Military Operatives in Snowy Conditions

Images depict military personnel operating in snowy environments, showcasing teamwork and preparation. The mood is serious and focused, with a cold, wintry color palette.

Army soldier with sniper rifle in action in the arctic.

A U.S. Army infantryman with Blackfoot Company, 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, arranges ammunition for his M240B machine gun while preparing to engage opposition forces during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 at Yukon Training Area, Fort Wainwright, Alaska, April 1, 2023. JPMRC-AK 23-02 is a display of the 11th Airborne Divisions ability to survive and thrive in the Arctic, and its soldiers ability to fight and win our nations wars anywhere.

050205-F-7169B-003. Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska Country: United States Of America (USA)

University of Alaska Army ROTC cadets proceed to their objective after offloading from an Alaska Army National Guard UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter, assigned to the 1-207th Aviation Regiment, 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. 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. 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.

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.

Soldiers with the 1st Regimental Landing Team, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, transition between different fields of fire during a bilateral live-fire exercise with U.S. Marines from Battalion Landing Team 1/4, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, 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.

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.

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.

Army soldier with sniper rifle in action in the arctic.

U.S. Army Sgt. Juan Ramirez, assigned to 5th Squadron, 1st Calvary Regiment, pulls security during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 18, 2024. JPMRC 24-02, executed in Alaska with its world-class training facilities and its harsh Arctic environment, builds Soldiers and leaders into a cohesive team of skilled, tough, alert, and adaptive warriors capable of fighting and winning anywhere in the world. Army

Winter arctic mountains warfare. Action in cold conditions. Squad of soldiers with weapons in forest somewhere above the Arctic Circle. Squad of soldiers in winter forest

Sgt. 1st Class Tim McLaughlin, instructor, U.S. Army Mountain Warfare School, Vermont Army National Guard, conducts pre-marksmanship instruction for high angle shooting during the 2023 Edelweiss Raid, Feb. 26, 2023, Austria. Teams must engage 20 targets at 200 meters, shooting high-to-low, and receive time penalties for each missed target.

SEAMAN (SN) Darius Horton, a member of Naval Mobility Construction Battalion 4 (NMCB4) Port Hueneme, California, takes a break from standing security watch, 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. Seaman (SN) Darius Horton, a member of Naval Mobility Construction Battalion 4 (NMCB4) Port Hueneme, California, takes a break from standing security watch, 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.

A U.S. Army Soldier, assigned to 5th Squadron, 1st Calvary Regiment, sets up the ten man arctic tent 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

A U.S. Marine with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, engages targets during cold weather training on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 6, 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 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, search for a simulated avalanche casualty during Cold Weather Training in preparation for the NATO exercise Nordic Response 24 in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 4, 2024. Nordic Response is a Norwegian national readiness and defense exercise designed to enhance military capabilities and allied cooperation in high-intensity warfighting in a challenging arctic environment. This exercise will test military activities ranging from the reception of allied and partner reinforcements and command and control interoperability to combined joint operations, maritime prepositioning force logistics, integration with NATO militaries, and reacting against an adversary force during a dynamic training environment. The U.S. stands firm in commitment and readiness to support Norway, allies and partners. Marine Corps

U.S. and Republic of Korea Marines prepare to practice skiing techniques 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

U.S. Army Pvt. Stevenson Maignan, a paratrooper assigned to Charlie Battery, 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, Arctic Angels, pauses for a photograph after safely landing on Malemute Drop Zone during airborne training at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Nov. 9, 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.

