NATO’s Arctic Marines – Journey through the High North

NATO’s marines are among the toughest troops in the Alliance. But in the Arctic, tough isn’t enough – marines must be unusually skilled and resilient to survive the freezing temperatures and rugged landscape.
In early 2024, marine forces from several NATO Allies got to test their mettle against the High North, putting their cold weather lessons into practice while learning new tactics from their counterparts during exercise Steadfast Defender 24. Finnish, Italian and Swedish marines worked together to stage amphibious raids on the coast of Norway, while US marines improved their survival skills inland, learning what their Nordic Allies already know: when it comes to deep snow, skis are the only way to get around.

The exercise was particularly poignant for Finland and Sweden, NATO’s two newest members. Finland joined in 2023, while Sweden joined in the midst of the exercise, with many Swedish troops holding impromptu celebrations to mark their accession.

Marines need to be prepared to come ashore and defend Allied territory, no matter the time, place or climate. This short documentary follows the marines during Steadfast Defender, showing that they’re more than capable of braving the elements to fulfil their mandate.

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[bjrnarestlen]

I was "the enemy" for the USMC during the final minutes of this video. It was great fun, but it also feels safe to have allies willing to come visiting us, and training with us. I am so happy that Finland and Sweden also has joined the club now :)

[paanikki]

4:00 As a Finn who has learnt how to cross country ski at age of 3 years, I remember the first time on a the long military skis in a rough terrain was not easy, especially with a heavy backpack and service rifle, and towing a sled. Kudos to the marines who had to learn those skills from zero in a very short time.

[smakidi]

Kudos to my norwegian, swedish and finnish brothers. You guys are badass! Love from Denmark

[freddyfischer]

It is an honor to defend and fight with the Scandinavian forces, especially the Finns! Greetings from your German brothers and sisters.

[RiseFromTheDead]

I got to serve with the Norwegians years ago while in the USMC and stationed there for training. I fell in love with the country and the people. Norway is the most beautiful place I have ever been

[VikingOlberg-NymoenOfNorway]

Cold?
Seeing all these nations coming together almost make me tear up.
Be safe brothers from another mothers.
Glad to have you here🙏

[petter]

Some call it cold and dark,
we call it normal and pleasant 👍🏻

[erikhalvorseth]

We are so thankful for having you up here. Semper Fidelis from Norway and bless you all

[NoGloryToRats]

Im so grateful that Sweden and Finland have Joined Nato ! As a Dane im seeing this as a huge win! With all our Islands and fjords and this strong brother/sisterhood and military alliance i feel more safe! And salute all the soldiers keeping our lands safe, also with American help and the rest of Europe we should be proud to defend the freedom of human rights and a strong force to keep the peace against any evil forces.

[lesterstanden]

It's great to see Scandinavia so united, and also united with so many other countries in the defence of freedom and democracy.

[markwilliams]

I did this over 30 years ago in a rifle company, when everyone else when to the 1st Gulf War. The Marines were NATO heros for being able to field a Cold Weather Ski Mobile Bn of Marines from the Reserves. It's good to see the snow shoes have improved!
It's the harshest environment I've ever been in and I was raised in rural western NY state. I hunted in winter but never stayed out all day and night. Any weapon or ammo takes on the temp of the environment, you constantly handle things that are well below zero Fahrenheit. If I got enough food to eat, about 4K ro 5K calories per day, the training would put muscle on your ears.

[hansmarheim]

One of the best Arctic warfare documentary i have ever seen. Thanks for uploading.

[_Peevee_]

beautiful! I will start my military service in about two years and I hope to get to work with other nato forces 💪 greetings from Finland 🇫🇮

[morgansjodin]

Together We Are... STRONG ❤ greets from Sweden

[markadams]

Training in this environment has to be a complete paradigm shift for troops trained to travel light, move fast and hit hard. Thumbs up to all!!!

[Xantius]

😎👍 Welcome to Nato my Nordic friends. Love from Norway ❤

[Redisia]

Great to see the brave people that are willing to endure to ensure we can all live freely.

[thunderboya]

From your friends in Canada. It's always a great time with our brothers and sisters in Scandinavia an Finn's from (jof2 force's in Canada )

[cts]

Thank you, guys, for keeping us safe. From 🇩🇪 to 🇫🇮🇸🇪🇺🇸: 👍🏻

[florys]

unbelivable people, that is what you are. good work, thank you for it