Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI) run in snowshoes to keep warm during the Cold Weather Indoctrination Course at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, ahead of Arctic Forge 25, Feb. 8, 2025. Arctic Forge 25 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa-led biennial exercise held in Finland and Norway from Feb. 17 to Feb. 28. Arctic Forge 25 ensures that U.S. joint forces are ready and postured with combat-credible capability to assure, deter, and defend in an increasingly complex security environment.

1st Lt. Emily Rief, an intelligence operations and security officer assigned to the 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, gives a brief on operations and movements at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, ahead of Arctic Forge 25, Feb. 7, 2025. Arctic Forge 25 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa-led biennial exercise held in Finland and Norway from Feb. 17 to Feb. 28. Arctic Forge 25 ensures that U.S. joint forces are ready and postured with combat-credible capability to assure, deter, and defend in an increasingly complex security environment.

U.S Army Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, and Canadian Army Soldiers begin the drivers training for Small Unit Support Vehicles during the Cold Weather Indoctrination course on Feb. 8, 2025, at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, ahead of Arctic Forge 25 that will take place on the Sodonklya Training Area in Finland. Arctic Forge 25 ensures that U.S. joint forces are ready and postured with combat-credible capability to assure, deter, and defend in an increasingly complex security environment.

Capt. Spencer Cavotti, company commander, left, and 1st Sgt. Thomas Banner, senior enlisted advisor, both assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI), discuss operations at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, ahead of Arctic Forge 25, Feb. 10, 2025. Arctic Forge 25 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa-led biennial exercise held in Finland and Norway from Feb. 17 to Feb. 28. Arctic Forge 25 ensures that U.S. joint forces are ready and postured with combat-credible capability to assure, deter, and defend in an increasingly complex security environment.

Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI) wait in the dark to conduct night driver’s training on Small Unit Support Vehicles as part of the Cold Weather Indoctrination Course at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, ahead of Arctic Forge 25, Feb. 8, 2025. Arctic Forge 25 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa-led biennial exercise held in Finland and Norway from Feb. 17 to Feb. 28. Arctic Forge 25 ensures that U.S. joint forces are ready and postured with combat-credible capability to assure, deter, and defend in an increasingly complex security environment.

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska — Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI), traveled over 3,000 miles to Alaska starting their journey to Arctic Forge 25.

Arctic Forge 25 is a biennial U.S. Army Europe and Africa-led exercise that will be held from Feb. 17 to Feb. 28, 2025, and will leverage Arctic host nation exercises — Local Defense Exercise 25 in Finland and Joint Viking 25 in Norway — to build Arctic readiness and interoperability in support of the U.S. Army's Arctic Strategy.

“It’s a great opportunity to have the multinational element for this exercise,” said Capt. Nicholas Steinmetz, the planner for 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division. “It’s been great building a team here at Fort Wainwright, from driver’s training on the Small Unit Support Vehicles to snow machine training. It's been really good to see people learn collectively.”

Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI) use entrenching tools and other equipment to build thermal shelters during the Cold Weather Indoctrination Course at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, ahead of Arctic Forge 25, Feb. 8, 2025. Arctic Forge 25 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa-led biennial exercise held in Finland and Norway from Feb. 17 to Feb. 28. U.S. troops have the skills to survive and fight in these austere conditions. Arctic Forge 25 is an opportunity to hone these skills further and gain valuable knowledge from Arctic allies.

Spc. Kyerin Curry, an information technology specialist assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI), connects an antenna to a radio at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, ahead of Arctic Forge 25, Feb. 10, 2025. Arctic Forge 25 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa-led biennial exercise held in Finland and Norway from Feb. 17 to Feb. 28. Arctic Forge 25 ensures that U.S. joint forces are ready and postured with combat-credible capability to assure, deter, and defend in an increasingly complex security environment.