A U.S. Army Soldier with 2nd Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment Panther Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, walks beside a Romanian Soldier down a snowy path during the land navigation portion of the Croatian Winter Challenge at Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Poland, Jan. 5, 2024. The Croatian Winter Challenge is a 15-kilometer competition consisting of seven events: land navigation, small arms firing, wall climbing, obstacle course while wearing a gas mask, rope crossing, low-crawl and obstacle climbing, and a hand grenade toss. U.S., Polish, Romanian, and Croatian troops representing NATOs enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Poland participated. 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. Marines assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, set up and prime explosives during a demolition range in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 20, 2024. CLB-6 is in Norway apart of Marine Rotational Forces Europe 24.1 which focuses on regional engagements throughout Europe by conducting various exercises, arctic cold-weather and mountain warfare training, and military-to-military engagements, which enhance overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Corps with allies and partners. Marine Corps

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.

020425-F-0193C-011. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE 2002 Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

060308-A-3733B-010. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE SHEPHERD Base: Hohenfels State: Bavaria Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: 1ST INFANTRY DIVISION

U.S. Army paratroopers from 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, leave the drop zone after finishing an airborne operation as part of Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 in Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 8, 2024. JPMRC 24-02 is a display of our soldiers ability to survive and thrive in the Arctic, and the 11th Airborne Divisions ability to fight and win our nations wars anywhere. Army

040103-F-0703J-004. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: Suffolk Country: United Kingdom (GBR) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Winter arctic mountains warfare.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment, position a 120mm mortar during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 18, 2024. JPMRC 24-02, executed in Alaska with its world-class training facilities and its harsh Arctic environment, builds Soldiers and leaders into a cohesive team of skilled, tough, alert, and adaptive warriors capable of fighting and winning anywhere in the world. Army

U.S. Marines with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, II Marine Expeditionary Force, attach snow chains to the wheels of a medium tactical-vehicle replacement during a slippery-road training course in preparation for Exercise Nordic Response 24 at Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 8, 2024. Exercise Nordic Response, formerly known as Cold Response, is a NATO training event conducted every two years to promote military competency in arctic environments and to foster interoperability between the U.S. Marine Corps and allied nations. Marine Corps

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, search for a simulated avalanche casualty during Cold Weather Training in preparation for the NATO exercise Nordic Response 24 in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 4, 2024. Nordic Response is a Norwegian national readiness and defense exercise designed to enhance military capabilities and allied cooperation in high-intensity warfighting in a challenging arctic environment. This exercise will test military activities ranging from the reception of allied and partner reinforcements and command and control interoperability to combined joint operations, maritime prepositioning force logistics, integration with NATO militaries, and reacting against an adversary force during a dynamic training environment. The U.S. stands firm in commitment and readiness to support Norway, allies and partners. Marine Corps

Guardsmen from Alaska, Vermont, Colorado, and Wyoming and soldiers from Canada conduct cold weather and arctic skills training during Arctic Eagle 2018 at the Donnelly Training Area outside of Fort Greely, AK, March 2, 2018. The goals of Arctic Eagle 2018 are for participating forces to operate in a joint, interagency, intergovernmental and multinational environment; assess ability to conduct sustained operations in arctic conditions, and integrate new and emerging capabilities.

Special Tactics Airmen assigned to the 24th Special Operations Wing, Detachment 1, also known as Deployment Cell or D-Cell, prepare for troop movement 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.

Army serviceman in winter camo somewhere in the Arctic.

U.S. Air Force tactical air control party specialists assigned to Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron pull pulk sleds while cross country skiing along the Denali Highway, Alaska, during Operation Agipen 2, Jan. 28, 2023. Agipen 2 was an unsupported, sustained cold-weather operation designed to validate equipment and previous arctic training in austere conditions. During the multi-day training exercise the 3rd ASOS special warfare Airmen conducted a long-distance, overland ski movement that included pulling individual pulk sleds by incorporating cross country skiing and skijoring.

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.

A U.S. Army infantryman, foreground, with Blackfoot Company, 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, hold security while clearing the area of opposition forces during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 at Yukon Training Area, Fort Wainwright, Alaska, April 1, 2023. JPMRC-AK 23-02 is a display of the 11th Airborne Divisions ability to survive and thrive in the Arctic, and its soldiers ability to fight and win our nations wars anywhere.

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.

