Arctic Military Operations

Soldiers in winter gear conducting operations in snowy environments, demonstrating skills in arctic combat and survival scenarios.

U.S. Marines with 2d Marine Division and 2d Marine Logistics Group play a game of handball to enhance their skiing abilities during the NATO Cold Weather Instructor Course (NCWIC) in Innset, Norway, Nov. 26, 2022. NCWIC is a course designed to develop Marines and other service members to be instructors of cold weather survival training in preparation for future deployments.

Soldiers from 1st Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, operating as the opposing forces, pull security while stopped during a patrol March 31, 2023 in Yukon Training Area for Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02. 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. Soldiers assigned to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division regroup after conducting a patrol at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, March 27, 2023, as part of Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC). JPMRC-AK 23-02 validates the cold weather readiness and capabilities of the 2nd Infantry BDE Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division and trains Soldiers for deployment in an Arctic environment.

U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, prepare M240B machine guns at Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, Calif., Jan. 25, 2022. Marines with 3/3 conducted an M240B machine gun live-fire range 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 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.

021212-F-6701P-017. Base: Vasiani Country: Georgia (The Country) (GEO)

A team of 1-120th Field Artillery Regiment forward observers spot targets and call for fire during Northern Strike 23-1, Jan. 23, 2023, at Camp Grayling, Mich. Units that participate in Northern Strikes winter iteration build readiness by conducting joint, cold-weather training designed to meet objectives of the Department of Defenses Arctic Strategy.

U.S. Army Capt. Stephen Noorlag, right, commander assigned to Chaos Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3-1 ABCT) operationally controlled by the 1st Infantry Division (1 ID), observes radio operators communicating with advancing units during a live fire exercise in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Dec. 8, 2022. The 3-1 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

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. Marines with 2d Marine Division and 2d Marine Logistics Group play a game of handball to enhance their skiing abilities during the NATO Cold Weather Instructor Course (NCWIC) in Innset, Norway, Nov. 26, 2022. NCWIC is a course designed to develop Marines and other service members to be instructors of cold weather survival training in preparation for future deployments.

U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers from the 88th Readiness Division ascend the 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.

Air National Guard Security Forces specialists hike in subzero temperatures at Camp Ripley Training Center, Minnesota as part of the Air National Guard's Security Forces Cold Weather Operations Course (CWOC) on January 18, 2024. The two-week CWOC course combined classroom instruction, outdoor skills development, and a 3-day, field training event that required students to build and sleep in arctic tent systems, subsisting on cold weather Meals Ready to Eat and incorporated land navigation, live saving skills, and cold water immersion events. 50 students from Air National Guard wings from across the U.S. participated in the advanced, cold weather survival course planned by personnel assigned to the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard.

A U.S. Soldier, assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, walks through the snow during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 17, 2024. JPMRC 24-02 is held in the coldest part of the Alaskan winter, exposing roughly 10,000 joint, multi-national service members to unforgiving conditions, transferring the divisions expertise in the Arctic in support of the Army, the DoD and the Nations Arctic and Defense Strategies. Army

U.S. Army Spc. Chance Kelley, left, and Pfc. Angel Diaz, infantrymen with B Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 11th Infantry Division, survey their sector and hold security while acting as opposition forces during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02 at Yukon Training Area, Fort Wainwright, Alaska, March 30, 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.

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 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. Soldiers assigned to Chaos Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3-1 ABCT) operationally controlled by the 1st Infantry Division (1 ID), provides covering fire for advancing units during a live fire exercise in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Dec. 8, 2022. The 3-1 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Alexander Caterinicchio, a Detachment 1, 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron tactical air control party (TACP) specialist, poses while a U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter assigned to B Company, 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion, Alaska Army National Guard, lands nearby at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, April 7, 2022. The 3rd ASOS completed the helicopter jump on Geronimo Drop Zone, maximizing total-force training to demonstrate short-notice mission readiness in an arctic environment.

