Cold Weather Military Operations

Soldiers and Marines conducting training in snowy environments, demonstrating tactics, teamwork, and use of equipment in arctic conditions.

U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers from the 88th Readiness Division ascend the Whitetail Ridge Ski Hill during snowshoe training at Fort McCoy, Wis. on Jan. 21, 2024. Despite the forecasted frigid temperatures, members of HHD Company assembled at the installation's Whitetail Ridge Ski Area on one of the coldest days of the year to train on the use and familiarization of snowshoes and cold weather gear.

University of Alaska Army ROTC cadet bound towards their objective after unloading from an Alaska Army National Guard UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter assigned to 1-207th Aviation Regiment during an air assault training event at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 2. The Seawolf ROTC Detachment maneuvered across more than one mile of frozen terrain to assault opposition forces and secure its objective. The Alaska Army National Guards General Support Aviation Battalion routinely trains with all branches of the military as well as civilian agencies to increase its operational interoperability and to be ready for a wide range of federal and state missions. (Alaska National Guard photo by Dana Rosso)

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.

U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment and Norwegian Army Soldiers capture imagery of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems training event in preparation for Exercise Nordic Response 24 in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 27, 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 Marine Rational Force - Europe, raid a compound during a breaching and clearing mission to display interoperability with allies and partner nations prior to Nordic Response 24 in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 7, 2024. U.S. Marines, in collaboration with NATO allies and partners, gear up for the Nordic Response 24a biennial NATO training exercise designed to advance arctic security, boost global readiness, and promote interoperability among U.S. Forces, Allied, and partner forces. Marine Corps

U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers from the 88th Readiness Division ascend the Whitetail Ridge Ski Hill during snowshoe training at Fort McCoy, Wis. on Jan. 21, 2024. Despite the forecasted frigid temperatures, members of HHD Company assembled at the installation's Whitetail Ridge Ski Area on one of the coldest days of the year to train on the use and familiarization of snowshoes and cold weather gear.

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division; and Bravo Battery, 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalion, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, assemble in formation before a snowshoe hike in preparation for Exercise Nordic Response 24 at Setermoen, Norway, Jan. 29, 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.

U.S. Army Soldier Spc. Cortez Hunt, Pfc. James Slagley-Torres, Charlie Battery, 5-4 Air Defense Artillery Battalion, 164th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, emplacing surface wire grounding system during training exercise Allied Spirit in Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Hohenfels, Germany, January 24, 2022.. Both Soldiers, air defense battle management system operators, are setting up equipment in order to operate the AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radar.(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Cesar Rivas, 164th Air Defense Artillery Brigade)

A U.S. Army infantry squad leader, right, with Blackfoot Company, 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, directs his troops on how to set up their fighting position during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 at Yukon Training Area, Fort Wainwright, Alaska, April 1, 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 University of Alaska Army ROTC cadet takes up a defensive position after unloading from an Alaska Army National Guard UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter assigned to 1-207th Aviation Regiment during an air assault training event at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 2. The Seawolf ROTC Detachment maneuvered across more than one mile of frozen terrain to assault opposition forces and secure its objective. The Alaska Army National Guards General Support Aviation Battalion routinely trains with all branches of the military as well as civilian agencies to increase its operational interoperability and to be ready for a wide range of federal and state missions. (Alaska National Guard photo by Dana Rosso)

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

060306-A-4973A-001. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE SHEPHERD Base: Hohenfels State: Bavaria Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: 1ST INFANTRY DIVISION

U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, prepare to move to their firing position during a live-fire range while deployed with Marine Rotational Forces Europe (MRF-E) 23.1 in Setermoen, Norway, April 2, 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. Marines, assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, set up a defensive position during a force-on-force training event in Norway, April 20, 2022. The 22nd MEU, embarked aboard the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, is participating in a bilateral training event with the Kingdom of Norways Armed Forces to strengthen U.S. and Norway interoperability ensuring collective capabilities and steadfast partnerships among NATO allies and partners.

