NATO’s Arctic Marines - Journey through the High North

[@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.

[@amadeuz8161]

We had to ski like 15-20km in school already at like 3rd-6th grade as "day trips" to visit places, but yes I also learned to ski at very young age. In the army we still used the bikes in January, was a very warm winter that year and the autumn also. People dropped like flies to the ground while training standing in line for hours. I think it was the same year that the lilac started blooming in January. The negative part was that we had 3 nights a week in the forest and if it ain't snow then its that lovely wet snow/ice rain/snow that melts everywhere so still remember the sweet scent of socks drying in the tent. So never got to test the army skis but who needs cold dry snow when you can enjoy wet snow, icy rain and crawling in melting snow.

[@Andy-Ferdrew]

​@@amadeuz8161👍👍👍💪☺️

[@jimijefet]

i skied first time at finnish army, it was my first winter in finland aswell as a half turkish and half finnish lol

[@EspenX]

When I was a conscripted soldier in Norway, we called those white skis "Nato planks" :) They kind of suck, but they get the job done. And btw, you learned skiing at the age of 3? You are what we call a late bloomer. In Norway the saying goes: Norwegians are born with skis on their feet.

[@pipsapossu1699]

ahkio on kissanmaitoa. Mulla oli konari leikkisinko ja pari kannua kannossa kun suksin metrisessä hangessa.

[@bjrnarestlen1234]

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 :)

[@stefanvedin4904]

”allies willing to come visiting us, and training with us”. Most inspiring, inviting and motivating words in a long time. 🇺🇸🇫🇮🇳🇴🇸🇪

[@HanSolo__]

No friendships and no high values in geopolitics. However, I'm sure I will meet my friends when needed. No power matches the NATO. Love from Poland.

[@arbelico2]

Now we need our friends from Asia-Pacific: Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, etc. and we need to put Hawaii, Guam under the umbrella...

[@PGC89]

@@arbelico2 bro? Hawaii and Guam are part of the United States, like Florida and Puerto Rico

[@GEX-_-]

Not as happy as you made us by joining our team Thank you Gods Warrior's Welcome home We never forget russia made this everyone's problem. United we erase the problem. May God protect you all during this holy war

[@freddyfischer9133]

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

[@daol84]

Finns are actually not Scandinavians :) But they sure are our _Nordic_ brothers & sisters!

[@lachdanan1023]

hehe, i can see that history repeats itself! ;D XD

[@33d672]

1st, why ”Especially the finns”? 2nd, Finns are not Scandinavians/Germanic, weird how a German dont know that…!

[@maryvalentine9090]

Echoing the comments about a German not knowing that fins are not Scandinavian. While geographically close, Finns are not considered genetically as closely related to Norwegians and Swedes as they are to each other; due to their distinct ancestry from the Uralic language family, Finns have a different genetic makeup compared to the Scandinavian populations of Norway and Sweden, who share a closer genetic connection with each other.

[@maryvalentine9090]

@@33d672 Probably something to do with the Finns stopping a much larger force of Russians during the Winter War that took place from November 30, 1939 to March 13, 1940. Particularly effective against the invading Russians was the deadly Finnish sniper nicknamed “The White Death”- Simo Häyhä. He is believed to have killed over 500 enemy soldiers during the conflict, the highest number of sniper kills in any major war. Because of that he is considered the deadliest sniper who has ever existed. So yeah, Finnish fighters have a massive reputation for extreme effectiveness. A German can be logically justified for being particularly afraid of them. The Finnish fighters have a well earned reputation of “f**k around and find out.” I for one I’m extremely glad to know that they are now part of NATO.

[@petter5721]

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

[@Brakvash]

We call it home.

[@smakidi]

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

[@lintu25]

long live the Nordic countries!

[@SageOfHeaven]

Don't worry brother. We love you too.

[@unfathomablyunfathomable]

We love you too! from sweden

[@lesterstanden2435]

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

[@PastramiStaven]

We've been united before NATO as well though. :)

[@33d672]

We were united before NATO also btw

[@Baldwin-iv445]

It is a rare point compared to most of Scandinavian history.

