Cold Weather Military Training

Airmen and Marines in snowy landscapes engage in cold-weather operations training, focusing on survival techniques and tactical maneuvers in harsh conditions.

Winter arctic mountains warfare.

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. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Kyle Kimbriel, a NATO Winter Instructor Course instructor with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, teaches Marines and Sailors how to construct a defensive posture during Cold Weather Training in preparation for the NATO exercise Nordic Response 2024 in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 5, 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. Army 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Green Beret fires a weapon during preparations for Arctic Edge 24 (AE24) on Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Feb. 5, 2024. ARCTIC EDGE 2024 (AE24) is a NORAD and 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. Army

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 29, 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.

DF-ST-88-05098. Subject Operation/Series: COBBLER FREEZE Base: Deadhorse State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Norwegian Army Soldiers fire mortars during Marine Rotational Forces Europe (MRF-E) 23.1 in Setermoen, Norway, March 30, 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 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, 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

Winter arctic mountains warfare.

021212-F-6701P-042. Base: Vasiani Country: Georgia (The Country) (GEO)

U.S. Marines with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, soldiers with the Danish Defense Forces and Norwegian Armed Forces practice skiing during cold weather training on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 1, 2022.This training was conducted to enhance 2d Recons 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 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.

Members of the 174th Fighter Wing, armed with M16A2 rifles, take cover behind a snowbank during a Operational Readiness Evaluation in Syracuse, New York. Members of the 174th Fighter Wing, armed with M16A2 rifles, take cover behind a snowbank during a Operational Readiness Evaluation in Syracuse, New York.

DF-ST-88-05079. Subject Operation/Series: COBBLER FREEZE Base: Deadhorse State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Pfc. Margaret Cole, a medic assigned to the 725th Brigade Support Battalion (Airborne), 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, Arctic Angels, surveys Malemute Drop Zone during airborne training at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Nov. 4, 2022. The 2/11 IBCT (A) is the only airborne infantry brigade combat team in the Arctic and Pacific theaters, providing the combatant commander with the unique capability to project an expeditionary force by air.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Adam Yaeck, a rifleman with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, carries the M240B machine gun during a platoon live-fire maneuver range in preparation for the NATO exercise Nordic Response 2024 in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 20, 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 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, use an avalanche probe during a demolition range while deployed with Marine Rotational Forces Europe (MRF-E) 23.1 in Setermoen, Norway, March 29, 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 U.S. Marine with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, prepares a bivouac site 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 infantryman with Bayonet Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 11th Infantry Division, listens to orders 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.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Aaron, a security forces craftsman assigned to the 24th Special Operations Wing, Detachment 1, also known as Deployment Cell or D-Cell, directs troops 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.

Marines head back down to base camp in the heavy snow at the Mountain Warfare Training Center. A line of BV's (All Terrain Carriers) are bringing down medevacs and supplies from Grouse Meadows. Training was suspended due to poor weather conditions which posed safety hazards. The 2nd Marine Regiment and 3rd Battalion 8th Marines from Camp Lejeune, NC are spending 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. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, walk down range to set up and prime explosives during a Live Fire and Maneuver Range in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 22, 2024. CLB-6 is in Norway as part 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

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.

U.S. Air Force weapons loaders, Master Sgt. Steve Przyojski, Tech. Sgt. Adam Pawlicki and Master Sgt. Tom Gonzalez (from left), assigned to the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, brave the cold and snow to unload a training Air Intercept Missile, referred to as the AIM-9, Jan. 24, 2022. The 180FW performs daily training, conducted in realistic environments under realistic circumstances, ensuring our forces maintain the highest levels of proficiency and readiness for worldwide deployment. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Beth Holliker.

Winter arctic mountains warfare.

Marines from Camp Le Jeune, N.C., participate in cold-weather training at Fort McCoy, Wis., on Jan. 22, 1988.

Air National Guard Security Forces specialists prepare 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.

U.S. Soldiers with Charlie Company, 1-112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division practice squad movement techniques.

U.S. Marines with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, prepare a detonation cord during a demolition range while deployed with Marine Rotational Forces Europe (MRF-E) 23.1 in Setermoen, Norway, March 29, 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.

040206-M-8205V-032. Subject Operation/Series: FOREST LIGHT 2004 Base: Ojojibara State: Sendai Country: Japan (JPN)

Winter arctic mountains warfare. Action in cold conditions. Sniper with weapons. Action in cold conditions sniper with weapons

Winter arctic mountains warfare.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, hike to a 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.

Deployed personnel from the 21st Space Wing and 90th Missile Wing assemble a tent, in the snow and "minus teens" temperature, as "tent city" begins to take shape at Camp Guernsey. They are 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)

U.S. Marines with 2d Marine Division and 2d Marine Logistics Group, play a game of handball to enhance their 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.

Army soldier with sniper rifle in action in the arctic.