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

U.S. Army infantrymen with B Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 11th Infantry Division, chop fire wood during a lull in fighting while acting as opposition forces for Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 at Yukon Training Area, Fort Wainwright, Alaska, March 31, 2023. JPMRC-AK 23-02 is a display of the 11th Airborne Divisions ability to survive and thrive in the Arctic, and its soldiers ability to fight and win our nations wars anywhere.

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to 1st Squadron (Airborne), 40th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (AIrborne), 11th Airborne Division, assault an airfield during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Complex-Alaska 23-02 at Yukon Training Area, Alaska, April 3, 2023. JPMRC-AK 23-02 helps Soldiers and leaders develop and refine the tactics, techniques, and procedures necessary to successfully operate in remote and extreme Arctic winter conditions and overcome environmental and military challenges.

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, set up C-4 during a demolition range in preparation for NATO-exercise Nordic Response 24 in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 25, 2024. Exercise Nordic Response, formerly known as Cold Response, is a NATO training event conducted every two years to promote military competency in arctic environments and to foster interoperability between the U.S. Marine Corps and allied nations. Marine Corps

A U.S. Soldier, assigned to 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, pulls security 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. Army Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment, 11th Airborne Division, survey the area for 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

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Ryan Jaskulka, a platoon sergeant with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (26MEU(SOC)) instructs Marines during cold weather training alongside Greek partners in the 32nd Marine Brigade during Greek Bilateral Exercise 2.0, Mount Olympus Mountain Training Center, Greece, Feb. 12, 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

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.

Spc. Nicholas Garrett, 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division distributes ammunition between defensive positions April 2, 2023, during exercise Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 in the Yukon Training Area, Alaska. (Army photo/John Pennell)

A U.S. Army Soldier with Charlie Troop, 3-71st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, ties a knot to secure a bivouac during winter warfare training at Arctic Forge 23 on Sodankylä Garrison, Finland, Feb 18, 2023. Exercise Arctic Forge 23 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa led umbrella exercise that leverages the host nation exercises Defense Exercise North in Finland, and exercise Joint Viking in Norway, taking place Feb. 16 through March 17, 2023, focused on building capabilities and cooperation in support of the U.S. Armys Arctic Strategy.

Alpha Teams Spc. Doug Brown, a rifleman, straps on his snowshoes in preparation for a live-fire exercise. Wyoming soldiers from C Company, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment participated at Arctic Eagle 2018 Feb. 20 through March 8 for annual training.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Sami Shaw, a reconnaissance Marine with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, poses for a photo during cold weather training on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 10, 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.

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.

050109-F-0681L-061. Base: Hector Iap State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA)

230205-N-YR675-1480 LITTLE FALLS, Minn. (Feb. 5, 2023) - A U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician, assigned to EOD Mobile Unit Two, prepares a simulated demolition shot to render a training explosive safe in Little Falls, Minnesota, Feb. 8, 2023 during Snow Crab Exercise 23-1, an exercise designed to test and evaluate U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposals (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 thebattlespace.

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

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

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.

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

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Nay Nang, a Dallas, Texas native and mortarman with 2d Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division posts security during Mountain Warfare Training Exercise 2-23 on Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California, Jan. 20, 2023. MTX prepares units to survive and conduct extended operations in mountainous terrain during the winter.

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.

U.S. Marines with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, and a Norwegian soldier pose for a photo during a live-fire mortar range near Setermoen, Norway, March 30, 2023. Marines are deployed to Norway as part of Marine Rotational Forces Europe 23.1 which focuses on regional engagements throughout Europe by conducting various exercises, arctic cold-weather and mountain warfare training, and military-to-military engagements, which enhance overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Corps with allies and partners.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Justin Dickison (left), a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) chief and Cpl. Dustin Pickel, a CBRN defense responder with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, conducts a safety check for residual confirmation 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. East-Coast based Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs) and Norwegian Naval Special Operations Commandos cut trails into the ice on the Arctic Ocean to conduct land-based arctic mobility interoperability training in the extreme environment in Utqiagvik, Alaska, Feb. 28, 2024, during Arctic Edge 24. AE24 is an annual defense exercise for the U.S. Northern Command emphasizing Joint Force operations in an extreme cold weather and high latitude environment and is designed to demonstrate Globally Integrated Layered Defense in the Arctic. Navy