[@JakobAndersen-cj4vh]

Im Danish, and i lived in Sweden four 9 years. And must say, we are one people. And we act like one great nation along with the other Scandinavians! No,is, du.etc. so strong history together, and so much furture! ❤

[@erikhalvorseth3950]

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

[@daru6088]

What I remember best from up there is when it gets dark and you see a sea of ​​stars. the snow crystals sparkle like diamonds.

[@Malkier42]

Few things are so peacful as a cold winter night with snow crystals sparkoling under the clear night sky filled with stars herr in Sweden and rest of Scandinavia.

[@mmnvu2997]

God bless and keep you safe, our Defenders, our Angels. Do not let the evil to divide us ❤USA + UK + Europe + all Allies❤

[@christopherakenfelds6408]

Sweden and Finland came to realize that you're only neutral while the enemy lets you be neutral. Russia has no respect whatsoever for Scandinavian neutrality so Sweden and Finland did the right thing by joining NATO. As a Latvian, I am so happy they made that decision. Countries on the Baltic Sea are stronger when they work together for defence from tyranny.

[@BoMagnusson-h5v]

Ja men i kris måste man lita på att dom andra länderna ställer upp (när det var Corona kris så tänkte alla länder bara på sig själva )nu har vi snart maktskifte i USA ,redan bråkas det med Danmark alltså det är nog bäst att alla länder rustar för man vet inte vilka som ställer upp fastän dom är med i Nato jag tror ju inte att Ungern gör det

[@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.

[@markadams2907]

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!!!

[@markwilliams1481]

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.

[@Jake-ph6fl]

One Word.. Respect.

[@CMHernandez-qq9zu]

Somebody needs to show this to Donald Trump the man does not grasp how important NATO and our allies are from a former US Marine

[@morgansjodin4859]

Together We Are... STRONG ❤ greets from Sweden

[@Xantius3]

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

[@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

[@thunderboya2571]

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 )

[@hansmarheim7620]

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

[@tobiasalbrechtson1777]

Love seeing the Finns in the family now 🇫🇮

[@Redisia]

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

[@_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 🇫🇮

[@cts]

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

[@1799JJ]

Italy is leading the operations up there, let's mention it 🇮🇹

[@Spugedelia77]

No problem, we got it under control. Greetings from Helsinki!

[@__Aurora__]

That’s why the Russians never could defeat the Finns during the Winter War. Russians were so unprepared and they couldn’t take Helsinki.

[@33d672]

Yes but also Siberia is way colder than Finland

[@plainlake]

I still remember my winter exercise in Norway, there is something really terrible in not being able to experience being thoroughly warm in several days. Especially trying to sleep while you body has to still burn calories for heat.

[@brianseage5452]

Many years ago we trained som US Marines in Arctic Warfare. One wrote an article for the US Marine Corps Journal. It’s called CAN DO WONT DO IN THE ARCTIC. Worth a read.

[@carlosenriqueulloa]

it's great to see brothers working together.

[@henriks5008]

In deep and cold snow conditions its good to remember. -If you are not used to skiing XC, good luck you need it! It takes time to get good, and it gets harder with a backpack and a rifle ready to smack you in the face. -DONT loose any of your gear/clothing. If you do, frostbite is imminent. - Learn how to take a piss and tie you shoes etc WITH mitts on. If you dont, frostbite is imminent. -Tie some cloth in front of you barrel, snow packs harder than you think. (When you fall from skiing) - Wearing white camo is not enough, camo your gun and gear to. - On lakes there will in most cases be overwater (water between the snow and ice) dont sink into the slush. All your gear will freeze instantly. - Dont get sweaty. - Hang you canteen/flask in a shoelace etc, around you neck and keep it close to you body it want freeze. You can also fill it with snow to resupply water. - Dont shave in the morning, natural skin fat prevents frostbite better. I know from experience. Army Ranger Norwegian/Russian border 1998.

