Arctic Military Operations

Soldiers in winter camouflage conduct training and reconnaissance in a snowy, Arctic landscape, showcasing modern military gear and teamwork in cold weather conditions.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, move to safety during a live-fire range while deployed with Marine Rotational Forces Europe (MRF-E) 23.1 in Setermoen, Norway, April 2, 2023. MRF-E focuses on regional engagements throughout Europe by conducting various exercises, mountain warfare training, and military-to-military engagements which enhance overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Corps with allies and partners.

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

U.S. Marines Corps Maj. Michael Reynolds, a combat artist with the Marine Corps Combat Art Program illustrates Marines 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

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

A U.S. Army Soldier from 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, leaves Donnelly Drop Zone after conducting airborne operations during 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 1st Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, stands watch during a reconnaissance mission to display interoperability with allies and partner nations prior to Nordic Response 24 in Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 7, 2024. U.S. Marines, in collaboration with NATO allies and partners, gear up for the Nordic Response 24a biennial NATO training exercise designed to advance arctic security, boost global readiness, and promote interoperability among U.S. Forces, Allied, and partner forces. Marine Corps

DA-ST-87-00768. Subject Operation/Series: YAMA SAKURA IX Base: Hokkaido Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Victor Moore, left, and Cpl. Keaton Carlson, right, both transmissions system operators with Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, operate radios during exercise Winter Workhorse 24 on Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Feb. 5, 2024. Moore is a native of Tennessee and Carlson is a native of the Florida. Winter Workhorse is a regularly scheduled training exercise that is designed to enhance warfighting capabilities in contested environments. Marine Corps

U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, move to safety during a live-fire range while deployed with Marine Rotational Forces Europe (MRF-E) 23.1 in Setermoen, Norway, April 2, 2023. MRF-E focuses on regional engagements throughout Europe by conducting various exercises, mountain warfare training, and military-to-military engagements which enhance overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Corps with allies and partners.

030220-M-2796K-016. Base: Camp Engaru State: Hokkaido Country: Japan (JPN)

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. 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 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.

U.S. Soldiers, assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, maintain security positions for a night troop movement during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 18, 2024. The Arctic is unforgiving and requires deliberate, purposeful leaders who are meticulous in their planning and approach to warfighting, and JPMRC 24-02 is key to testing some of the best leaders and soldiers the Army has to offer. Army

U.S. Marines Corps Lance Cpl. Grant Bulson skis 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. Bulson, a native of Minnesota, 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

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.

Members of the 519th Military Police Battalion fire shot guns on Range 1. They are taking their annual qualification tests prior to the execution of exercise Orbit Sunset, an exercise designed to test the base counter terrorism plan (SPECTO). Base: Fort Meade State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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.

Special Tactics Airmen assigned to 24th Special Operations Wing, Detachment 1, prepare to transfer a notional casualty to an Alaska Army National Guard HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter assigned to Golf Company, Detachment 2, 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion, at Camp Mad Bull on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Jan. 10, 2023. The aircrew conducted air assault, medical evacuation and hoist training with the Special Tactics teams. 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.

030115-A-1581H-022. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT GUARDIAN II Base: Heritage Drop Zone State: Kosovo

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, sustain a remote firing position between operations during Joint Pacific Readiness Complex-Alaska 23-02 at Yukon Training Area, Ft. 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.

110323-N-DM338-142PACIFIC OCEAN (March 23, 2011) Sailors scrub the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) following a countermeasure wash down to decontaminate the flight deck while the ship is operating off the coast of Japan. Sailors scrubbed the external surfaces on the flight deck and island superstructure to remove potential radiation contamination. Ronald Reagan is operating off the coast of Japan providing humanitarian assistance as directed in support of Operation Tomodachi.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jonathan Parks, left, a native of Arizona, and Cpl. Cale Woodman, right, a native of Iowa, both combat engineers with Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, set up a charger onto a bangalore torpedo 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