A Soldier assigned to 2nd Battalion, 14 Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI) collects spruce tree leaves to use as insulation for his thermal shelter during the Cold Weather Indoctrination Course at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, ahead of Arctic Forge 25, Feb. 8, 2025. Arctic Forge 25 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa-led biennial exercise held in Finland and Norway from Feb. 17 to Feb. 28. Arctic Forge 25 ensures that U.S. joint forces are ready and postured with combat-credible capability to assure, deter, and defend in an increasingly complex security environment. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Makenna Tilton)

U.S. Army soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI), perform radio operations at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, ahead of Arctic Forge 25, Feb. 10, 2025. Arctic Forge 25 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa-led biennial exercise held in Finland and Norway from Feb. 17 to Feb. 28. Arctic Forge 25 ensures that U.S. joint forces are ready and postured with combat-credible capability to assure, deter, and defend in an increasingly complex security environment.

A Soldier assigned to 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI) prepares a pocket rocket stove for his squad during the Cold Weather Indoctrination Course at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, ahead of Arctic Forge 25, Feb. 8, 2025. Arctic Forge 25 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa-led biennial exercise held in Finland and Norway from Feb. 17 to Feb. 28. Arctic Forge 25 ensures that U.S. joint forces are ready and postured with combat-credible capability to assure, deter, and defend in an increasingly complex security environment.

The preparation, time and effort required to plan and execute an exercise of this caliber demanded a meticulous planning process and a team of strategically aligned, skilled partners, who are ready to collaborate and complete the mission successfully.

“This exercise is a long time coming. The first planning conference was in May 2024, a second one in July 2024, and a final planning conference in Finland this January. It's a lot of planning effort from all attached,” Steinmetz said.

The planning also involved Canadian and U.S. Army Soldiers participating in a Cold Weather Indoctrination Course with a classroom portion before stepping out to sleep in the frigid temperatures on Feb. 7, 2025. The course, taught by instructors with the 11th Airborne Division, was designed to train and build confidence in Soldiers, preparing them to face the Arctic.

“The biggest threat to our formation is the environment itself,” said Staff Sgt. Dustin Baker, a platoon section leader assigned to 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division. “If we can teach the individual Soldiers methods to protect themselves within the Arctic, then we are more successful in self-sustainment and mission achievement.”

A Soldier assigned to 2nd Battalion, 14 Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI) operates a snowmobile during the Cold Weather Indoctrination Course at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, ahead of Arctic Forge 25, Feb. 8, 2025. Arctic Forge 25 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa-led biennial exercise held in Finland and Norway from Feb. 17 to Feb. 28. Arctic Forge 25 ensures that U.S. joint forces are ready and postured with combat-credible capability to assure, deter, and defend in an increasingly complex security environment.

Sgt. Salvador Castro, a public affairs noncommissioned officer assigned to the 27th Public Affairs Detachment, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 10th Mountain Division (LI), cuts down trees to build his thermal shelter during the Cold Weather Indoctrination Course at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, ahead of Arctic Forge 25, Feb. 8, 2025. Arctic Forge 25 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa-led biennial exercise held in Finland and Norway from Feb. 17 to Feb. 28. U.S. troops have the skills to survive and fight in these austere conditions. Arctic Forge 25 is an opportunity to hone these skills further and gain valuable knowledge from Arctic Allies.

Pfc. Makenna Tilton, a Public Affairs Mass Communication Specialist assigned to the 27th Public Affairs Detachment, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 10th Mountain Division, interviews Sgt. Charles Nicholson, an assistant team leader assigned to 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th MTN DIV, about the Cold Weather Indoctrination Course on Fort Wainwright, Alaska, ahead of Arctic Forge 25, Feb. 8, 2025. Arctic Forge 25 takes place on the Sodonkyla Training Area in Finland from Feb.17- Feb. 28 and ensures that U.S. joint forces are ready and postured with combat-credible capability to assure, deter, and defend in an increasingly complex security environment.

Staff Sgt. Tomas Serrano, a section leader assigned to 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI), performs radio checks at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, ahead of Arctic Forge 25, Feb. 10, 2025. Arctic Forge 25 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa-led biennial exercise held in Finland and Norway from Feb. 17 to Feb. 28. Arctic Forge 25 is an opportunity to hone these skills further and gain valuable knowledge from Arctic allies.

