Cold Weather Military Training

Soldiers and Marines training in snowy environments, showcasing cold weather gear and military operations in arctic conditions.

Special Tactics Airmen assigned to the 24th Special Operations Wing, Detachment 1, also known as Deployment Cell or D-Cell, conduct troop movement through heavy snow and ice 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 Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, carry ammunition during 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.

University of Alaska Army ROTC cadets move across the Malemute drop zone 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 continued maneuvering 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)

Special Tactics Airmen assigned to the 24th Special Operations Wing, Detachment 1, also known as Deployment Cell or D-Cell, conduct troop movement through heavy snow and ice 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.

A Canadian Soldier assigned to Alpha (Para) Company, 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricias Canadian Light Infantry, aims down his sight during 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

U.S. Soldiers, assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, observe the upcoming landscape during a night troop movement for Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 18, 2024. 11th Airborne Division soldiers live and work in the Arctic and JPMRC 24-02 is an opportunity to share that expertise with the joint, multi-national force supporting the exercise. Army

USA, California, United States Marine Corps Scout / Snipers during mountain high angle sniper training in winter, Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center near Bridgeport

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

030115-A-2442C-125. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT GUARDIAN II Base: Heritage Drop Zone State: Kosovo

A U.S. Air Force Special Tactics Airman with the 24th Special Operations Wing, Detachment 1, also known as Deployment Cell or D-Cell, provides security while an Alaska Army National Guard HH-60M Black Hawk takes off from Camp Mad Bull, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Jan. 10, 2023. AKARNG aviators from the 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion provided CASEVAC support for the training. Based out of MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., 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.

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 Canadian Soldier assigned to Alpha (Para) Company, 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricias Canadian Light Infantry, observes the enemy during 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

030115-A-2442C-120. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT GUARDIAN II Base: Heritage Drop Zone State: Kosovo

U.S. Army Pvt. Daniel Vega, an infantryman with 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 11th Infantry Division, surveys 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.

Moving Tactically Through a Blizzard

030220-M-2796K-017. Base: Camp Engaru State: Hokkaido Country: Japan (JPN)

A Canadian Soldier assigned to Alpha (Para) Company, 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, engages 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

SGT Darrin B. Rowe (USA) and SPC Gypsy R. Martinez (USA), both with C Co., 121st Signal Battalion, replace fallen and broken radar poles located on Hilltop 722, Bosnia-Herzegovina. 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 Base: Hilltop 722 Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

Alaska Army National Guard Capt. Jacob Ziolkowski, the commander of Avalanche Company, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, iniates movement over his radio during a patrol at a training area on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson as part of an Air Assault training exercise during their his company's drill weekend Dec. 3, 2022. The exercise was aimed at enhancing the unit's combat readiness and to evaluate proficiency in an arctic environment. (Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Seth LaCount, 134th Public Affairs Detachment)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Pedro Ortiz Coria, a motor vehicle operator with Fox Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve digs a trench 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 with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, participate in 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.

030225-M-2796K-004. Base: Camp Engaru State: Hokkaido Country: Japan (JPN)

030218-A-6713J-012. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT GUARDIAN II Base: Camp Bondsteel State: Kosovo

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Logan Hamill, a water and fuels system maintenance 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. 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.

Pfc. Anthony DiLeonardo, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division launches a Raven drone April 2, 2023, during exercise Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 in the Yukon Training Area, Alaska. (Army photo/John Pennell)

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.

030220-M-2796K-015. Base: Camp Engaru State: Hokkaido Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Marines with 2d Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, conduct a tactical movement during Mountain Warfare Training Exercise 2-23 on Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California, Jan. 21, 2023. MTX prepares units to survive and conduct extended operations in mountainous terrain during the winter.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment, 11th Airborne Division, engage blue forces as the opposing force 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

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

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division use a rope system to pull a simulated casualty up a steep hill 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.

U.S. Air Frce security forces Airmen advance toward a door during a training exercise Jan. 24, 2011, at Minot Air Force Base, N.D. The Airmen are assigned to the 5th Security Forces Squadron.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Christian Dye, a joint terminal attack controller assigned to Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, prepares for aircraft arrival during exercise Swift Response, May 11, 2022, at Setermoen Range, Norway. Swift Response is an annual U.S. Army Europe and Africa 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.

Soldiers assigned to U.S. Army Alaska (USARAK) ruck to their next destination during a competition. This ruck was part of the Arctic Winter Games 2022, held on Fort Wainwright.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jason Staff, infantryman, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 157th Infantry Regiment, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Colorado National Guard, engages an objective, at Camp Ethan Allen Training Site, Jericho, Vt., Jan. 31, 2017. Soldiers conducted small unit mountain operations as the culminating exercise of their winter annual training.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Patrick Paul, an instructor with Mountain Warfare Training Center (MWTC) in Bridgeport, California, demonstrates the application of the Marine Corps Cold Weather Infantry Kit (MCCWIK) to the Marines of Fox Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve during exercise Arctic Edge 2024 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, on Feb. 22, 2024. The MCCWIK follows a concept of distribution, with one kit allocated per four Marines serving within a Ground Combat Element (GCE), emphasizing its role in optimizing logistics and operational adaptability in extreme cold weather scenarios. 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. 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. Air Force combat arms instructors assigned to the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, oversee security forces Airmen firing an M240 machine gun during heavy weapons training at Fort Custer in Augusta, Mich., Jan. 9, 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

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.

