Cold Weather Military Training

Scenes of military personnel undergoing cold weather training in snowy environments, emphasizing preparation and survival skills.

Army soldier with sniper rifle in action in the arctic.

U.S. Marine Corps Private First Class Brandon Pardo, a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, provides security during Cold Weather Training in preparation for the NATO exercise Nordic Response 2024 in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 7, 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

Air National Guard Security Forces specialists get ready for a hike 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 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.

Air Force Airman 1st Class Christian Dye, a tactical air control party (TACP) specialist assigned to Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, walks through deep snow while proceeding to the rally point 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.

University of Alaska Army ROTC Cadet Ralph Sumagang gives movement commands to his squad members 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)

United States Air Force munitions specialists load weapons on a trailer in typical winter weather. Despite the bitter cold, the mission goes on at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The team from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division work together to drag an Ahkio sled through Division Hill landing zone during the D-Series XXIV winter challenge on Fort Drum, NY, Jan. 19, 2024. D-Series references the culminating exercise the original 10th Mountain Division Soldiers went through from March-April in 1944, to prepare for combat in the mountains of Italy.

Army soldier with sniper rifle in action in the arctic.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, fire an FGM-148 Javelin 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. 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 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 18, 2024. The Arctic is a dynamic environment requiring leaders and soldiers to be prepared, adaptive and capable of operating in a harsh environment that changes quickly and suddenly. Army

U.S. Army paratroopers with A Battery, 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division position their M119 105 mm howitzers during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, March 29, 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.

A Special Forces candidate assigned to the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School pulls a teammate to his feet 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. Marines with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, conduct a platoon live-fire maneuver range in preparation for the NATO exercise Nordic Response 24 in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 20, 24. 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. Army Soldiers assigned to the 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, maintain lookout over a firing position during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02, at Yukon Training Area, Ft. Wainwright, Alaska, March 20, 2023. Division soldiers are using JPMRC-AK 23-02 to innovate, experiment with, and test new equipment to give our soldiers a tactical edge against any adversary.

U.S. Marines Corps Sgt. Seth Warren practices turning on skis during Korea Viper 24.1 at Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea, Feb. 16, 2024. The training teaches Marines multiple skiing techniques, mountain movement, and survival skills in an austere cold weather environment. In its first iteration, Korea Viper demonstrates the ROK-US Marine Corps ability to respond decisively in the region as a singular, unified force while strengthening relationships and trust between the two allies. Warren, a native of Missouri, is a scout sniper with 2d Battalion, 7th Marines. 2/7 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Marine Corps

A pilot runs toward an HH-3 Jolly Green Giant helicopter as it arrives to pick him up during a search and rescue operation, part of 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)

U.S. Army infantrymen with Bayonet Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 11th Infantry Division, survey the surrounding area 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.

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.

Two Marine reservists from New Hampshire maneuver through the snow during Operation Alloy Express '82. Subject Operation/Series: ALLOY EXPRESS '82 Country: Norway (NOR)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division advance through terrain at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, March 27, 2023, as part of a training rotation to Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC). JPMRC-AK 23-02 validates the cold weather readiness and capabilities of the 2nd Infantry BDE Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division and trains Soldiers for deployment in an Arctic environment.

U.S. Marines with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, engage targets during cold weather training on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 8, 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 3rd Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, fires an M2 .50 caliber machine gun 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.

Soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division watch as a CH-47 Chinook helicopter from B Company, 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment lands on Ladd Army Airfield, Fort Wainwright, Alaska during exercise Joint Pacific Multinational Center-Alaska, 23-02, March 28, 2023, to support aerial movement of troops. 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.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jonathan Webb, an air transportation craftsman assigned to the 24th Special Operations Wing, Detachment 1, also known as Deployment Cell or D-Cell, maintains 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. Marines with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, cut detonation cord 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. 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

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 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.

040212-M-8205V-004. 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, boil water during the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 10, 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. 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.

A University of Alaska Army ROTC cadet provides security while maneuvering to 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Eduardo BenitezGuerrero, a low-altitude air defense gunner with Bravo Battery, 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalion, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, hikes in formation 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. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 1/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire an FGM-148 Javelin during a bilateral live-fire exercise at Hijudai, Japan on Feb. 21, 2023. The bilateral exercise was conducted to increase proficiency and understanding of each others weapon systems as part of Iron Fist 23. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

040212-M-8205V-012. Subject Operation/Series: FOREST LIGHT 2004 Base: Ojojibara State: Sendai Country: Japan (JPN)

A soldier from Charlie Troop, 3-71 Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, and a Finnish soldier each demonstrate their techniques for holding a weapon while kneeling on skis at the weapons familiarization training course during Exercise Arctic Forge in Sodankyla Garrison, Finland on Feb. 22, 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. Army's Arctic Strategy.