Canadian Army soldiers pose for a photo during the Cold Weather Indoctrination Course at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, ahead of Arctic Forge 25, Feb. 7, 2025. Arctic Forge 25 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa-led biennial exercise held in Finland and Norway from Feb. 17 to Feb. 28. Arctic Forge 25 ensures that U.S. joint forces are ready and postured with combat-credible capability to assure, deter, and defend in an increasingly complex security environment.

Eyelashes heavy with ice, boots covered in snow, and their breath lingering in the frozen air, Soldiers began the hands-on training. The course taught Soldiers how to build thermal shelters, drive SUSVs and snowmobiles, and practice crucial survival skills that will help them in the Arctic Forge exercise.

"It takes a village. When you're out there in the elements with your squad or platoon, you have to look out for each other," said Sgt. Dennis Butcher, a senior medic assigned to 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.

“You have to supplement where you can. If someone has wet gloves, you may have to hand off your extra pair to them. It's things like that that will keep Soldiers alive."

Lt. Col. Daniel Ludwig, squadron commander of 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, discusses tactics and plans for Arctic Forge at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, Feb. 7, 2025. Arctic Forge 25 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa-led biennial exercise held in Finland and Norway from Feb. 17 to Feb. 28. U.S. troops have the skills to survive and fight in these austere conditions. Arctic Forge 25 is an opportunity to hone these skills further and gain valuable knowledge from Arctic allies.

2nd Lt. Karlyn Ponsness, an engineer platoon leader with 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI), performs radio operations at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, ahead of Arctic Forge 25, Feb. 10, 2025. Arctic Forge 25 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa-led biennial exercise held in Finland and Norway from Feb. 17 to Feb. 28. Arctic Forge 25 ensures that U.S. joint forces are ready and postured with combat-credible capability to assure, deter, and defend in an increasingly complex security environment. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Makenna Tilton)

Staff Sgt. Dustin Baker, a platoon section leader assigned to 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, instructs the Cold Weather Indoctrination Course to Soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI) and Canadian Army soldiers at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, ahead of Arctic Forge 25, Feb. 6, 2025. Arctic Forge 25 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa-led biennial exercise held in Finland and Norway from Feb. 17 to Feb. 28. Arctic Forge 25 ensures that U.S. joint forces are ready and postured with combat-credible capability to assure, deter, and defend in an increasingly complex security environment.

A Soldier, assigned to 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, adjusts his night vision goggles before operating a Small Unit Support Vehicle during Cold Weather Indoctrination Course on Feb. 8, 2025, at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, ahead of Arctic Forge 25. Arctic Forge 25 takes place on the Sodonkyla Training Area in Finland from Feb. 17 to Feb. 28 and ensures U.S. joint forces are ready and postured with combat-credible capability to assure, deter, and defend in an increasingly complex security environment.

A Soldier, assigned to 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI), uses his entrenching tool to gather snow to place atop his thermal shelter during the Cold Weather Indoctrination Course at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, ahead of Arctic Forge 25, Feb. 8, 2025. Arctic Forge 25 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa-led biennial exercise held in Finland and Norway from Feb. 17 to Feb. 28. Arctic Forge 25 ensures U.S. joint forces are ready and postured with combat-credible capability to assure, deter, and defend in an increasingly complex security environment.

Every aspect of cold-weather training is vital knowledge that can make or break Soldiers while out there in the fight. Honing in on the skills learned and helping their battle buddies to the left and right of them is the essence of survival.

"You can learn everything off a PowerPoint, but until you're out in that environment, it's a different story," Butcher said. “You don't know how you're going to react to the cold or how you're going to survive and thrive in that environment until you face it."

Looking ahead, Soldiers are excited to travel to Finland to tackle new challenges and achieve mission success.

"The next stop is Finland. We're gonna kill it, see new sights, and experience some amazing things. I'm pretty excited," Butcher said.