Alaska Army National Guard Infantrymen assigned to Avalanche Company, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, patrol a training area on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson as part of an Air Assault training exercise during their drill weekend Dec. 3, 2022. The exercise was aimed at enhancing the unit's combat readiness and to evaluate proficiency in an arctic environment. (Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Seth LaCount, 134th Public Affairs Detachment)

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

010401-F-2021R-003. Base: Raf Kinloss State: Forress Moray Country: Scotland (SCT)

U.S. Army Maj. James Barker, a paratrooper assigned to the 725th Brigade Support Battalion (Airborne), 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division packs up his gear after conducting an airborne jump from a U.S. Marine Corps Reserve KC-130J Super Hercules assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234, Marine Aircraft Group 41, Marine Forces Reserve, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, at Malemute Drop Zone, Alaska, Nov. 4, 2022. 11th Airborne paratroopers use Malemute Drop Zone to strengthen airborne operational Arctic readiness skills, allowing other units, such as the VMGR-234, to participate and train in an Arctic environment.

021212-F-6701P-045. Base: Vasiani Country: Georgia (The Country) (GEO)

A member of the 2nd Battalion, 129th Infantry, fires an M203 grenade launcher during winter training exercises. Base: Fort Lee State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DA-ST-87-00770. Subject Operation/Series: YAMA SAKURA IX Base: Hokkaido Country: Japan (JPN)

Cpl. Stefan Kovacs, an intelligence specialist with Headquarters Company, 23rd Marine Regiment, from San Jose, Calif., conduct log drills in celebration of the first snow day at Fort Pickett, Virginia on Jan. 3, 2022. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for at least 50,000 Afghan evacuees at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan.

Service members with the Alaska Army National Guard assigned to the 207th Engineer Utility Detachment, conduct avalanche beacon training in Snowhawk Valley, Alaska, Feb. 20. During the weekend, more than 30 Soldiers trained on identifying avalanche dangers, rescue equipment, and arctic survival. (Alaska Army National Guard

Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Sandston-based 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment conduct air assault operations with U.S. Army Special Forces troops assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) Jan. 23, 2014, at Fort A.P. Hill, Va. The use of Virginia Guard aviation assets added realism to the training conducted by the Special Forces Soldiers, who are preparing for an upcoming overseas deployment.

CPT Bob Lasky, an A-10A Thunderbolt II pilot with the 343rd Tactical Fighter Wing, gathers material for a campfire as he takes part in survival training 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)

US Air Force Technical sergeant Bell surveys the perimeter of the 7th Air Force headquarters for intruders during Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea's Initial Response Readiness Exercise/ Combat Employment Readiness Exercise. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

Army servicemen in winter camo somewhere in the mountains.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Dakota Westmoreland, a native of Mississippi and an administrative specialist with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, sets up 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

U.S. Army Soldier Pfc. David Hanson, from 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, recovers his parachute after jumping onto Donnelly Drop Zone 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

A U.S. Marine with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division shovels snow at Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California, Jan. 20, 2022. Marines with 3/3 conducted winter survival training, winter terrain mobility training, and built defensive positions as a part of Mountain Warfare Training Exercise 2-22 in order to increase combat lethality and readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Christian Tofteroo)

Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Westveer, a Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape instructor for the 212th Rescue Squadron, Alaska Air National Guard, conducts a cold-weather preparedness class during the Alaska Army National Guard's January drill weekend on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Jan. 25. The single-digit temperatures and snow provided the AKARNG Soldiers ample opportunity for realistic arctic readiness training scenarios.

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, conduct a foot movement during Cold Weather Training in preparation for the NATO exercise Nordic Response 2024 in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 9, 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 Spc. Zachary C. Smith, an assistant gunner with Headquarters and Headquarters Hazard Company, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment Panther Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, trudges through the snow during the land navigation portion of the Croatian Winter Challenge at Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Poland, Jan. 5, 2024. The Croatian Winter Challenge had four different countries competing: the 3rd Infantry Division representing the U.S., the 12th Croatian Contingent Iron Boars representing Croatia, the Romanian Air Defense Transylvanian Gepards representing Romania, and the 15th Mechanized Brigade representing Poland. 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. Air Force Airman 1st Class Christian Dye, a U.S. Air Force tactical air control party (TACP) specialist assigned to Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron, heads to the rally point after completing a jump at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, April 7, 2022. The 3rd ASOS completed the helicopter jump on Geronimo Drop Zone, maximizing total-force training to demonstrate short-notice mission readiness in an arctic environment.

