On March 26, 2026, at Rygge Air Base, Norway, soldiers from Marine Aircraft Group 14, the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 273, and Marine Air Control Group 28 conducted an extremely intense and realistic CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear) training exercise.
As part of Exercise Cold Response 26 – the largest winter exercise led by Norway and a key part of NATO’s Arctic Sentry initiative – units VMGR-252 and MWSS-273 simulated a fully contaminated CBRN environment. The Marines had to move in heavy protective suits, use detection and decontamination equipment, and perform combat maneuvers in extremely low temperatures, strong winds, and heavy snowfall.
This was no ordinary exercise. This is a true “doomsday” training exercise, where soldiers must learn to maintain combat readiness even when faced with chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear weapons. Every action, from movement and communication to marksmanship and first aid, is performed in a highly polluted simulated environment, significantly enhancing endurance, survival skills, and coordination under immense pressure.
Cold Response 26 is part of the Arctic Sentry strategy – NATO’s enhanced alert operation aimed at strengthening collective defense capabilities in the Arctic region. The participation of the U.S. Marine Corps in CBRN training in Norway affirms the U.S.’s strong commitment to seamless coordination with NATO allies, even in the harshest weather conditions.
With their forward-deployed positions and experience in extreme combat, the Marines of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing are proving that they are not only ready to fight but also capable of operating effectively in any environment – from scorching deserts to frigid polar regions. Every drop of sweat in their CBRN suits, every arduous step across the snow, is crucial preparation for the U.S. forces to remain at the forefront of protecting Arctic security and NATO as a whole.
This training once again confirms: when NATO calls, the U.S. Marine Corps is ready – even in the harshest environments on the planet.