DA-SC-87-09027. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST Base: Galbrieth Lake State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Zackary Valencia, assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, sets up a Mobile User Objective System while soldiers, with the Norwegian Army, set up a security perimeter during a bilateral training event in Setermoen, Norway, April 27, 2022. The 22nd MEU, embarked aboard the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, is participating in a bilateral training event with the Kingdom of Norways Armed Forces to strengthen U.S. and Norway interoperability ensuring collective capabilities and steadfast partnerships among NATO allies and partners.

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

U.S. Army soldiers assigned to 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, move through the streets of Utqiagvik, Alaska as part of Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Training Center 24-02, Feb. 15, 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

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Felicia Sotelo-Spence assigned to 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division pull security during the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 exercise at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 17, 2024. JPMRC 24-02, executed in Alaska with its world-class training facilities and its harsh Arctic environment, builds Soldiers and leaders into a cohesive team of skilled, tough, alert, and adaptive warriors capable of fighting and winning anywhere in the world. Army

A group of 42nd Infantry Division Soldiers are preparing for a mobilization to guantanamo Bay, Cuba this year by qualifying at the 9mm weapons qualification range.

Army soldier with sniper rifle in action in the arctic.

Spc. Nathan Arthur, a native of Greenwood, Ind., assigned to A Battery 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, part of U.S. Army Alaska, puts on his vapor barrier boots before his fires team fires a 105mm Howitzer on Malemute drop zone at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 3, 2013.

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 carries 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

U.S Army Sgt. Jacob Curby, assigned to A Company, 2nd Platoon, 70th Brigade Engineer Battalion, Engineer Reconnaissance Team, patrols the area during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 18, 2024. JPMRC 24-02, executed in Alaska with its world-class training facilities and its harsh Arctic environment, builds Soldiers and leaders into a cohesive team of skilled, tough, alert, and adaptive warriors capable of fighting and winning anywhere in the world. Army

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

DF-ST-85-11245. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST '85 Base: Fort Wainwright State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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

A Norwegian Soldier with the Norwegian Armed Forces retrieves a medical resupply delivered by a Tactical Resupply Vehicle 150 unmanned aircraft system operated by U.S. Marines with Combat logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, during Medical Reindeer, a medical exercise held prior to Nordic Response 24 in Setermeon, Norway, Feb. 14, 2024. Medical Reindeer is a multinational medical exercise in support of field training during Exercise Nordic Response 24 in order to strengthen and improve medical interoperability between NATO Allies and partners within the European theater. Exercise Nordic Response, formerly known as Cold Response, is a NATO training event conducted every two years to promote military competency in arctic environments and to foster interoperability between the U.S. Marine Corps and allied nations. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Joel Magee, an explosive ordnance disposal technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, leads his squad on a hike back to camp 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. Army infantrymen with Bayonet Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 11th Infantry Division, engage the enemy 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.

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.

Sgt. Jaidon Novinska, a Mass Communication NCO with the 27th Public Affairs Detachment hailing from Green Bay, Wisconsin, provides imagery support to Soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division during avalanche training provided by the National Ski Patrol at Chalk Creek at an elevation of 11,800 feet near Leadville, Colorado, on Feb. 17, 2024. This intensive program equipped them with essential skills, including safe avalanche response, expert transceiver operation, effective probing methods, efficient shoveling techniques, and the ability to locate buried victims even without transceivers. Just like their predecessors who trained in this very terrain in the 1940s, our Soldiers today are mentally and physically tough, prepared to execute operations in complex terrain anywhere in the world. Army

Sgt. Daniel L. Lambert, 172nd Support Battalion, works with a cutting torch during exercise Brim Frost '87. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST '87 Base: Galbrieth Lake State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ian McKinney, 92nd Security Forces Squadron (SFS) Military Working Dog (MWD) handler, and 92nd SFS MWD Sipos search for Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) students in a combined training effort in Cusick, Washington, Jan. 25, 2023. The 92nd SFS partnered with 336th Training Group SERE instructors to enhance operations for both squadrons while providing real-world scenarios for the SERE students.