Members of the Naval Mobility Construction Battalion 4 (NMCB4) Port Hueneme, California, build snow barriers to keep their security checkpoint location hidden near the Alyeska Pipeline Station, during a civilian and military mass causality exercise at the Alyeska Pipeline in Valdez, Alaska, hosted by the Alaskan Command, in support of exercise NORTHERN EDGE 2002. Members of the Naval Mobility Construction Battalion 4 (NMCB4) Port Hueneme, California, build snow barriers to keep their security checkpoint location hidden near the Alyeska Pipeline Station, during a civilian and military mass causality exercise at the Alyeska Pipeline in Valdez, Alaska, hosted by the Alaskan Command, in support of exercise NORTHERN EDGE 2002.

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)

Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) participate in the Air Assault Six mile foot march in Mihail Kogalniceanu Airbase, Romania, November 23, 2022. The foot march marks the beginning of Phase Two of Air Assault School with soldiers having to travel 6 miles in under 90 Minutes.

Spec. 4 Raymond Sqank, 6th Bn., 327th Inf. Regt., 6th Inf. Div. (Light), stands guard over Alaskan pipeline pump station No. 4 during exercise Brim Frost '87. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST '87 Base: Galbrieth Lake State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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 participate in 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

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.

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)

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

A U.S. Marine with 2d Marine Division attaches his boots to his skis 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.

Sergeant James Alsulaimawi and Corporal Luke Sorensen, part of the 1st Brigade Combat Team squad, prepare to bring the supplies back up the cliff during the mountaineering section of D-Series on Fort Drum, New York on January 19, 2024. The weeklong competition harkens back to the famous divisional maneuvers held on Camp Hale, Colorado, in 1944, the days of the original 10th Mountain Division.

030115-A-2442C-018. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT GUARDIAN II Base: Heritage Drop Zone State: Kosovo

U.S. Army Cpl. Eric Spagnuolo practices squad movement techniques with fellow Soldiers with Charlie Company, 1-112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team.

DM-ST-87-10880. Subject Operation/Series: COLD WINTER Country: Norway (NOR)

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

040405-F-8966D-005. Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

Members of the 722nd Combat Control Squadron secure tent stakes in the snow during exercise Brim Frost '87. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST '87 Base: Galbrieth Lake State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Cpl. Cassidy Porter, an intelligence specialist with Headquarters Company, 23rd Marine Regiment, from Clayton, Calif., conduct log drills in celebration of the first snow day at Fort Pickett, Virginia on Jan. 3, 2022. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for at least 50,000 Afghan evacuees at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan.

040209-M-8205V-008. Subject Operation/Series: FOREST LIGHT 2004 Base: Ojojibara State: Sendai Country: Japan (JPN)

060228-A-3733B-013. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE SHEPHERD Base: Hohenfels State: Bavaria Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: TF 1-26, 2ND BCT

240126-N-LR905-2036LITTLE FALLS, Minn. (Jan. 26, 2024) - A U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 2 conducts arctic mobility training as part of Snow Crab Exercise 24-1. SNOWCRABEX is an annual exercise designed to test and evaluate U.S. Navy EOD and Navy Divers capabilities and equipment in a simulated arctic environment and improve combat effectiveness. Navy EOD and Navy Divers are part of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Force (NECF), enabling the U.S. Navy Fleet by clearing and protecting the battlespace.

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.

U.S. Marines, alongside NATO allies and partners, strategically advance, securing cover and providing fire support during a breaching and clearing mission 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

Munitions maintenance specialists secure Mark 82 500-lb. bombs onto a trailer for transport 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)

SGT Kenneth Hutter, left, PVT Daniel Robinson, center, and PVT Ortis Hector of Co. B, 5th Bn., 9th Inf. Div. (Light), carry coils of concertina wire to their position's perimeter 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)

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

Soldiers from B Company, 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, road march, during their morning physical training, past fallen trees left by a severe ice storm. Base: Fort Drum State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Marines of Co. A, 1ST Bn., 2nd Marine Div., on patrol during Exercise Cold Winter '83. Subject Operation/Series: COLD WINTER '83 Country: Norway (NOR)

U.S. Marine Scout Sniper Aims an M40A3 Sniper Rifle

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

University of Alaska Army ROTC cadets pause for a group photograph during at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 2, 2022. Alaska Army National Guard aviators conducted air assault training with the University of Alaska Army ROTC detachment during its end-of-semester field training exercise. 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.

040206-M-8205V-004. Base: Ojojibara State: Tohoku Country: Japan (JPN)

DA-SC-87-09016. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST Base: Fort Greely State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

USA, California, Bridgeport, Mountain Warfare Training Center, United States Marines skiing up slope

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

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Aidan Young, 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

A tomb guard from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) walks the mat during snowfall at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Jan. 19, 2024.

040210-M-8205V-003. Subject Operation/Series: FOREST LIGHT 2004 Base: Ojojibara State: Sendai Country: Japan (JPN)

DM-ST-87-10915. Subject Operation/Series: COLD WINTER Country: Norway (NOR)

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