Sgt. 1st Class Todd Teuling, noncommissioned officer in charge of opposing forces during exercise Northern Strike 24-1, prepares to engage Soldiers with the 5th Special Forces Group as they conduct a raid in an area defended by Teuling and his team during Northern Strike 24-1 at Camp Grayling Maneuver Training Center, Michigan, Jan. 21, 2024. Northern Strike 24-1 is the winter warfare component of the annual National Guard Bureau-sponsored Northern Strike exercise series. Held at the Michigan National Guards National All-Domain Warfighting Center, which includes Camp Grayling Maneuver Training Center, and the Alpenna Combat Training Center, the regions snow, winds and often single digit temperatures help units develop capabilities required to operate in arctic-like conditions.

040206-M-8205V-039. Subject Operation/Series: FOREST LIGHT 2004 Base: Ojojibara State: Sendai Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Army paratroopers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, maintain an entry control point at a remote firing position during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 at Yukon Training Area, Alaska, April 3, 2023. JPMRC-AK 23-02, 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Patrick Paul and Sgt. Timothy Pope, instructors with Mountain Warfare Training Center (MWTC) in Bridgeport, California, demonstrate 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

Army serviceman in winter camo somewhere in the arctic.

DM-ST-87-10925. Subject Operation/Series: COLD WINTER Country: Norway (NOR)

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.

040404-F-0848C-003. Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Mikel Barba, a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) operator with Fox Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve provides security with a M2 .50-caliber machine gun during exercise Arctic Edge 2024 (AE24) on Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Feb. 26, 2024. AE24 is a U.S. Northern Command-led homeland defense exercise demonstrating the U.S. militarys capabilities in extreme cold weather, joint force readiness, and U.S. military commitment to mutual strategic security interests in the arctic region Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Antonio Diaz, a transmissions system operator with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, practices security tactics during Cold Weather Training in preparation for the NATO exercise Nordic Response 24 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

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.

030218-M-2796K-008. Base: Camp Engaru State: Hokkaido Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, transport bangalore torpedoes 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

040206-M-8205V-028. Subject Operation/Series: FOREST LIGHT 2004 Base: Ojojibara State: Sendai Country: Japan (JPN)

Sustainment training, conducted by Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Regiment Mountain), 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Vermont Army National Guard, includes rappel instruction at the Ethan Allen Firing Range, Jericho, Vt., March 5, 2023. Special equipment, such as climbing axes, sit harness, carabiners, and crampons, allows Soldiers to negotiate steep terrain and vertical obstacles that are otherwise impassable.

A soldier, dressed in winter combat gear, from A Company, 1/501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, Fort Richardson, Alaska, runs for cover while being fired upon during his assault at Donnelly Drop Zone during NORTHERN EDGE '98, an annual Joint Chiefs of STAFF exercise involving air and ground units of all services. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE '98 Base: Fort Greely State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-87-08303. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

U.S. Marines with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, set up a boring demolition charge during a demolition range near Setermoen, Norway, March 31, 2023. Marines are deployed to Norway as part of Marine Rotational Forces Europe 23.1 which focuses on regional engagements throughout Europe by conducting various exercises, arctic cold-weather and mountain warfare training, and military-to-military engagements, which enhance overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Corps with allies and partners.

DF-ST-88-05101. Subject Operation/Series: COBBLER FREEZE Base: Deadhorse State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

PETTY Officer Third Class (PO3) Robert Orneala of the Naval Mobility Construction Battalion 4 (NMCB4) Port Hueneme, California, passes snow blocks while building barriers to keep a 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. Petty Officer Third Class (PO3) Robert Orneala of the Naval Mobility Construction Battalion 4 (NMCB4) Port Hueneme, California, passes snow blocks while building barriers to keep a 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.

U.S. Marines with 2d Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division conduct a hike during Mountain Warfare Training Exercise 2-23 on Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California, Jan. 27, 2023. MTX prepares units to survive and conduct extended operations in mountainous terrain during the winter.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Andrew Priddy, a water support technician assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, unravels a spool of slash wire 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

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.