A Soldier assigned to Bravo Co., 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment drives a stake for his arctic tent into the frozen ground outside the Bethel armory, Jan. 18, 2018. The task was part of a collective cold weather training drill that coincided with the Kuskokwim 300 dogsled race. (Alaska Army National Guard

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 Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, shoot the M240B machine gun during 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

Air National Guard Security Forces specialists get ready for a hike in subzero temperatures at Camp Ripley Training Center, Minnesota as part of the Air National Guard's Security Forces Cold Weather Operations Course (CWOC) on January 18, 2024. The two-week CWOC course combined classroom instruction, outdoor skills development, and a 3-day, field training event that required students to build and sleep in arctic tent systems, subsisting on cold weather Meals Ready to Eat and incorporated land navigation, live saving skills, and cold water immersion events. 50 students from Air National Guard wings from across the U.S. participated in the advanced, cold weather survival course planned by personnel assigned to the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard.

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

U.S. Marines with 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.

Winter arctic mountains warfare.

Air Force and Coast Guard members construct a fire for producing smoke signals Feb. 21, 2013, at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Signaling is one of the many skills taught during Cool School” as part of the Survival Evasion Resistance Escape training required for flight crew members.

U.S. Army Soldier Pfc. David Hanson, from 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, packs his parachute after landing on Donnelly Drop Zone as part of Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb 8, 2024. JPMRC 24-02, executed in Alaska with its world-class training facilities and its harsh Arctic environment, builds Soldiers and leaders into a cohesive team of skilled, tough, alert, and adaptive warriors capable of fighting and winning anywhere in the world. Army

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

040204-M-8205V-005. Base: Ojojibara State: Tohoku Country: Japan (JPN)

FORT PICKETT, VA. - Marines with Golf Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, help a notional casualty during an assault on a military operations in urban terrain training site aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 13, 2010. The BLT participated in a two-week training exercise at Ft. Pickett, Va., in preparation for their upcoming deployment with the 22nd MEU in 2011. The Marines and sailors of the 22nd MEU recently began an aggressive series of progressively, more complex pre-deployment exercises designed to train and test the MEU's ability to operate as a cohesive and effective fighting force. The 22nd MEU is a multi-mission capable force of 2,200 Marines and sailors and comprised of Aviation Combat Element, Marine Tilt Rotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced); Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22; Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; and its command element.

U.S. Marines with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d Marine Division, fires an M240 machine gun during a live-fire range while deployed with Marine Rotational Forces Europe (MRF-E) 23.1 in Setermoen, Norway, April 1, 2023. MRF-E focuses on regional engagements throughout Europe by conducting various exercises, mountain warfare training, and military-to-military engagements which enhance overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Corps with allies and partners.

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

060217-A-4973A-004. State: Grafenwoehr Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

A U.S. Army infantryman with Blackfoot Company, 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, moves to flank 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.

A U.S. Marine with 3rd Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, adjusts the sight alignment on an 81mm mortar during Marine Rotational Forces Europe (MRF-E) 23.1 in Setermoen, Norway, March 30, 2023. MRF-E focuses on regional engagements throughout Europe by conducting various exercises, mountain warfare training, and military-to-military engagements which enhance overall interoperability of the U.S. Marine Corps with allies and partners.

040212-M-8205V-006. Subject Operation/Series: FOREST LIGHT 2004 Base: Ojojibara State: Sendai Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Soldiers, assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, 11th Airborne Division, create a plan for a night troop movement during Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 18, 2024. 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

Soldiers from across the 10th Mountain Division and Fort Drum compete in the second D-Series XXIV, Jan. 19, 2024 on Fort Drum, New York. D-Series pays homage to the culminating exercise the original 10th Mountain Division Soldiers went through from March-April in 1944, to prepare for combat in the mountains of Italy.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Philip Blackwell assigned to 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, leaves Donnelly Drop Zone after an airborne operation as part of Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 24-02 at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska, Feb. 8, 2024. JPMRC 24-02, executed in Alaska with its world-class training facilities and its harsh Arctic environment, builds Soldiers and leaders into a cohesive team of skilled, tough, alert, and adaptive warriors capable of fighting and winning anywhere in the world. Army

