Nov 1 2024

Video: NATO's Arctic Marines - Journey through the High North

BRUSSELS - 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 fulfill their mandate.