On March 25 2026, in Setermoen, Norway, soldiers from the 2nd Marine Division participated in an extremely intense and realistic squad attack training exercise as part of Exercise Cold Response 26.
Amidst a thick blanket of snow, temperatures below -20°C, and biting winds, the Marine squads moved swiftly and coordinated seamlessly to execute a synchronized attack on their designated target. They had to traverse snow-covered mountainous terrain, maintain combat formation, utilize supporting fire, and seize positions under extreme weather conditions – all designed to simulate real-world combat situations in the harsh Arctic environment.
This is a crucial part of Arctic Sentry – NATO’s advanced surveillance operation. Cold Response 26 was a large-scale winter exercise led by Norway, aimed at enhancing collective defense capabilities and ensuring the U.S. and its NATO allies could deploy rapidly and coordinate seamlessly in the challenging Arctic environment. Every movement, every simulated volley, and every tactical decision in the exercise helped Marines hone their endurance, adaptability, and teamwork to the highest level.
With its forward-deployed position and extreme combat experience, the 2nd Marine Division once again affirmed the leading role of the U.S. Marine Corps in the Arctic region. This training not only enhanced individual skills but also strengthened close coordination among NATO forces, preparing the entire Alliance to respond to any unexpected situations in the increasingly compeтιтive and complex environment of the High Arctic.
Every Marine participating in today’s squad attack exercise understands that in the Arctic, victory lies not only in firepower, but also in endurance and perfect coordination between humans and the harsh natural environment. And they are preparing for that very thing.
Ready to Fight Tonight – even in the Arctic ice.