060308-A-3733B-008. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE SHEPHERD Base: Hohenfels State: Bavaria Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: 1ST INFANTRY DIVISION

U.S. Army Soldiers Spc. Ethan Clark and Pfc. Trenton Shelton assigned to 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division pull security during the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 exercise 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

A U.S. Marine with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, adjusts their avalanche pole while locating a simulated casualty in preparation for the NATO exercise Nordic Response 24 in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 4, 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

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. 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

Winter arctic mountains warfare.

U.S. Air Force tactical air control party specialists assigned to Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron pull pulk sleds while skijoring along the Denali Highway, Alaska, during Operation Agipen 2, Feb. 1, 2023. Agipen 2 was an unsupported, sustained cold-weather operation designed to validate equipment and previous arctic training in austere conditions. During the multi-day training exercise the 3rd ASOS special warfare Airmen conducted a long-distance, overland ski movement that included pulling individual pulk sleds by incorporating cross country skiing and skijoring.

U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers from the 88th Readiness Division ascend the Whitetail Ridge Ski Hill during snowshoe training at Fort McCoy, Wis. on Jan. 21, 2024. Despite the forecasted frigid temperatures, members of HHD Company assembled at the installation's Whitetail Ridge Ski Area on one of the coldest days of the year to train on the use and familiarization of snowshoes and cold weather gear.

020425-F-9528H-005. Base: Valdez State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, enter a bunker during a demolition range near Setermoen, Norway, March 31, 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. Air Force Staff Sgt. Trenten Collins, a tactical air control party specialist with Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, stretches before beginning the days cross country ski movement along the Denali Highway, Alaska, during Operation Agipen 2, Jan. 29, 2023. Agipen 2 was an unsupported, sustained cold-weather operation designed to validate equipment and previous arctic training in austere conditions. During the multi-day training exercise the 3rd ASOS special warfare Airmen conducted a long-distance, overland ski movement that included pulling individual pulk sleds by incorporating cross country skiing and skijoring. Collins is from Dugger, Ind.

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.

040206-M-8205V-031. Subject Operation/Series: FOREST LIGHT 2004 Base: Ojojibara State: Sendai Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, break down the Division's mobile command post to move to a new strategic location during Joint Pacific Multinatinal Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02, April 1, 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.

U.S Army Sgt. Sylvester Tamang, assigned to Bravo Company, 70th Brigade Engineer Battalion, Engineer Reconnaissance Team, observes the enemy movements through binocular during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 18, 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

U.S. Army Soldiers with 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, 18th Field Artillery Brigade, 18th Airborne Corps, supporting 3rd Infantry Division, conducted unmanned aerial system training near Camp Tapa, Estonia, Feb. 10, 2024. As part of their exercise, the Task Force Marne Soldiers learned how commercial drones are operated for training and field use. The 3rd Infantry Divisions mission in Europe is to engage in multinational training and exercises across the continent, working alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe. Army

An Alaska Army National Guard Infantryman assigned to Avalanche Company, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, pull security after a fire fight during a training exercise near Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Dec. 3, 2022. The exercise was aimed at enhancing the units combat readiness and to evaluate proficiency in an arctic environment. (Army National Guard photo by Spc. Bradford Jackson, 134th Public Affairs Detachment)

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 were 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.

A U.S. Marine with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, prepares a M252 81mm mortar system during a live-fire mortar range near Setermoen, Norway, March 30, 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.

060306-A-4973A-003. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE SHEPHERD Base: Hohenfels State: Bavaria Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: 1ST INFANTRY DIVISION

030218-M-2796K-012. Base: Camp Engaru State: Hokkaido Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team prepare Stryker armored vehicles for a convoy to Fort Indiantown Gap for drill weekend exercises, Feb. 3, 2023. The Soldiers navigated their vehicles through snow-covered roads, high winds and 7-degree temperatures, with the journey lasting over eight hours but offering valuable time in the vehicles.

Service members from Norway conduct crew-served weapons qualification at Camp Ripley, March 30, 2022. (Minnesota National Guard Photo by Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

A U.S. Marine with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, conducts an eight-mile movement on skis during 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.

