IS THIS PREPARATION FOR IRAN?: US Marines rehearse for extreme warfare scenarios

Fort Greely, Alaska — March 25, 2026

U.S. Marines with the Chemical, Biological, and Nuclear Incident Response Force (CBIRF) intensified their training in advanced biological sampling and threat response as part of the large-scale domestic defense exercise ARCTIC EDGE 2026, led by NORAD and the U.S. Northern Command.

Conducted in the harsh terrain and extreme ice conditions of Fort Greely, Alaska, the exercises simulated high-risk crisis situations where the ability to respond quickly to unconventional threats was a matter of life or death. From detecting, sampling, and neutralizing hazardous biological agents to coordinating operations in an extremely cold and inaccessible environment, every scenario was pushed to its limits to hone combat skills and real-world capabilities.

Military observers believe that these large-scale exercises not only prepare forces for complex emergencies but also prepare for potential escalation scenarios in volatile regions around the world. In the context of escalating global geopolitical tensions, continuous training in the polar regions is a crucial strategic step.

Senior officials emphasized that this training clearly demonstrated the superior combat capabilities of the U.S. in all extreme climatic conditions – from Arctic ice and snow to the scorching deserts of the Middle East – and showcased close coordination between coalition and allied forces.

This is a vivid testament to multi-domain combat readiness in an era of global security instability.
Strategic analysts warn that the increased readiness to respond to chemical and biological threats reflects a major shift in U.S. defense thinking: from purely defensive to multi-domain readiness. As global security dynamics become increasingly unpredictable, relentless training is the only way to maintain a strategic advantage.
The message is clear and powerful:
Whether on the Arctic ice or in the scorching deserts of the Middle East, facing any threat—traditional or non-traditional—readiness remains the top priority for the United States Marine Corps.