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jasmin Ortiz, an inventory management specialist with Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, provides security during exercise Winter Workhorse 24 on Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Feb. 5, 2024. Ortiz is a native of New Mexico. Winter Workhorse is a regularly scheduled training exercise that is designed to enhance warfighting capabilities in contested environments. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Samuel Cortez, a generator mechanic with Marine Air Control Squadron (MACS) 24, Marine Air Control Group (MACG) 48, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, tightens the lug nuts on a MK37 Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) Resupply Vehicle in preparation for Exercise Arctic Edge 2024 (AE24) in Fort Greely, Alaska, Feb. 18, 2024. ARCTIC EDGE 2024 (AE24) is a NORAD and U.S. Northern Command-led homeland defense exercise demonstrating the U.S. militarys capabilities in extreme cold weather, joint force readiness, and U.S. military commitment to mutual strategic security interests in the Arctic region. Marine Corps

050313-A-9419D-029. Base: Fort Custer State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Airmen with multiple Air National Guard security forces units prepare for a training event 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. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Aira Zepeda, a motor vehicle operator, with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, navigates through the woods while participating in a land navigation course during Warrior Shield 24 at U.S. Army Garrison Casey, South Korea, Feb. 28, 2024. Warrior Shield 24 is an annual joint, combined exercise in South Korea that strengthens the combined defensive capabilities of ROK-U.S. Forces. This routine, regularly scheduled field training exercise provides the ROK-U.S. Marines the opportunity to rehearse combined operations, exchange knowledge, and demonstrate the strength and capability of the ROK-U.S. Alliance. Zepeda is a native of Illinois. Marine Corps

U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers from the 88th Readiness Division descend the 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.

Winter arctic mountains warfare.

Winter arctic mountains warfare.

Airmen with multiple Air National Guard security forces units learn squad tactics pulling an ahkio sled Jan. 18, 2023, as part of a 16-day Cold-Weather Operations Course led by the Air Force at Fort McCoy, Wis. More than 50 Airmen 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.

Winter arctic mountains warfare.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Benjamin Leavitt, foreground, and Airman 1st Class Christopher Leavitt, both tactical air control party specialists with 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. Benj Leavitt and Chris Leavitt are from Yelm, Wash., and Redmond, Ore., respectively.

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.

Special Tactics Airmen assigned to the 24th Special Operations Wing, Detachment 1, also known as Deployment Cell or D-Cell, treat a simulated combat casualty as an Alaska National Guard HH-60M, assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment, approaches for medevac 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.

030216-M-2796K-037. Subject Operation/Series: FOREST LIGHT II 2003 Base: Camp Engaru State: Hokkaido Country: Japan (JPN)

A U.S. Marine with Marine Rotational Force-Europe 20.1, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, fires a Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon during a live-fire range in Setermoen, Norway, Nov. 6, 2019. MRF-E 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. Army Maj. Gen. John V. Meyer III, commander of the 1st Infantry Division (1 ID), walks alongside armed forces officers from Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden during Winter Strike 22, a command post exercise held in Bolesławiec, Poland, Dec. 12, 2022. The 1 ID is working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe.

A U.S. Marine with Fox Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve digs a snow trench during a cold weather class during exercise Arctic Edge 2024 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Feb. 25, 2024. The class covered essential techniques needed for successful operations in extreme cold weather environments, enhancing the Marines' preparedness for arctic conditions. Arctic Edge 2024 (AE24) is a U.S. Northern Command-led homeland defense exercise showcasing the military's capabilities in extreme cold weather, highlighting joint force readiness, and reinforcing the U.S. military's commitment to mutual strategic security interests in the arctic region. Marine Corps

030115-A-2442C-001. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT GUARDIAN II Base: Heritage Drop Zone State: Kosovo

Airmen assigned to the 911th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, pick up medical equipment using a stretcher on the flightline at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, Jan. 6, 2024. AES is responsible for transporting and providing medical care to injured patients while in-flight, ensuring their safe evacuation and delivery to medical facilities.