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

Pfc. Owen Hawkins and Pfc. Ryan Schlorf, 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division check an M240 machine gun as the sun sets April 2, 2023, during exercise Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 in the Yukon Training Area, Alaska. (Army photo/John Pennell)

Alaska Army National Guard Sgt. Tristan John, an infantryman from Kwigillingok, with Bison Company, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, stretches a guy rope to ground an arctic 10-man tent that will be used as a warming shelter near the Alaska Army National Guard Readiness Center in Bethel, Feb. 3, 2024. The Bison Company Guardsmen pulled an Ahkio Group, a sled with the tent and other squad cold-weather supplies, during their 5-kilometer snowshoe ruck march to the training area. (Alaska National Guard

Special Tactics Airmen assigned to the 24th Special Operations Wing, Detachment 1, also known as Deployment Cell or D-Cell, clear a building on Camp Mad Bull during a training exercise at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Jan. 7, 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 3rd Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, fire an 81mm mortar during Marine Rotational Forces Europe (MRF-E) 23.1 in Setermoen, Norway, March 30, 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.

Sgt. Michael Douglas, a motor transport operator assigned to Company G, 334th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, Iowa Army National Guard walks through a field of snow during a training exercise at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on Jan. 23, 2023. The 334th BSB attended a two-week rotation at the Sustainment Training Center, the Army National Guards primary hub for technical and tactical training for units in logistics, maintenance and medical fields.

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.

Canadian Soldiers from Alpha (Para) Company, 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricias Canadian Light Infantry, pull security during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 20, 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

911th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Steel Airmen perform snow clearing and routine inspections on a C-17 Globemaster on the flightline at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, Jan. 16, 2024. Aircraft maintenance members rely on side-by-side vehicles and snow shovels to clear snow in areas near the aircraft that larger vehicles cannot reach for hazard removal to ensure mission readiness.

030218-M-2796K-004. Subject Operation/Series: FOREST LIGHT II 2003 Base: Camp Engaru State: Hokkaido Country: Japan (JPN)

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

Using the ANPSS 12 mine detector, SPECIALIST Alexis Sasser, 12B Combat Engineer, Alpha Company 40th Engineer Battalion, Baumholder, Germany, searches for mines at the future site for the 22nd Signal Brigade. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVOR Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

040317-F-8966D-002. Subject Operation/Series: POLAR FORCE 04-4 Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Pfc. Danville Aguirre assigned to 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, packs his parachute after conducting an airborne operation as part of Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 8, 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 Ski Through a Blizzard

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Tyler Michaelson shovels snow during Korea Viper 24.1 at Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea, Feb. 15, 2024. 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. Michaelson, a native of New York, is a rifleman 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

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.

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.

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)

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.

U.S. Marines with Fox Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve partake in 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. Marine Corps

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 Rotation 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 18, 2024. A company of soldiers headed toward an exercise objective at the top of a hill. Army

Army pilot Major Brooke Meyers takes necessary steps to ensure survival in the frozen environment during Exercise Brim Frost '83. Subject Operation/Series: Brim Frost '83 Country: United States Of America (USA)

Snow Camouflaged troops disembark from a US Marine Corps CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter after landing in a snow covered field 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)

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.

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 Lance Cpl. Logan Roos, an infantry Marine, from Battalion Landing Team 1/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, demonstrates how to clear an M10 semi-automatic sniper system before a bilateral sniper live-fire exercise with soldiers with the 1st Regimental Landing Team, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, during Iron Fist 23 at Hijudai, Japan, Feb. 21, 2023. The bilateral live-fire exercise was conducted to establish an understanding of allied weapons systems during 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 JGSDF, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

Staff Sgt. Kevin McCray, 35th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, raises a tow bar to tow an F-16 Fighting Falcon Dec. 18, 2009 at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea. Sergeant McCray and the other 35 AMU members will move the F-16 out of weather to continue performing maintenance on the jet.

U.S. Soldiers, attached to 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 11th Airborne Division, transport tote boxes at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 09, 2024. The boxes contained supper for soldiers in preparation for Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02. JPMRC 24-02 demonstrates the effective synergy between resilient and well-trained Soldiers, modernized and ruggedized Arctic equipment, and unique techniques, tactics, and procedures to build an unmatched combat lethality in Arctic environments. Army

While on an ambush patrol, a Marine rifleman from India Company, Third Battalion, Eighth Marines rushes across snow covered rocks into the kill zone carrying an M16A2 rifle to assault an objective during cold weather training at Silver Creek. Base: Bridgeport State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kelly Pohlman, a security forces Airman assigned to the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, provides safety and over watch during a heavy weapons training event at Fort Custer in Augusta, Mich., Jan. 10, 2024. The training gives Airmen hands-on experience with various heavy weapons, ensuring they are prepared for any situation around the world. (Air National Guard

Winter arctic mountains warfare.