U.S. Army Capt. Ian Brambs (left), commander of Light Fighter School and Mountain Warfare Instructor, helps a U.S. Marine with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division onto a make-shift bridge during exercise Rolling Thunder on Fort Drum, New York, March 24, 2023. This exercise is a live-fire artillery event that tested the 10th Marine Regiments ability to operate in a simulated littoral environment against a peer threat in a dynamic and multi-domain scenario.

A U.S. Air Force Airman with the 366th Fighter Wing prepare cargo pallets during multi-capable Airman (MCA) training at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, Jan. 25, 2022. The MCA course provides Airmen the ability to expand their skill sets and allows them to support agile combat employment (ACE) concepts, and generate combat air power in austere environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Hoskins)

030218-A-6713J-017. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT GUARDIAN II Base: Camp Bondsteel State: Kosovo

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Cale Woodman, a Combat Engineer with Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, clears out Marines on the firing line during a machine gun range in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 21, 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

US Air Force STAFF Sergeant Karl Aris of the 92nd Security Forces Squadron, armed with an M16 rifle and knee deep in a four foot snow drift attacks an agressor during GLOBAL HAWK 01-02 held at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. Base: Fairchild Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Soldiers, assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, create a plan for a night troop movement during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 18, 2024. The Arctic is a dynamic environment requiring leaders and soldiers to be prepared, adaptive and capable of operating in a harsh environment that changes quickly and suddenly. Army

DA-ST-90-01572. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST '89 Base: Fort Richardson State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Quinnzale Tisdale and Sgt. First Class Grant Fitz, both paratroopers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, clear the area of snow for tent construction at Husky Drop Zone in Yukon Training Area, Ft. Wainwright, Alaska, March 29, 2023, during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02. 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.

A soldier from the 6th Infantry Division (Light) watches for advancing enemy troops during the joint readiness exercise Arctic Warrior '91. Subject Operation/Series: ARCTIC WARRIOR '91 Base: Fort Greely State: Alaska(AK) Country: United States Of America(USA)

Small Unit Support Vehicle Deposits US Marines in the Snow

U.S. Army Sgt. Hunter Johnson, instructor, U.S. Army Mountain Warfare School, Vermont Army National Guard, engages targets with his weapon during training for the high angle shooting portion of the Edelweiss Raid, Feb. 26, 2023, Austria. The U.S. teams demonstrate lethality by consistently being one of the only teams to hit all targets during the competition.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Derek Frohbieter, a field artillery officer with Fox Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve secures his snowshoes 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

Winter arctic mountains warfare.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jesse Roberts, a motor transport operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, ground guides a Norwegian Bandvagn 206 to be used as safety vehicle in preparation for a polar plunge as part of 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. Soldiers, attached to 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, tasked with representing the opposing force with modified uniforms, await transit to the next battle position during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 10, 2024. The soldiers positioned themselves behind a snow wall to protect from winds. 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

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.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. William Mathews, a paratrooper assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, Arctic Angels, packs his parachute 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)

010403-F-2021R-001. Base: Raf Kinloss State: Forress Moray Country: Scotland (SCT)

USA, California, Bridgeport, Mountain Warfare Training Center, United States Marine holding M16

Fairbanks, Alaska (May 3, 2022) Sailors assigned to a West Coast-based SEAL Team patrol through a mountain during a cold weather training exercise designed to replicate the harsh environment of the Arctics High North. The training is part of Naval Special Warfares Deploy for Purpose model, an optimized combat-ready force in reserve focused on innovation. This new design gives forces the time and space to experiment and develop new concepts to meet specific operational needs while increasing agility to respond to crises around the globe.

