HARSTAD, Norway -- After nearly a month above the Arctic Circle, Marines with 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment are now on their way home from Norway after completing Exercise Cold Response 2010.
“We came into this exercise with the goal of training alongside our NATO allies, getting Marines back on ship and planning and executing cold weather operations,” said Lt. Col. Anthony Lanza, the commanding officer of 2nd Bn., 25th Marines.
The Marines began preparing for Norway in October when the Marines first received and practiced with their cold weather gear. In December they trained at the Vermont National Guard’s Camp Ethan Allen Firing Range to get a feel for living and working in a cold weather environment. The Marines then returned to Ethan Allen in January and began working on their tactics at the platoon and company levels.
The Marines participated in two major training events in Norway: a company level raid and a brigade assault. During the two training scenarios, the U.S. Marines worked for and alongside Royal Marines from the United Kingdom’s 45 Commando Group. While out in the field, the Marines got a taste of how exactly cold weather can effect military operations.
“The terrain was very physically tough, rocky and mountainous,” said Maj. Erik Morton, the commanding officer of Company F, 2nd Bn., 25th Marines. “You take a few steps into the snow and it might feel strong, then you take another few steps and fall through deep snow. The Marines did a great job considering they had never really dealt with this before.”
According to Lanza, Marines at the staff level also gained valuable knowledge during the exercise.
“Our staff was able to learn the terms, language and procedures of the other militaries involved in the exercise,” he said. “Our Marines seamlessly filled several billets under the British command.”
Lanza said that the Marines are feeling a sense of accomplishment as the exercise comes to an end.
“The Marines were very well prepared because of our previous training,” he said. “We will all walk away from this with new experiences, new knowledge and even some new friends as well.”