011204-F-5009P-001. Base: Kunsan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

Fairbanks, Alaska (May 4, 2022) Sailors assigned to a West Coast-based SEAL Team perform a personnel recovery during a cold weather training exercise designed to replicate the harsh environment of the Arctics High North. The training is part of Naval Special Warfares Deploy for Purpose model, an optimized combat-ready force in reserve focused on innovation. This new design gives forces the time and space to experiment and develop new concepts to meet specific operational needs while increasing agility to respond to crises around the globe.

From left to right, U.S. Army Spc. Robert Smith and Spc. Neddin Sanihoc, assigned to 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, smile at the camera as they pull security during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 16, 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

040317-F-8966D-001. Subject Operation/Series: POLAR FORCE 04-4 Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

University of Alaska Army ROTC Cadet Nathaniel Tamarra makes his way to cover 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 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.

A soldier from 2nd Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division shovels snow while building entrenchments and sleeping areas April 02 in Yukon Training Area during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02. The Arctic is unforgiving and requires deliberate, purposeful leaders who are meticulous in their planning and approach to their warfighting, and JPMRC-AK 23-02 is key to testing the divisions leaders and soldiers.

Shot of US Air Force Technical Sergeant Steve Lupenski, a pararescueman with the 210th Rescue Squadron, Alaska Air National Guard, as he unrolls wrapping to splint US Air Force Technical Sergeant Brent Widenhouse's leg as a 210th Rescue Squadron HH-60L Pavehawk helicopter hovers nearby. This image was used in the April 1996 issue of AIRMAN Magazine. Country: United States Of America (USA)

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. Marine Corps Cpl. Dalton Hale skis downhill during Korea Viper 24.1 at Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea, Feb. 14, 2024. The training teaches Marines multiple skiing techniques, mountain movement, and survival skills in an austere cold weather environment. In its first iteration, Korea Viper demonstrates the ROK-US Marine Corps ability to respond decisively in the region as a singular, unified force while strengthening relationships and trust between the two allies. Hale, a native of Texas, is an anti-tank missile gunner 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

Lance Corporal Richard Colletta performs weapons maintainence on his M16A2 service rifle while in the field with Third Division/12th Marine Regiment (3/12) Charlie Battery's artillery unit. Charlie Battery is deployed in support of the unit's artillery relocation excercise and cold weather training, at Camp Hijudai, Oita, Japan. Base: Camp Hijudai State: Oita Country: Japan (JPN)

6th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division soldiers use heavy equipment to create snow berm obstacles April 2, 2023, during exercise Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 in the Yukon Training Area, Alaska. (Army photo/John Pennell)

040206-M-8205V-027. Subject Operation/Series: FOREST LIGHT 2004 Base: Ojojibara State: Sendai Country: Japan (JPN)

A U.S. Marine Scout Sniper Measures Wind Velocity with a Handheld Anemometer

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 with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (26MEU(SOC)) hike alongside Greek partners from the 32nd Marine Brigade, during cold weather training part of 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

Major General Brian Eifler, Commanding General of United States Army Alaska conducted a Battlefield circulation of Setermoem Leir talking with soldiers and encouraging them for their efforts during a force on force exercise, with their Norwegian allies, while taking part in Exercise Swift Response, May 11, 2022 at Setermoen Leir, Norway. General Eifler visited soldiers taking part in joint medical training with Norwegian and British soldiers. Exercise Swift Response 2022 is an annual multinational training exercise, which takes place in Eastern Europe, the Arctic High North, Baltic and Balkans from May 2-20. The purpose of the exercise is to present combat credible Army forces in Europe and Africa, and enhance readiness by building airborne interoperability with Allies and Partners and the integration of joint service partnership.

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.