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.

U.S. Marines with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, prepare to board a CH-47 Chinook helicopter during cold weather training on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 9, 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 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, move to safety 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.

U.S. Army Spc. Miles Hiler, gun team leader, left, and Spc. Leo Carranza, Alpha Company 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment Mountain), 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Vermont Army National Guard participates in Fire Direction Center gunnery examinations at the Ethan Allen Firing Range, Jericho Vermont, March 4, 2023. Mortars are typically used as indirect fire weapons for close fire support.

240122-N-LR905-2100LITTLE FALLS, Minn. (Jan. 22, 2024) - Cmdr. David Scherr, Commanding Officer, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU12) 12, use a pole saw to cut an escape hole in the ice on Lake Ferrell during Arctic surivability training in Little Falls, Minnesota, Jan. 22, 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Anthony Russo, a native of Pennsylvania and a musician 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

Inuit hunter Thomas Nutararearq, Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada.

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

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 20th Special Forces Group, Massachusetts Army National Guard, remove their gear after 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)

A member of Co. A, 1ST Bn., 2nd Marine Div., demonstrates the correct use of camouflage in Arctic terrain during Exercise Cold Winter '83. Subject Operation/Series: COLD WINTER '83 Country: Norway (NOR)

Portrait of soldier with a handgun Portrait of soldier with a handgun in his hands ,model released, Symbolfoto Copyright: xZoonar.com/SergeyxSukhorukovx 3207462 ,model released, Symbolfoto ,property released

Soldiers of the 6th Infantry Division stow equipment and supplies beneath a camouflage net during exercise Brim Frost '89. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST '89 Base: Fort Richardson State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

1st Sgt. Daniel Fields, the senior enlisted advisor at the Mountain Training Group, 10th Mountain Division, skis to the final training site in preparation for the 22-mile Hale to Vail Traverse at Camp Hale, Colorado, on Feb. 20, 2024. Digging holes to shield from the wind while eating the Cold Weather MRE and navigating mountain descents with ropes, they're primed for the challenge ahead. This training not only sharpens their capabilities but also honors our division's legacy, connecting us with the National Ski Patrol and the historic training grounds of Camp Hale, Colorado, where Alpine Soldiers prepared for combat operations during World War II. 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.

Twenty Minnesota National Guard, four Croatian, and three Canadian Soldiers are competing in Minnesotas Best Warrior Competition March 29 - April 1, 2023, at Camp Ripley, near Little Falls, Minnesota. The annual competition tests the military skills, physical strength and endurance of the top Soldiers and noncommissioned officers nominated by units across the state. This year two of Minnesotas longstanding partner nations, Croatia and Canada, have sent competitors to participate. Minnesotas winners will move on to compete against the best Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from multiple states at the Region IV Best Warrior Competition hosted by the Ohio National Guard in May.

DA-SC-87-09012. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST Country: United States Of America (USA)

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

Minnesota National Guard members conduct winter training on February 6, 2023as part of a 5-day field training exercise at Base Camp 1 in the Haltdalen woods, Norway, while participating in the 50th Norwegian Reciprocal TroopExchange (NOREX). 100 Soldiers and Airmen from the Minnesota National Guard, 148th Fighter Wing and 133rd Airlift Wing traveled to Norway for two-weeks of winter survival training, Nordic cultural experiences and building friendships. NOREX is the longest-running military bi-lateral troop exchange between two nations starting in 1973.

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