Crew Chiefs from the Iowa Air National Guards 185th Air Refueling Wing use roof rakes to remove snow from the units KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft in Sioux City, Iowa on January 9, 2024 following a two-day snow event that dropped over 14 inches of snow in Western Iowa. U.S. Air National Guard photo Senior Maser Sgt. Vincent De Groot

Catholic mass for all Marines who want to attend is held on the Silver Creek ski slope by 2nd Marine Chaplain, Commander Falkenthal. 2nd Marine Regiment and 3rd Battalion 8th Marines from Camp Lejeune, NC spend 34 days at the Mountain Warfare Training Center where they receive instruction in cold weather survival and arctic warfare. Base: Bridgeport State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Walker Plesko, a water support technician with Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, works on a generator during exercise Winter Workhorse 24 on Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Feb. 5, 2024. Plesko is a native of Virginia. Winter Workhorse is a regularly scheduled training exercise that is designed to enhance warfighting capabilities in contested environments. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jonan Hawkins, a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) defense responder with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, prepares to decontaminate unexploded ordnance during a simulated chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear scenario in Setermoen, Norway March 24, 2023. Cold weather CBRN training is designed to increase Marines confidence and readiness in their abilities to combat extreme cold weather conditions.

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 20th Special Forces Group, Massachusetts Army National Guard, conduct snowmobile training during Northern Strike 22-1, at Camp Grayling, Mich., Jan. 22, 2022. The winter iteration of the Northern Strike exercise series, known as Winter Strike, is held annually in northern Michigan during the coldest part of the year, so visiting units can train in subarctic conditions. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Tristan D. Viglianco)

DN-ST-88-07295. Subject Operation/Series: KERNEL POTLATCH '87 Base: Shemya Island State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing untie concertina wire in preparation for Exercise Nordic Response 24 at Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 20, 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

040206-M-8205V-018. Subject Operation/Series: FOREST LIGHT 2004 Base: Ojojibara State: Sendai Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, fires an M3E1 multipurpose anti-armor anti-personnel weapon system during a live-fire range while deployed with Marine Rotational Forces Europe (MRF-E) 23.1 in Setermoen, Norway, April 1, 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. Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class William Baldwin, left, a native of California and a hospital corpsman, and U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Colin Rowan, right, a native of Maryland and a low-altitude air-defense (LAAD) gunner, both with 2nd LAAD Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, fire a stinger-launch simulator during a live-fire training range in preparation for Exercise Nordic Response 24 at Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 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. Marine Corps

060310-A-3733B-009. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE SHEPHERD Base: Hohenfels State: Bavaria Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: 1ST INFANTRY DIVISION

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, conduct a convoy live-fire range in Setermoen, Norway March 24, 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.

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)

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lieutenant Matthew Dolak a logistics officer 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 Soldiers assigned to 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, move to their objective outside of Utqiagvik, Alaska as part of Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Training Center 24-02, Feb. 15, 2024. It takes a team of teams to execute an exercise like JPMRC 24-02, and requires a breadth of experience and capability to conduct a large-scale exercise safely under Arctic winter conditions. Army

060305-A-3733B-001. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE SHEPHERD Base: Hohenfels State: Bavaria Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: TF 1-26

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, conduct 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.

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

Members of the Germany Army participate in a pre-dawn ski session in the vicinity of Fort Wainwright, Alaska, with soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment. The representatives of the Bundeswehr are visiting Alaska to enhance relationships between the two nations and explore training opportunities in the region.

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.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, set up their 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.

A view of two truck-mounted shelters housing MRC-69 radio terminal sets during arctic training exercise Jack Frost '77. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DA-SC-87-09018. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST Base: Fort Greely State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A University of Alaska Army ROTC cadet provides security while maneuvering to 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.

Parsons, W.Va., Nov. 5, 2012 Members of the West Virginia National Guard work to clear the road to a remote emergency radio repeater site in Tucker County. As a result of their efforts, technicians will be able to restore service. FEMA is working with state, federal and local partners to assist residents of the state affected by the deep snow, heavy rain and high winds of Hurricane Sandy. Norman Lenburg/FEMA. Photo by Norman Lenburg/FEMA. Photographs Relating to Disasters and Emergency Management Programs, Activities, and Officials

Airman First Class Rebekah Brenneman, Aircraft Mechanic, helps Airmen work on a C-130H Hercules, as they are spraying it with deicing fluid during a snow storm, Feb. 07, 2020, at the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio. Deicing fluid is a mixture of heated chemical called propylene glycol and water. It is sprayed on hot, over 150 degrees farenheit, at high pressure to melt or remove ice and snow. (Ohio Air National Guard

USA, Wyoming, Jackson, National Elk Refuge. An official from the Wyoming Department of Fish and Game takes aim in order to vaccinate an elk again brucellosis.