[@simplicitas5113]

Respect from a Marine Reserve, NO Rangers are tougher than vikings

[@TobiasLundqvist-ys2xw]

Stronger together! Go NATO!! 💙💛💙💛💙💛💙💛 Greetings from Sweden.

[@hakanottosson9023]

-20 C is not extreme cold. It is normal winter. When it gets down to -40 it is extreme.

[@somebody2468]

True that, anything warmer than -20C is exceptionally warm winter.

[@thomasl2974]

Nice to some soldiers from Nylands brigad. The gear has developed quite much since I did my time there though. I remember jumpping on and off of the landing craft vessels. I don’t miss it. It was in the early days when the coastal jaeger activities was moved to Dragsvik.

[@johanneshautamaki8962]

Hatten bort med stor respekt! Kanoniär i NylBr Pjäsbatteri 2/96 😊

[@wyomarine-m5s]

I did a MedCruise in 1975 with BLT 1/2, (my recon plt was attached), we trained with the Royal Marines and San Marco Brigade in Sardinia and Turkey. We did our cold weather training at Camp Drum NY in Feb-March, 75.

[@nixxonnor]

Actually, when being out in the field for days, I find that the temperatures around the freezing point with wind and precipitation is worse than when it is somewhat colder, in the range -2°C to -12°C. When it gets -20°C and colder, that's another story. Especially when being stuck in a position at night during sound and light discipline (sitting still, no fire, no heating)

[@dennislindqvist1265]

If you're not used to the cold, it's hard to even function. But fortunately, the body adapts quickly.

[@andersjankov7178]

Welcome to Norway it’s always a pleasure to have you!!

[@JohnClark-q1j]

So what was the hardest thing during this exercise? "It was getting the darn backpacks into the ship!" 😂😂😂

[@micheltibon6552]

Amazing. Sweden joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on 7 March 2024. Before applying for NATO membership, Sweden had maintained a policy of neutrality in military affairs since the Napoleonic Wars, after which Sweden adopted a policy of "non-alignment in peace and neutrality in war". Finland has been a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) since 4 April 2023.

[@redhedkev1]

It's not just that the Nordic military members are just so good... their kit, Archer mobile artillery, the landing/attack watercraft, Grippen fighter jets that take off from roadways, Carl Gustav recoilless rifles...it just goes on. A major addition to NATO. Unique and quite fearsome. No doubt Russia did not like this in the least.

[@j.b.macadam6516]

It is good to see the European and Scandinavian Nations working so closely together. I served in NATO during the late 70's, and cooperation and integration of this sort was not so common.

[@zenon7094]

Always dress up warmly up there!! Greetings from Germany

[@malinyamato]

I have served as an officer, in a rifle company on skies pulling stuff by sleds as part of an Arctic brigade Norrbottensbrigaden operating above the Arctic Circle and would love to hear how the Marines liked it up there? As I heard our excellent skies made of birch tree named vita Blixen (white thunders) are going to be replaced with NATO skies. I know Nylands Brigade, a brigade consisting of Swedish-speaking staff, but I was not aware that they now may operate far north far away from the finish southern coastline, which sounds odd to me as all other brigades in Finlands are better suited for harsh winter combat and that Nylands Brigad is very much needed down there on the other side of St Petersburg. Most of my relatives fought during the winter war in northern Finland against the Soviet 7th army and have served in the jäger brigade formed at Sodankylä, a unit specialized in warfare under extreme winter conditions. I was born in the far northern part of east Finland and guess you have to be born up there to endure this sort of stuff as there are thousands of different kinds of mistakes you may make as not being born into this, one mistake and you freeze-to-death. Units there may endure exercises during peacetime, but during real combat, the situation is totally different where you disregard all the dangers of cold winter to survive yet another hour not getting hit, but you won't survive to the next day or weak because (some examples) you didn't protect your feet from getting wet or did not ensure that you carry wood or fuel to keep you warm, to make water and your food edible. Commanders easily make mistakes by not rotating companies or battalions way before they get tired as when you are tired you freeze more and there is no power left to undertake all the hard work to camp which is way much harder than during the summer. If you lost your tent with a stove then you must dig into the snow to make a cave to stay above the freezing level, which is very very damn hard, and you will most likely get wet. Having years of experience with that such as leading a platoon some 3 to 4 days across mountain areas during winter digging snow caves to sleep I know that nights out there can be a series of freezing hell with no sleep, a trauma you never forget. What do you do if your boots turn into panzer during the night? Thus, I doubt that US Marines are up to the task of enduring and fighting under such harsh conditions -- it's quite chilly up there. Wet feet n' you die.