U.S. Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force and Norwegian soldiers conduct a convoy during a snowmobile course in preparation for the NATO exercise Nordic Response 24 at 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

A U.S. Army paratrooper assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, Arctic Angels, proceeds to a rally point after a jump from a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 62nd Airlift Wing, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, during airborne operations over Malemute Drop Zone, Alaska, Nov. 10, 2022. Airborne units use Malemute Drop Zone to practice and strengthen airborne skills to preserve air superiority and Arctic operational skills. (Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Julia Lebens)

U.S. Army Col. Fenicia Jackson and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Richardson, the command team for the 10th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade and Sgt. Paul Padilla, a Soldier in the 10th MDSB participated in a command mentorship PT session, Fort Drum, New York, Jan. 8, 2024. Command mentorship PT helps senior leaders interact with their company-level leadership.

Members of the Norwegian Home Guard conduct crew served weapons training during NOREX 50 at Camp Ripley, Minnesota on February 9, 2023. This year marks the 50th-anniversary of the Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange (NOREX) which is the longest-running military exchange partnership between any two nations.

DF-ST-94-02607. Subject Operation/Series: NORTH MOOSE 93-2 Base: Loring Air Force Base State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Two Missouri Army National Guard UH-60 helicopter mechanics, Sgt. Christopher Parsons (left) and Pfc. Austin Villhard (right) from Detachment 1, Company D, 1-106th Aviation, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., defrost a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter during an Annual Training exercise at Camp Clark, here in Nevada, Mo., on January 15, 2018. Due to austere weather conditions, the air crew had to bring in an Auxiliary Ground Power Unit to melt snow and ice from the helicopters.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division engage with Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Complex-Alaska 23-02 at Yukon Training Area, Alaska, April 1, 2023. JPMRC-AK 23-02 is a regional combat training center rotation focusing on large-scale combat operations including situational training and live-fire exercises designed to build cold weather and mountain-proficient forces prepared for employment within the U.S. Army Pacific area of responsibility.

Air National Guard Security Forces specialists participate in a hypothermia training event 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. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Mikel Barba, a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) operator with Fox Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve provides security with a M2 .50-caliber machine gun during exercise Arctic Edge 2024 (AE24) on Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Feb. 26, 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

U.S. Marines, along with NATO allies and partners, employ the tactical technique of "follow and support" or "tank-infantry cooperation," utilizing a Norwegian Combat Vehicle 90 for overwatch during an assault on a compound, as part of a breaching and clearing mission with partner nations in preparation for Nordic Response 24 in Setermoen, Norway, on Feb. 7, 2024. U.S. Marines, in coordination with NATO allies and partners, are gearing up for the biennial exercise Nordic Response 24. This NATO training exercise aims to enhance Arctic security, elevate global readiness, and foster interoperability among U.S. Forces, Allied, and partner forces. Marine Corps

040207-F-0681L-020. Base: Fargo State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jonathan Perez, a landing support specialist with Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, provides security during exercise Winter Workhorse 24 on Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Feb. 5, 2024. Winter Workhorse is a regularly scheduled training exercise that is designed to enhance warfighting capabilities in contested environments. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Colby Langdon with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, shovels snow alongside a Chilean Marine during a bi-lateral cold weather survival training exchange in Punta Arenas, Chile, Aug. 17, 2022. During this training, the Marines furthered their education in proper techniques for procuring food, water, and shelter in numerous cold weather environments. Training exchanges in South America offer off-cycle training for U.S. forces while strengthening our partnership and enhancing overall interoperability with regional partners.

Equipment Operator Third Class (EO3) Joey Hoffman, of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 (NMCB-133 straps in loose lumber before moving it around with a Heavy forklift a the new base camp. EO3 Hoffman is taking part in the operation. Subject Operation/Series: Joint Endeavor Base: Camp Mcgovern Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

U.S Air Force Airmen Arctic Skills Training course student digs a hole to build a shelter during the first iteration of the Arctic Skills Training Course at Camp Mad Bull, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, March 22, 2023. This course was designed to help Airmen at JBER learn Arctic survival skills, become comfortable with the harsh conditions, and be prepared for emergency situations.