DA-ST-87-08567. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST Base: Fort Greely State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment Leader Rakkasans, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), supporting Task Force Marne, prepare for boarding during the Sentry Sentinel exercise at Camp Taara, Estonia, Feb. 21, 2022. Sentry Sentinel prepares for potential reaction to an invasion by occupying battle positions as a battalion by air assaulting out, conducting defense and preparing for enemy forces. 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

020425-F-9528H-003. Base: Valdez State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Marines from Camp Le Jeune, N.C., participate in cold-weather training at Fort McCoy on Jan. 22, 1988.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Daniel EsquerMontoya, an Automotive Maintenance Technician with Fox Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, and Sgt. Michael Weeks, Fire Support Marine with Fox Battery, demonstrate the use of a small burner to melt snow into water during exercise Arctic Edge 2024 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Feb. 25, 2024. EsquerMontoya and Weeks conducted a comprehensive cold weather class, covering essential techniques needed for successful operations in extreme cold weather environments and 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. EsquerMontoya is a native of Garland, Colorado. Weeks is a native of Rocky Mount, North Ca

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jonathan Parks, a combat engineer with Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, loads magazines 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

Members of the 673d Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dog team demonstrate MWD operations and capabilities for Pacific Air Forces and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson key spouses at JBER, Alaska, Jan. 6, 2022. The demonstration was held to deepen the spouses understanding of a MWD handlers operational responsibility at JBER during their three-day visit focused on improving quality of life for military members and their families.

Army servicemen in winter camo somewhere in the mountains.

U.S. paratrooper airborne infantrymen during the desert storm.

Special Warfare Tactical Air Control Party Airmen with the 124th Fighter Wings Air Support Operations Squadron participate in cold weather survival training at Cascade Lake in Donnelly, Idaho, February 7, 2024. Through cold water submersion, The 124th ASOS members are able to push themselves to the limits and learn valuable skills. Air National Guard

010213-F-6701P-024. Subject Operation/Series: RESTORATION OF OPERATION Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Timothy Pope, 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

A U.S. Army infantryman with Bayonet Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 11th Infantry Division, engages enemy targets with the M240B machine gun while acting as opposition forces for 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.

Canadian Soldiers assigned to Alpha (Para) Company, 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, engage opponent forces during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 20, 2024. JPMRC 24-02 facilitates a range of opportunities for combined, joint, and service component forces to develop and test arctic operational capabilities unlike any other training installation in the world. Army

Soldiers from Charlie Troop, 3-71 Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, and Finnish soldiers progress through the ski obstacle course during Exercise Arctic Forge in Sodankyla Garrison, Finland on Feb. 21, 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.

A U.S. Soldier, attached to 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, equips snow shoes during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 15, 2024. The soldiers equipped the cold weather gear necessary to move along the woodline for one kilometer. JPMRC 24-02 builds readiness and enhances interoperability through realistic training within the Arctic Circle. Army

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Timothy Pope, 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 Marines carry on their bodies 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

040512-F-2706S-001. Base: Minot Air Force Base State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Members of the Utah Army National Guard, armed with M-16A1 rifles, conduct an "air assault" on the Colorado Army National Guard during Exercise Brim Frost '83. Subject Operation/Series: Brim Frost '83 Base: Camp Carroll State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Crewchiefs from the 114th Maintenance Squadron assemble tents during the Lobo Trident exercise in Hector Field March 28, 2023. Hector Field was set up as a simulated forward operating station in a friendly country in order to give Airmen a chance to practice wartime emergency operations and communications in a remote location.

Submitted photo by Sgt. Mallory Roelke

DA-SC-87-09032. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft makes a low-altitude parachute extraction system (LAPES) drop on a snow-covered runway during a test at Namo, Canadian Air Force Base. Base: Edmonton State: Alberta (AB) Country: Canada (CAN)

Camouflage bow and arrow with blurred foreground.

CPT Bob Lasky, an A-10A Thunderbolt II pilot with the 343rd Tactical Fighter Wing, cuts saplings to construct a shelter during survival training, 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. Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, offload a tent from a medium tactical vehicle replacement during exercise Winter Workhorse 24 on Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Feb. 4, 2024. Winter Workhorse is a regularly scheduled training exercise that is designed to enhance warfighting capabilities in contested environments. Marine Corps

U.S. Marines prepare to ski downhill 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. 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

US Marine Corps Corporal J. Reimer from Bravo Company, 1ST Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, ground guides his Light Armored Vehicle into the vehicle bay at the Army Reserve Center in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, during Exercise NORTHERN EDGE. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE Base: Fort Wainwright State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Sgt. 1st Class Leah Hall, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division describes the layout and function of the mobile field kitchen soldiers will be fed during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 to international observers from multiple countries March 27, 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.

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.

Portrait of soldier with a handgun in his hands

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