[@gmclop2338]

Some of these clips look so unreal but still very cool

[@CL32582]

🇺🇸 🤝 🇳🇴 🇫🇮 🇸🇪 🇮🇹

[@MaineOffGrid.]

Thank you all for your service. Our foreign partners don’t go unnoticed. ❤ From the USA.

[@variksenmarja7534]

feels good to have more friends up here in the north, winter is coming

[@Nykr]

Very interesting video. Warm greetings from Norway!

[@buzz5969]

Those Swede CB90 combat boats are sweet, better than anything we have! 🇺🇸✌🏻🍻

[@Draco_Nex]

I think the US Navy 7th fleet area have a couple of them for several years, but they are probably going to get replaced. They are modified and renamed to "Riverine Command Boat".

[@GermanGreetings]

Thank You for this Video👍...and a compliment to the Camera Team ❤

[@janko6608]

Nice. Greetings from Finland. We have a lot to offer in this area.

[@CloudHugger79]

As a norwegian it feels so good to finally be united with our nordic brothers from Finland and Sweden under one NATO flag :)

[@user-irj1nxa3cof2z]

Shoutout to All NATO MEMBERS 🤟🏻

[@mightyfinland8118]

This video was great! Thanks!

[@mightyfinland8118]

We were also there to make a video of our own, though mainly of the OPFOR 😅

[@chrisward7582]

Legends 🇺🇸 🇸🇪 🇫🇮 💪

[@Stu78b]

Somehow, I feel safer now, I have always had the feeling that Sweden and Norway are our "big brothers" in good times and bad, like big brothers, they help us in times of need just as we would help them in their times of need. Whether we are in NATO or not, but now we have the whole NATO community in the background and their people's training somehow feels so familiar and safe. I hope to see you all my brothers from different NATO countries in the coming exercises. The old fart from Finland.

[@alexanderbalsvik592]

All Nordics stand together, Love from Norway.

[@unfathomablyunfathomable]

love from sweden

[@chrishackett554]

Former 0352 who did two NATO ops in Norway 1986 and 1987. Semper Fi!

[@larsrons7937]

It's good to see they learn and evolve well during these excercises. To all involved: Thank you for your service.

[@sgtjarhead99]

I was deployed twice on a float. Being on a big ship does not mean more room. It's just an excuse to cram more Marines onto it.

[@majuho8143]

Great video, thanks!

[@Shadyclyde]

Modern day Vikings, looking cool

[@jonboymk1bridgemaryfront889]

All these different Europeans joining the Club. Think of all that different tactics that these different countries bring to the CLUB💪🇬🇧✌️

[@kar428]

Well done. Good video

[@real.Gravity]

love from Australia, NATO

[@8888shooter]

👏👏👏👍👍👍....these guys are bloody amazing!!!.👍...bloody tough, 👊 and resilient!!... cracking job lads!!👌👍👍😁.......thanks NATO videos, very interesting film.👍

[@Pete-Rocks]

One word, Respect!

[@RAYANDERS-w4t]

THANKS !!!!!!!!!!!