Kharkov (Ukraine), 02/05/2022. Training of the Ukrainian Territorial Defense, civil militia, on the outskirts of Kharkov. Photo: Matías Nieto. ARCHDC.

U.S. Army infantrymen with Blackfoot Company, 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, move to clear 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.

U. S. Army paratroopers assigned to the 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade, conduct M4 carbine qualifications in prone position during a live-fire exercise 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.

BLACK RAPIDS TRAINING SITE, Alaska -- Soldiers at the Armys Northern Warfare Training Centers Cold Weather Leaders Course learn to use rescue equipment in Alaskas harsh winter conditions. During the two-week course the students learn a variety of survival skills and cold weather tactics.

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

United States Air Force Reserve aircrew members offload snowmobiles and other equipment from a C-5 Galaxy cargo aircraft at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Manas Country: Kyrgyzstan (KGZ) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

Attractive hunter girl with rifle on hunting tower in winter forest

New York Army National Guard Soldiers from the 42nd Combat Aviation Brigade based in Latham, N.Y. prepare their humvees for missions as a massive snow storm hits New York on March 14. The Soldiers are prepared to provide mobility support or traffic control help to local authorities. The Soldiers were among 2,000 Guard Soldiers and Airmen who Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo placed on state active duty or on standby to respond to the storm.

From left, U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jacob Feedback, 28th Maintenance Group quality assurance inspector, and Airman 1st Class Connor Vance, 28th Maintenance Squadron aircraft fuel systems specialist, both assigned to Ellsworth AF Base, South Dakota, but deployed to Bomber Task Force 24-2, chat during down time at Luleå-Kallax Air Base, Sweden, Feb. 26, 2024. BTF operations provide U.S. leaders with strategic options to assure Allies and partners, while deterring potential adversary aggression across the globe. Air Force video by 1st Lt. Cameron Silver)

Army soldier with sniper rifle in action in the arctic.

DF-ST-88-05105. Subject Operation/Series: COBBLER FREEZE Base: Deadhorse State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

US Air Force Technical Sergeant Steve Lupenski, 210th Rescue Squadron, Alaska Air National Guard, trudges through deep snow blanketing the Chugach Mountains during a training mission. This image was used in the April 1996 issue of AIRMAN Magazine. Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Skis at the U.S. Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center

The Norwegian Rapid Reaction Force conducts ambush Situational Tactical Exercises with opposing forces from the 1-151st Infantry at Camp Ripley Training Center in Little Falls, Minnesota, on February 10th, 2024. The Norwegians are in Minnesota as a part of the 51st annual Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange where troops from the Minnesota National Guard and the Norwegian Home Guard send troops to the allied country to conduct winter operations training (Minnesota Army National Guard

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Nicholas Alvarez, center left, and Cpl. Keaton Carlson, center right, both transmissions system operators with Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, run toward their simulated casualty in a Tactical Combat Casualty Care refresher course during exercise Winter Workhorse 24 on Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Feb. 6, 2024. Alvarez and Carlson are natives of Florida. Winter Workhorse is a regularly scheduled training exercise that is designed to enhance warfighting capabilities in contested environments. Marine Corps

Army soldier with sniper rifle in action in the arctic.

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division filter water at Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, Calif., Jan. 20, 2022. 3/3 conducted winter survival training, winter terrain mobility training, and built defensive positions as part of Mountain Warfare Training Exercise 2-22 in order to increase combat lethality and readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Patrick King)

U.S. Marines Corps Maj. Michael Reynolds, a combat artist with the Marine Corps Combat Art Program illustrates Marines 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

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Samuel Diaz and Lance Cpl. Ryan Herrera, both transmissions system operators with Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, apply tourniquets to simulated casualties in a Tactical Combat Casualty Care refresher course during exercise Winter Workhorse 24 on Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Feb. 6, 2024. Winter Workhorse is a regularly scheduled training exercise that is designed to enhance warfighting capabilities in contested environments. Marine Corps

U.S. Marines with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, conduct a cross-country ski movement 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.