Winter arctic mountains warfare.

A member of Co. B, 4th Bn., 9th Inf. Div., checks the sights of an M-136 light anti-armor weapon 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)

PETTY Officer Third Class (PO3) Justin Gomez, a member of the Naval Mobility Construction Battalion 4 (NMCB4) Port Hueneme, California, takes a break from standing watch for a Meal Ready to Eat or MRE, during a civilian and military mass causality exercise at the Alyeska Pipeline in Valdez, Alaska hosted by the Alaskan Command, during exercise NORTHERN EDGE 2002. Petty Officer Third Class (PO3) Justin Gomez, a member of the Naval Mobility Construction Battalion 4 (NMCB4) Port Hueneme, California, takes a break from standing watch for a Meal Ready to Eat or MRE, during a civilian and military mass causality exercise at the Alyeska Pipeline in Valdez, Alaska hosted by the Alaskan Command, during exercise NORTHERN EDGE 2002.

A Norwegian Army soldier talks about the types of mortar rounds the Norwedian army uses during a live-fire mortar range near Setermoen, Norway, March 30, 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.

Three US Army medics work on a simulated casualty lying on one of two stretchers, located on top of the snow-covered ground immediately behind a parked US Army High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) M997 Maxi-Ambulance, during a Quick Force Reaction exercise being carried out by US Army soldiers from Camp Dobol, located near Ridosici, Bosnia-Herzegovina, during Operation Joint Edeavor. Operation Joint Endeavor 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 Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

A U.S. Marine with 2d Marine Division enhances 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.

The Norwegian Home Guard Rapid Response Force completes Situational Training Exercises (STX) with the Minnesota National Guard at Camp Ripley Training Center in Little Falls, Minnesota on February 11th, 2024. The STX events are a part of a culminating event during the 51st Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange between the Norwegian Home Guard and Minnesota National Guard (Minnesota Army National Guard

SPCSPC Cifaldi, A 12B, Combat Engineer, uses a cross cut hand saw to remove boards on the snow-covered roof of the building which will be reconstructed into a guard tower to overlook the entrance to Camp McGovern located just outside Brcko, Bosnia. The work is being done by Bravo Company, 23rd Engineer Battalion, 1ST Armored Division from Freiburg, Germany, during Operation Joint Endeavor. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVOR Base: Camp Mcgovern Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 11th Infantry Division, engage enemy targets while acting as opposition forces for Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 at Yukon Training Area, Fort Wainwright, 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.

U.S. Marines with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, conduct an eight-mile movement on skis during 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.

Marines from 1ST Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, receive a class by US Army Sergeant Ski from 1ST Infantry Brigade, 6th Light Armored Division, on the proper procedures of setting up a ten man arctic tent during Arctic Light Infantry Training (ALIT) at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, during Exercise NORTHERN EDGE. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE Base: Fort Wainwright State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Soldiers with 3-10 General Support Aviation Battalion conduct aerial gunnery qualifications at Fort Drum, New York, on February 6, 2024. Soldiers are tested on their ability to hit targets while riding in a UH-60L Blackhawk Helicopter. Army

Winter war in the Arctic mountains. Operation in cold conditions. Soldier in winter camouflaged uniform in Modern warfare army on a snow day on forest battlefield with a rifle. Selective focus. High-quality photo. Winter war in the Arctic mountains. Operation in cold conditions.Soldier in winter camouflaged uniform in Modern warfare army on a snow day on forest battlefield with a rifle. Selective focus

A group of U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 2nd Squadron, 183rd Cavalry Regiment, Virginia Army National Guard, inspect targets during foreign weapon familiarization training at Arctic Forge 2023 on Sodankylä Garrison, Finland, Feb 19, 2023. Exercise Arctic Forge 23 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa led umbrella exercise that leverages the host nation exercises Defense Exercise North in Finland, and exercise Joint Viking in Norway, taking place Feb. 16 through March 17, 2023, focused on building capabilities and cooperation in support of the U.S. Armys Arctic Strategy.