Norwegian Brig. Gen. Ivar Omsted, center, with the Norwegian Ministry of Defense, and U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Morgan Long, right, a native of Alabama and an M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System platoon commander, observe U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Tedrose Teshager, a native of Oregon and a HIMARS crew chief, both with Echo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, at Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 23, 2024. The visit demonstrated cooperation between the Norwegian Army and U.S. Marines, further strengthening a partnership committed to Arctic security and collective strategic deterrence. Marine Corps

Winter arctic mountains warfare.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, break down the Division's mobile command post to move to a new strategic location during Joint Pacific Multinatinal Readiness Center-Alaska 23-02, April 1, 2023. JPMRC-AK 23-02 helps Soldiers and leaders develop and refine the tactics, techniques, and procedures necessary to successfully operate in remote and extreme Arctic winter conditions and overcome environmental and military challenges.

A U.S. Marine with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, engages targets with an M4 carbine 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.

United States Army soldiers from the 325th Infantry out of Vincenza, Italy, conduct a routine patrol in Bosnia in support of Operation Joint Endeavor. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVOR Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

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. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jason Jones, left, a native of Texas and the assistant chief of staff G-6 with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa; U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John H. Phillips, center, a native of Pennsylvania and the director for the J-6 command, control, communications, and computers / cyber for U.S. European Command; and U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Rhema Kishida, a native of Hawaii and a communications officer with U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, walk together during a visit at Setermoen, Norway, Feb. 26, 2024. Phillips engaged with communications Marines in preparation for Exercise Nordic Response 24. 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

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

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Steven Cristan, a transmissions chief with Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, operates a radio during exercise Winter Workhorse 24 on Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Feb. 4, 2024. Winter Workhorse is a regularly scheduled training exercise that is designed to enhance warfighting capabilities in contested environments. Marine Corps

Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training

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.

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)

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Jon Ohlman, a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) operator with Fox Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, directs a U.S. Army soldier on a HIMARS weapon system during a joint-performance drill in support of exercise Arctic Edge 2024 at Fort Greely, Alaska, Feb. 18, 2024. As part of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) capabilities, the HIMARS weapon system contributes significantly to the MAGTF's power projection and precision fire support for Marines in diverse scenarios including those in an arctic environment, enhancing overall effectiveness and versatility. 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. Ohlman is a native of Kayenta, Arizona. Marine Corps

Winter arctic mountains warfare.

Airmen with multiple Air National Guard security forces units learn squad tactics pulling an ahkio sled Jan. 18, 2023, as part of a 16-day Cold-Weather Operations Course led by the Air Force at Fort McCoy, Wis. More than 50 Airmen 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.

Staff Sgt. Joseph Mcaloon, Northern Warfare Training Center Instructor, ensures basic safety while Spc. Taggert Miller, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, conducts a Prusik ascent at H Rock on the Rock Site during Basic Military Mountaineering Course at Black Rapids Training Site 10 July. The purpose of the 14-day course is to train Soldiers on how to maneuver through mountainous terrain, and then go back to their units and provide the units with Soldiers capable to get across the mountainous terrain of Alaska. (Photo provided by Staff Sgt. Christopher Dennis/ 11th Airborne Division Public Affairs NCO)

020114-F-3838S-002. Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, set up a tent during exercise Winter Workhorse 24 on Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, Feb. 4, 2024. Winter Workhorse is a regularly scheduled training exercise that is designed to enhance warfighting capabilities in contested environments. Marine Corps

A U.S. Army Advisor from 2nd Force Assistance Brigade clears snow off of a HMMWV in preparation to link up with replicated partner forces during Operation Combined Victory on Camp Atterbury, Indiana, Feb. 17, 2024. Advisors are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are in good operational condition, ensuring their capabilities with partner forces and executing their mission. Army

Norwegians in the Norwegian Home Guard Rapid Response Force and Home Defense Youth complete M4A1 Rifle live-fire range qualification ranges during the 51st Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange at Camp Ripley Training Center in Little Falls, Minnesota, on February 5th, 2024. The Norwegians previously learned about the weapon system on Camp Ripleys Engagement Skills Trainer ranges before beginning live-fire exercises (Minnesota Army National Guard

Students of the Navy's Cold Weather Environmental Survival Training are taught various survival techniques by an instructor from the Fleet Aviation Specialized Operational Training Group Atlantic (FASO). Base: New Brunswick State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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.