Pfc. Hunter Corrales, 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division waits in 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)

010401-F-2021R-007. Base: Raf Kinloss State: Forress Moray Country: Scotland (SCT)

071222-A-0613R-003 - Army Spc. Nicholas Barron, security forces for the Bagram Provincial Reconstruction Team, pulls security in a Humvee turret near the Salang Tunnel in Parwan Province after the assessment by Servicemembers, Dec. 22.

U.S. Marines practice skiing with weapons during Korea Viper 24.1 at Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea, Feb. 14, 2024. The training teaches Marines multiple skiing techniques, mountain movement, and survival skills in an austere cold weather environment. In its first iteration, Korea Viper demonstrates the ROK-US Marine Corps ability to respond decisively in the region as a singular, unified force while strengthening relationships and trust between the two allies. The Marines are with 2d Battalion, 7th Marines. 2/7 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program. Marine Corps

Medium shot. Members of 436th Security Forces Squadron cross the finish line in the Security Forces ruck march honoring Korean War Veterans at Dover AFB, Delaware on January 22, 2000. Medium shot. Members of 436th Security Forces Squadron cross the finish line in the Security Forces ruck march honoring Korean War Veterans at Dover AFB, Delaware on January 22, 2000.

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.

U.S. Marines with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, conduct a ski movement during cold weather training on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 2, 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.

A U.S. Army Ranger from the 75th Ranger Regiment pull security during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb 12, 2024. JPMRC 24-02 depends on joint, multi-component and multinational partners to succeed, including U.S. Air Force air and ground crews, U.S. Marines, and international military participants from more than five countries, a testament to the realism and authenticity of its world-class training capability. Army

U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy senior enlisted and officers with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment (2/2), conduct a tactical exercise without troops during a month-long Deployment for Training (DFT), at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center (MCMWTC), Bridgeport, CA., Jan. 17, 2017. The Marines of 2/2 participated in month-long DFT at MCMWTC to prepare them for the challenges of operating in cold and mountainous environments.

030216-M-2796K-028. Subject Operation/Series: FOREST LIGHT II 2003 Base: Camp Engaru State: Hokkaido Country: Japan (JPN)

2nd Marine regiment Chaplain, Commander Falkenthal, gives communion to a Marine at the Catholic religious services held at Silver Creek. 2nd Marine Regiment and 3rd Battalion 8th Marines from Camp Lejeune, NC spend 34 days at the Mountain Warfare Training Center where they receive instruction in cold weather survival, and arctic warfare. Base: Bridgeport State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-88-02857. Subject Operation/Series: PURPLE PENNY Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Students of the Arctic Aircraft Recovery School (a.k.a. "Kool School") sponsored by the 109th Airlift Wing (AW) take a break from their training. Students take part in a 4-day school preparing them for Arctic survival and recovery of disabled LC-130 aircraft. The school is located on the Ice cap of Greenland just three miles from the abandoned DYE II site, it was part of the DEW (Distant Early Warning) Line. Subject Operation/Series: DEEP FREEZE 2001 Base: Kangerlussuaq State: West Greenland Country: Greenland (GRL) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

SCITUATE, Mass. - Soldiers of the Massachusetts Army National Guard augment local public servants and provide evacuation assistance to stranded residents.

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

A U.S. Marine with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, conducts a ski movement during cold weather training on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 2, 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. Marine Corps Sgt. Mitchell Hoffman, 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 HIMARS vehicle during exercise Arctic Edge 2024 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Feb. 22, 2024. The HIMARS weapon system is a crucial component of the Ground Combat Element in the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). HIMARS play a pivotal role in providing long-range precision fires to support the MAGTF's objectives, from expeditionary operations to sustained combat in all terrains and climate. 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. Hoffman is a native of Skiatook, Oklahoma. Marine Corps

The deployed fire department was also tested during the deployment. Wearing full chemical warfare gear, AIRMAN Eduardo Quezada mans a two inch fire hose after a simulated chemical attack. The freezing conditions prevented him from spraying water because it would freeze and damage the structures. He is participating in Exercise Condor Contest, part of a Space Command Operational Readiness Inspection which deployed 155 members of the 90th Missile Wing, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. to Camp Guernsey Army National Guard Base, Wyo. Subject Operation/Series: CONDOR CONTEST Base: Camp Guernsey State: Wyoming (WY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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