040206-M-8205V-035. Subject Operation/Series: FOREST LIGHT 2004 Base: Ojojibara State: Sendai Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Luke Stinson, an air mobility liaison officer assigned to the 621st Mobility Support Operations Squadron, Lucius D. Clay Kaserne, Wiesbaden, Germany places communication equipment during exercise Swift Response, May 10, 2022, near a dropzone on a frozen lake in Bardu, Norway. Swift Response is an annual USAREUR-AF led multinational training exercise taking place throughout Eastern Europe, including the Arctic, Baltic Sea, and the Balkan Peninsula regions and is designed to enhance readiness and airborne interoperability with allies and partners.

U.S. Marines with the Arrival and Assembly Operations Group (AAOG), practice driving a Logistic Vehicle System Replacement (LVSR) wrecker truck in snow and icy conditions during the Slippery Driver training in preparation for the arrival of personnel from II Marine Expeditionary Force to participate in exercise Nordic Response 24, Jan. 19, 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.

Dragoon Troopers assigned to Bull Troop, 1st Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment conducted a squad fire range at Grafenwoehr Training Area located near Rose Barracks, Germany, Dec. 3, 2014. The purpose of the range was to train Soldiers in squad fire movement drills while assaulting different objectives throughout the day's event.

Special Forces candidates assigned to the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School hike through a wooded area during the final phase of field training known as Robin Sage in central North Carolina, January 23, 2022. Robin Sage is the culmination exercise for Soldiers in the Special Forces Qualification Course and has been the litmus test for Soldiers striving to earn the Green Beret for more than 50 years. (U.S. Army photo by K. Kassens)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Brett Goodson, a data systems administrator with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, conducts an ice breaker drill as part of Marine Rotational Forces Europe 23.1 in Setermoen, Norway Feb. 9, 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 Pfc. Ryder Butler, right, a native of Alaska and a combat engineer with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, sets up a C-4 trunk line 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

A convoy of cargo trucks leaves Malamute Airstrip during exercise Brim Frost '87. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST '87 Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, locate a simulated avalanche casualty in preparation for the NATO exercise Nordic Response 2024 in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 4, 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

U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force 17.2 play a game of bulldog to keep warm in the harsh weather during exercise White Claymore in Bardufoss, Norway, Feb. 7, 2018. White Claymore is a joint bi-lateral arctic cold weather training package led by the United Kingdom Royal Marines to train and evaluate proficiency in cold weather operations and enhance strategic cooperation and partnership between the U.S. Marines and U.K. Royal Marines.

A U. S. Army paratrooper assigned to the 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade, adjusts his weapon before M4 carbine qualifications as part of Castle Dvorac 24 in Slunj, Croatia, Jan. 23, 2024. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployableforces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployedacross Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships andstrengthen the alliance.

A M240B machine gun is positioned by U.S. Army infantrymen with B Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 11th Infantry Division, acting as opposition forces for Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 at Yukon Training Area, Fort 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.

Tech. Sgt. Christian Corella, covers his sector from the door of an Mi17 Hip during an emergency resupply flight Nov. 11, 2011, through western Afghanistan. The U.S. and Afghan flight crews provided supplies to a remote Afghan border patrol outpost. Corella is an aerial gunner from the 88th Test and Evaluation Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

U.S. Marines with Echo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, speak with Brig. Gen. Ivar Omsted, center, with the Norwegian Ministry of Defense, at Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 23, 2024. The visit demonstrated cooperation between the Norwegian Army and U.S. Marines, further strengthening a partnership committed to Arctic security and collective strategic deterrence. Marine Corps

National Guard Medic Training

1st Lt. Sayer Zimmerman, a signal officer with the 10th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade, crosses the finish line after completing the Legacy Days Ski Trooper Cup at Vail, Colorado, Feb. 25, 2024. The Ski Trooper Cup was a competition between multiple U.S. Army units that involved push-ups, climbing up a slope, rappelling, skiing down a mountain between gates, pull-ups, and glacading. Army

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Brett Goodson, a data systems administrator with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, hikes to his campsite as part of Marine Rotational Forces Europe 23.1 in Setermoen, Norway Feb. 15, 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.

