Soldiers Sharpen Arctic Survival and Combat Skills

U.S. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment (1-6 FAR), 41st Field Artillery Brigade, recently completed cold weather training in the Arctic Circle, strengthening their ability to operate in extreme conditions. The training, conducted in partnership with the Norwegian Army, focused on foundational skills essential for mission success in harsh environments.  

Led by 1-6 FAR’s NATO Winter Instructors, the program included instruction on cold weather injury prevention, arctic terrain navigation, cold weather maintenance, and improvised shelter construction. Soldiers also completed an arctic driver’s training course, learning to maneuver military vehicles safely across icy terrain—a critical skill for artillery operations in extreme climates.  

“This training allows Soldiers to build the skills and knowledge to thrive out here, instead of just surviving,” said 1st Lt. Ian Whittington, a NATO winter instructor and battalion ammunition officer. “It allows us to not worry about the cold, but to just march on and operate.”  

The training culminated in a cold-water immersion exercise, testing Soldiers’ physical and mental endurance. This preparation is part of Exercise Joint Viking 25, a multilateral initiative designed to enhance U.S. and Allied Arctic operational capabilities. By honing these skills, 1-6 FAR strengthens its readiness to deploy and execute missions in the Arctic, ensuring the U.S. Army remains prepared for future challenges in extreme environments.