Photo By Sgt. Antonino Mazzamuto | Bosnian, Norwegian and Georgian Armed Forces representatives observe U.S. Marines with...... read more read more
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Setermoen, Norway – U.S. Marines are no strangers to challenging environments, but the transition from the warm, sunny beaches of North Carolina to the icy, rugged terrain of Norway marked a unique test of their adaptability.
Traveling 4,144 miles from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Marines and Sailors from 2d Marine Division and 2nd Marine Logistics Group journeyed to Setermoen, Norway, to participate in Exercise Joint Viking 25, a Norwegian military exercise designed to enhance Arctic cold-weather training and foster military-to-military cooperation.
“Coming straight from Camp Lejeune to Norway, you’re immediately hit by the cold, the snow, and the wind. It’s a completely different environment,” said U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Grace Toll, a logistics officer with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group. “Marines and Sailors have to adapt so they can train and be successful.”
For many, the opportunity to train in the Arctic is their first time operating in conditions where temperatures regularly drop below freezing. The added factor of snow introduces new challenges and risks to every movement.
Adapting to these conditions is precisely what the U.S. Marines preparing for Joint Viking 25 did, participating in various cold-weather training events, such as a week-long snowmobile course, an ice breakthrough drill, overnight field exercises, and live-fire ranges. These activities helped increase their familiarity with how to operate and navigate in this new, harsh environment.
The week-long snowmobile course—one of the first events leading up to JV25—was designed to train Marines on navigating harsh, mountainous terrain. “It’s a team job. You have to watch out for the people behind you, stop if they fall behind, and make sure everyone stays together. Just like moving on patrol in a jungle, awareness of your team is crucial," said Norwegian Army Sergeant First Class Joran Steien, a snowmobile course instructor and the allied camp commander for Setermoen Leir. The culmination of this course provided Marines new technical and tactical abilities to enhance their readiness for Artic warfare.
U.S. Marines underwent extensive cold-weather survival training, culminating in an ice breakthrough drill – an exercise designed to simulate a Marine or Sailor falling through a frozen body of water and taking immediate action to survive.
“Breaking through that ice into cold water like this is one of the biggest risks they face in this environment,” said Toll. “The importance of cold weather training like this is to make sure our Sailors and Marines can adapt to this new environment so that when they get into the exercise, they’re not limited. None of their capabilities should be hindered by the extreme conditions.”
While a complete sensory shock to the human body, the ice breakthrough drill is held to emphasize that adaptability in adverse environments is the cornerstone of survival in extreme conditions.
Whether falling into a frozen lake, learning to maneuver snowmobiles through deep snow, or executing tactical operations in freezing temperatures, the training reinforces mission readiness and highlights the importance of NATO allies training together.
“Working with our NATO allies is crucial. Understanding their environment—like the High North where we are training now—allows us to share tactics and procedures,” said U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Joseph Mendez, sergeant major of 2d MARDIV. “When we integrate, we ensure that we fight as one cohesive force, increasing our effectiveness on the battlefield.”
After mastering the art of being comfortable in discomfort—a core value cherished by U.S. Marines—the training culminated during Exercise Joint Viking 25, the largest military exercise to take place in Norway in 2025. The bi-annual Norwegian winter exercise consisted of approximately 10,000 Norwegian and allied service members from nine nations with the aim enhancing allied interoperability, training to protect NATO’s northern flank and to test Norway’s ability to receive allied reinforcements.
Exercise Joint Viking 25 serves as a powerful proving ground—a testament to unwavering resilience—and a stark reminder that true adaptability knows no limits in climate or circumstance.
“We are incredibly thankful to our Norwegian teammates for hosting us here. After 30-plus years, I’m ready to sign up again—being around these young men and women who are forward-deployed on behalf of their nation as United States Marines,” said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Odom, commanding general of 2d MARDIV. “They’re demonstrating combined arms warfighting readiness and lethality every day, and they’re doing it with smiles on their faces because this is exactly what they signed up to do.”
As the U.S. Marines continue to embrace the harsh Arctic conditions, their training in Norway reinforces the importance of adaptability, resilience, and interoperability in the face of extreme challenges. Exercise Joint Viking 25 not only prepares them for the unique demands of Arctic warfare but also strengthens the bonds between NATO allies, ensuring that together, they remain ready for any mission, no matter how daunting the environment or the adversary.
“Being able to work with allied nations like we are here in Norway gives us the opportunity to improve skills we wouldn’t normally get to practice back in the U.S.,” said Toll. “At the same time, it strengthens our ties and interoperability for whatever comes in the future.”
Beyond the tactical advantages gained through multinational training, the experience also fostered personal growth and resilience among the Marines. While strengthening our alliances, it’s also about discovering the depths of their own endurance.
“I joined the Marine Corps to help people that can’t defend themselves, and in training here, I learned that the hardest challenges are mental,” said U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Edwin Cruz, a mortarman with 2d Battalion, 8th Marines, 2d MARDIV. “You can overcome any challenge with the support of your team by your side.”
Ultimately, the Marines’ experience in Norway serves as a powerful reminder that with the right mindset, no obstacle is too great to overcome.
| Date Taken: | 03.09.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 03.12.2025 10:58 |
| Story ID: | 492338 |
| Location: | TROMS, NO |
| Web Views: | 156 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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