Air Force personnel begin a search and rescue exercise after arriving in a wilderness area via an Army UH-1 Iroquois helicopter during exercise Brim Frost '83. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST '83 Country: United States Of America (USA)

Spc. Houston Keith Hall from 2nd Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division stands watch April 02 in Yukon Training Area while his unit entrenches and prepares sleeping areas for the night during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02. 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.

Norwegian Soldiers with Norwegian Armed Forces Norwegian, use a Mercedes-Benz G-Klasse Military Ambulance to transport patients during Medical Reindeer a medical exercise held prior to Nordic Response 24 in Setermeon, Norway, Feb. 13, 2024. Medical Reindeer is a multinational medical exercise in support of field training during Exercise Nordic Response 24 in order to strengthen and improve medical interoperability between NATO Allies and partners within the European theater. 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.

DM-ST-87-10890. Subject Operation/Series: COLD WINTER Country: Norway (NOR)

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 11th Airborne Division man an artillery weapon system during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 near Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 16, 2024. The Large Scale Combat Operations scenario used in JPMRC 24-02 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 both environmental and military challenges. Army

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 were 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.

Group of special forces climbs into the mountains in order to take a favorable position to protect the target. Mixed media

Pfc. Ryan Schlorf, 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division mans a defensive position April 2, 2023, during exercise Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 in the Yukon Training Area, Alaska. (Army photo/John Pennell)

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, trek through snowy terrain at Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, Calif., Jan. 22, 2022. 3/3 conducted winter survival training, winter terrain mobility training, and built defensive positions as part of Mountain Warfare Training Exercise 2-22 in order to increase combat lethality and readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Patrick King)

U.S. Army Spc. Darrell Holder and Sgt. Paul Merrill, military police Soldiers assigned to 514th Military Police Company, North Carolina National Guard, check tire pressure during final Preventative Maintenance Checks and Services as part of preparations to respond to severe winter weather at the armory in Kinston, North Carolina, Feb. 20, 2020. The North Carolina National Guard coordinates with North Carolina Emergency Management to ensure public safety, assess damage and aid civilians adversely affected by the winter storm.

U.S. Army Pvt. Jason Samek, Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment Mountain), 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Vermont Army National Guard, rappels during sustainment training at the Ethan Allen Firing Range, Jericho, Vt., March 5, 2023. Special equipment, such as climbing rope, sit harness, carabiners, and crampons, allows Soldiers to negotiate steep terrain and vertical obstacles that are otherwise impassable.

U.S. Marines assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, measure and cut detonation cord to assemble an explosive during a demolition range in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 20, 2024. CLB-6 is in Norway apart of Marine Rotational Forces Europe 24.1 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. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jaquad Walker, a food service specialist with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, conducts an ice breaker drill as part of Marine Rotational Forces Europe 23.1 in Setermoen, Norway Feb. 9, 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. Army medics from the 3rd Infantry Division Artillery and civil affairs Soldiers from the 432nd Civil Affairs Battalion supporting 3rd Infantry Division watch as a child attending a winter camp for Latvian children uses a litter to transport a simulated patient near Jelgava, Latvia, Jan 6. 2024. The medics taught classes on preventing cold-weather injuries and using a litter. The 3rd Infantry Divisions mission in Europe is to engage in multinational training and exercises across the continent, working alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Patrick Paul, a Marine Corps Cold Weather Infantry Kit (MCCWIK) instructor with Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California, instructs the Marines of Fox Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, how to utilize a MCCWIK during exercise ARCTIC EDGE 2024 on Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Feb. 22, 2024. A MCCWIK is meant to reduce the load a Marine carry on their body by providing a transportation platform to move equipment. 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

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