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.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Dustin Pickel (left), a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) defense responder cuts Sgt. Eatrico Recalde (right), an explosive ordnance disposal technician with 2d Combat Logistics Battalion, 2d Marine Division, out of his mission oriented protective posture (MOPP) suit 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.

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.

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 Tech. Sgt. Joshua Ault, 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron vehicle control official and Bomber Task Force 24-2 support section NCOIC, changes adapter plates on a universal tow bar to allow it to tow a B-1B Lancer during BTF 24-2 at Luleå-Kallax Air Base, Sweden, Feb. 26, 2024. The ability for U.S. forces and equipment to operate in conjunction with NATO Allies and partners was a key focus area for the deployment. BTF operations provide U.S. leaders with strategic options to assure Allies and partners, while deterring potential adversary aggression across the globe. Air Force

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Battery C, 1st Battalion, 120th Field Artillery Regiment, Wisconsin Army National Guard, renders simulated self-aid buddy care while exercising chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear tactics during Northern Strike 22-1/Winter Strike, Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center, Michigan, Jan. 25, 2022. Northern Strike 22-1/Winter Strike is a National Guard Bureau-sponsored exercise uniting service members from several U.S. states and partner forces from Jan. 21-30, 2022 at Camp Grayling and the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, which together comprise the National All-Domain Warfighting Center. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. David Eichaker)

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 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, cut detonation cord during a demolition range near Setermoen, Norway, March 31, 2023. Marines are deployed to Norway as part of Marine Rotational Forces Europe 23.1 which focuses on regional engagements throughout Europe by conducting various exercises, arctic cold-weather and mountain warfare training, and military-to-military engagements, which enhance overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Corps with allies and partners.

060306-A-4973A-005. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE SHEPHERD Base: Hohenfels State: Bavaria Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: 1ST INFANTRY DIVISION

A motion picture specialist shoots 16mm film footage of a "wounded" soldier during Exercise Cool Snowhog '82. Subject Operation/Series: COOL SNOWHOG '82 Base: Kotzebue State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

University of Alaska Army ROTC cadets 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.

Soldiers from the 250th Engineer Company, Connecticut Army National Guard, clear snow from an intersection in Stratford, Conn., as a part of relief efforts in tyhe aftermath of the blizzard that hit Connecticut, Feb. 10. The storm, which hit on Feb. 8-9, blanketed the state with 24-40 inches of snow. Members of the 250th worked with the Department of Transportation and other state agencies throughout the state to clean up the mess left by the storm.

U.S. Army Capt. Jason Beams, Training Division officer at the Army Mountain Warfare School in Jericho, Vt., observes Soldiers climbing Smugglers' Notch during their final phase of the Basic Military Mountaineering course in Jeffersonville, Vt., Feb. 19, 2015. Students in the Basic Military Mountaineering course spend two weeks acquiring the skills and knowledge required to operate in mountainous terrain.

030408-F-4806N-001. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base Country: Romania (ROM) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Soldiers from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division move a Light Medium Tactical Vehicle across an assembly area March 29, 2023 to refuel before lining up for convoy operations on their way to Yukon Training Area for Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02. JPMRC-AK 23-02, 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.

Air National Guard Security Forces specialists complete a seven-mile ruck march in subzero temperatures at Camp Ripley Training Center, Minnesota as part of the Air National Guard's Security Forces Cold Weather Operations Course (CWOC) on January 17, 2024. The two-week CWOC course combined classroom instruction, outdoor skills development, and a 3-day, field training event that required students to build and sleep in arctic tent systems, subsisting on cold weather Meals Ready to Eat and incorporated land navigation, live saving skills, and cold water immersion events. 50 students from Air National Guard wings from across the U.S. participated in the advanced, cold weather survival course planned by personnel assigned to the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard.

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.

030217-M-2796K-007. Base: Camp Engaru State: Hokkaido Country: Japan (JPN)

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