactics pulling an ahkio sled Jan. 19, 2023, as part of a 16-day Cold-Weather Operations Course led by the Air Force at Fort McCoy, Wis. More than 50 Airmen are participating in the training from across the Air Force. Besides learning about use of snowshoes and moving as a squad over terrain pulling an ahkio sled in a cold-weather environment, the Airmen also learned about cold-weather shelters, survival techniques, cold-weather uniform wear, and more. Fort McCoy has a long history of supporting cold-weather training. Eighty years prior to this training, in January 1943, the installation hosted winter training for the Army's 76th Division prior to the Division deploying to Europe to fight in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.

U.S. Airmen from the 290th Joint Communications Support Squadron set up a tent Feb. 7, 2023, at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan. The Airmen are performing two weeks of annual training in a cold weather environment. The tent will provide a space to stay warm during cold weather training.

U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (26MEU(SOC)) set security alongside Greek partners in the 32nd Marine Brigade during cold weather training part of Greek Bilateral Exercise 2.0, Mount Olympus Mountain Training Center, Greece, Feb. 13, 2024. This bilateral training enabled the exchange of tactics, techniques, and procedures for both cold weather and mountain warfare environments, increasing interoperability between the two nations. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, with the embarked 26th MEU(SOC), is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. 6th Fleet to defend U.S., Allied, and partner interests. Marine Corps

U.S. Marines and a U.S. Navy Sailor with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, conduct a simulated casualty evacuation during training in preparation for the NATO exercise Nordic Response 2024 in Setermoen, Norway, Jan. 29, 2024. Nordic Response is a Norwegian national readiness and defense exercise designed to enhance military capabilities and allied cooperation in high-intensity warfighting in a challenging arctic environment. This exercise will test military activities ranging from the reception of allied and partner reinforcements and command and control interoperability to combined joint operations, maritime prepositioning force logistics, integration with NATO militaries, and reacting against an adversary force during a dynamic training environment. The U.S. stands firm in commitment and readiness to support Norway, allies and partners.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Arthur Johnson, company commander for Alpha Company, 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, conducts an eight-mile ski movement cold weather training on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 3, 2022. This training was conducted to enhance the units combat effectiveness in extreme cold weather as they prepare for an upcoming deployment to Marine Corps Forces Europe-Africa theater of operations.

An Army troop member is leaving a C-130 Hercules aircraft after arrival during Exercise Jack Frost '75. Subject Operation/Series: JACK FROST '75 Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

US Marines come ashore on an Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV) during the exercise. The exercise is designed to employ the rapid deployment and use of multinational maritime, air and land forces in a military response. Over 22,000 personnel from NATO nations, France and Spain are taking part in the exercise. Subject Operation/Series: STRONG RESOLVE 95 Base: Surnadal Fjord Country: Norway (NOR)

A rear view of an HH-3E Jolly Green Giant helicopter that has just landed in a snowfield. A crewman walks through the snow away from the helicopter. Country: Unknown

Air Force special warfare Airmen from Detachment 1, 3rd, and Detachment 3, 1st Combat Weather Squadron turn away from the rotor wash of an incoming Alaska Army National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopter after completing airborne training at Geronimo Drop Zone, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, April 7, 2022. Special warfare Airmen from Detachment 1, 3rd ASOS, and Detachment 3, 1st Combat Weather Squadron, supported by Alaska Army National Guard aircrew from B Company, 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion, conducted the training to demonstrate airborne and mission-readiness skills in an arctic environment.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Omar Elkhader, a native of South Dakota and a communications officer with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, sets up a small-unit expeditionary stove during a four-day cold-weather training course in preparation for Exercise Nordic Response 24 at Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 12, 2024. Exercise Nordic Response, formerly known as Cold Response, is a NATO training event conducted every two years to promote military competency in arctic environments and to foster interoperability between the U.S. Marine Corps and allied nations. Marine Corps

Airmen with multiple Air National Guard security forces units learn squad tactics pulling an ahkio sled Jan. 18, 2023, as part of a 16-day Cold-Weather Operations Course led by the Air Force at Fort McCoy, Wis. More than 50 Airmen are participating in the training from across the Air Force. Besides learning about use of snowshoes and moving as a squad over terrain pulling an ahkio sled in a cold-weather environment, the Airmen also learned about cold-weather shelters, survival techniques, cold-weather uniform wear, and more. Fort McCoy has a long history of supporting cold-weather training. Eighty years prior to this training, in January 1943, the installation hosted winter training for the Army's 76th Division prior to the Division deploying to Europe to fight in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.

U.S. Marines with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division move to their next objective during a simulated raid during exercise Cold Response (CR) 2010 Feb. 26, 2010, in Norway. CR 2010 is a Norwegian-sponsored exercise with the Norwegian armed forces focused on cold weather maritime/amphibious operations, interoperability of expeditionary forces, special and ground operations. Participants include forces from Great Britain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Austria and other NATO partners.

Crew members stand on the bow of the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS GURNARD (SSN-662), background, as others gather nearby to watch the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS SEAHORSE (SSN-669) surface through the ice during exercise Ice Ex '90. Subject Operation/Series: ICE EX '90 Country: North Sea

Airmen from the 102nd Intelligence Wing at Otis Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts braved the wintery mix of wind, sleet and snow during the regularly scheduled drill on March 2, 2019.

Charlie Battery, 120th Field Artillery Regiment, 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Wisconsin National Guard, responded to a simulated chemical response event at Camp Grayling, Mich. Jan. 25, 2022. The event took place during Northern Strike 22-1 (Winter Strike), a National Guard Bureau-sponsored exercise held Jan. 21-30 with participants from several U.S. states and partner forces at Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center and Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, which together comprise the National All-Domain Warfighting Center (NADWC) (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Joe Legros)

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