DA-SC-87-09017. Subject Operation/Series: BRIM FROST Base: Fort Greely State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army infantrymen with Blackfoot Company, 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, survey the area while clearing 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.

Cadets compete in the 3rd Brigade Army ROTC Northern Warfare Challenge, La Crosse, Wis., Feb. 24, 2024. During day two of the competition, 49 teams took on a 14-mile ruck with a total elevation change of approximately 3,700 ft. at Grandad Bluff. Army

980221-A-3641M-502. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN EDGE '98 Base: Fort Greely State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Spc. Caleb McCubbin, assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, rests after moving 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.

Special Tactics Airmen assigned to the 24th Special Operations Wing, Detachment 1, also known as Deployment Cell or D-Cell, approach an Alaska National Guard UH-60L Black Hawk, assigned to the 1st Battalion, 207th Aviation Regiment, 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.

Pvt. Solei, a horizontal engineer with the 207th Engineer Utility Detachment, Alaska Army National Guard, sprays a fresh coat of water for the construction of an ice bridge during the units training at Walden Lake Jan. 24. Ice bridge construction training is important for Alaska's Soldiers in order to prepare for natural disaster assistance and arctic warfare.

Special Forces candidates assigned to the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School hike down a trail during the final phase of field training known as Robin Sage in central North Carolina, January 23, 2022. Robin Sage is the culmination exercise for Soldiers in the Special Forces Qualification Course and has been the litmus test for Soldiers striving to earn the Green Beret for more than 50 years. (U.S. Army photo illustration by K. Kassens)

Maintainers from Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, walk across the flightline while working on aircraft in preparation of de-icing procedures Jan. 16, 2024. The base recorded an inch of snow overnight.

021212-F-6701P-016. Base: Vasiani Country: Georgia (The Country) (GEO)

Lt. Col. Mark Cleveland, the Information Officer for the 10th Mountain Division, puts on snowshoes before embarking on the Ninety-Pound Rucksack Challenge at Ski Cooper near Leadville, Colorado, on Feb. 18, 2024. The event commemorates the Division's night-time assault on Riva Ridge in northern Italy, a pivotal moment during World War II that contributed to the Allies' victory in Europe. Organized on the anniversary of this significant event, the uphill ski challenge honors the Division's legacy and its enduring impact on military history and outdoor recreation. (Disclaimer: Lt. Col. Clevelands participation is in his personal capacity and not as part of his official duties.) Army

U.S. Marines assigned to Fox Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, receive cold-weather training from members of the Norwegian Army during a bilateral training event in Setermoen, Norway, April 23, 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.

A soldier from 1-40th Cav, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Diviion prepares a snowmobile to load onto a CH-47 Chinook helicopter in support of an air assault mission into Yukon Training Area, April 3rd, 2023, in support of Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center - Alaska 23-02.JPMRC-AK 23-02 is a regional combat training center rotation focusing on large-scale combat operations including situational training and live-fire exercises designed to build cold weather and mountain-proficient forces prepared for employment within the U.S. Army Pacific area of responsibility.

Lima Company Marines start the journey up to Silver Creek for the second phase of training in a tactical arctic environment. 2nd Marine Regiment and 3rd Battalion 8th Marines from Camp Lejeune, NC spend 34 days at the Mountain Warfare Training Center to receive instruction in cold weather survival and arctic warfare. Base: Bridgeport State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

PFC Benjamin Broussard, Btry. B, 5th Bn., 11th Field Arty., holds a 105mm shell as he stands beside an M-973 small unit support vehicle during CALFEX '90, a joint service, combined arms live-fire exercise. Subject Operation/Series: CALFEX '90 Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska(AK) Country: United States Of America(USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Zackary Valencia, assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, sets up a Mobile User Objective System 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.

A U.S. Marine with II Marine Expeditionary Force navigates snowy terrain during a snowmobile course in preparation for the NATO exercise Nordic Response 2024 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

010118-F-9033M-023. Subject Operation/Series: CORONET ROADRUNNER 2001 Base: Cannon Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Levi Stein, a paratrooper assigned to 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, chops wood 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.

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 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division conduct a tactical movement 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)

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