[@Slothstop]

God bless our NATO brothers and sisters, love from the UK

[@amadeuz8161]

Our language is FinSwe so more similar to the old king Swe, not today's Swe. Depending on what region of Sweden its some times easier to understand someone from Norway than Sweden(In Stockholm I had to speak Eng with a girl from the younger generations so that is how close we are as languages. Probably pretty similar to UK eng and US eng so it depends but you can't assume the other one understands you). Then they don't have to speak FinSwe as their first language to go there, but they sure need to have one parent FinSwe to probably have a good enough language skill to be able to do their service there. Like my lieutenant was Fin speaking as first language but I assume he had a FinSwe wife to be able to speak almost without braking in Fin. Plus that we had recruits with that had Fin as first language. My point is that the education is in FinSwe, but first language can be Fin or FinSwe.

[@stacyhackney6100]

Thank you for your service

[@tbo2307]

The modern Norwegian army was forged in the north during the vold war. If a unit can function in these conditions, it is ready for warfighting. The combination of the north atlantic and the mountains can produce warm weather and rain followed by -20c just some hours later. That makes a… challenge.

[@kai7778.]

You will never walk alone! You will never fight alone 💯! Finnish army training is rigorous. Finns are exceptional marksmen and snipers, used to excel in most harsh climate. Finns can introduce and teach whole new level of asymmetric warfare to NATO Forces 💯👍

[@SavannahChild]

Thank you!

[@janemariehoward]

My son is a Marine based in Stuttgart, Germany. He does the scheduling for Marines going for Nordic training.

[@Funwarth]

Biggest respect! Really tough guys! 💪🏼 And I'm so proud about NATO! My family feels very safe with you. Thank you! 🙏🏼

[@elektrotehnik94]

Countries & militaries of NATO need to invest more in promoting the truth & building awareness of NATO's combined capabilities. 🏆 We need to engage heavily in the informational space of modern warfare, and be rapid + responsive in doing so. 👍 With our enemies dominating the informational space & lying/ deceiving at every step... We have a lot of catching up to do. 💪❤

[@ArnoldLarsen90]

The Kalmar Union is back in town boys

[@mikebiller25]

Impressive video.

[@GSimmfour]

I watched the video, now I get that this is to show how the Marines fight in all temperatures, but anyone who knows the cold or working in sub zero Temps will watch this and have a chuckle. Yes there is snow where this video shoot took place, but the temp couldn't have been under -5°c which maybe -15°c at night. You barely see there breath in vapor, also to be honest in that temp, they are over dressed in there layers, anyone experienced in cold weather knows that you sweat more in cold weather gear, and in deep snow you burn more energy which when both Temps of 0°c to -25°c if you are not conditioned to cold sweating will kill, also usually takes at least 3 weeks for your skin to thicken up. Also there fire is too big, the bigger the fire the heat forces you away from flames, and you behind, back still cold. I am Metis, been taught this as a kid, always I see non natives make fires too big, you never see mountain men or natives do that. Finns dressed better than Americans but not all Finns are experienced in far north cold weather prepared or experienced. But I also understand that this is a training mission and video to explain what is trying to be shown to the majority. If the Marines want to get tier 1 training they may want to get Canadian Rangers to help them, also if anyone does any research on CAD Rangers and laughs at the arms they use being 100 year old Enfields and side arms, they will educate you on the difference between a modern carbine and what they use in extreme, just ask any Polar bear what they fear the most. 😊

[@boromirofmiddleearth557]

The Canadians would be a great asset in Artic warfare! The US defintely needs to train with the Canadians in cold artic mountainous warfare!

[@TheIrishvolunteer]

Damn! You guys are making the army look like a VERY appealing career choice...

[@Triistone]

6:50 most talkative finn

[@truesullivan8033]

Stand strong together! 💪

[@wiking3520]

Suomi 🇫🇮🙏Long live FDF!

[@JJadx]

if you showed this to any commander before 1945 you'd get declared a lunatic. hopefully one day there's so many countries in NATO we run out of enemies

[@Twikkilol]

My will is not even strong enough to stay away from chocolate. I'm glad there are souls like this, thanks for your service!

[@alexgostev8261]

We need you in Ukraine, guys. You're so cool 💪👍

[@Muffinman2nd]

🤝🙏🙌👍 big thanks from the US

[@F-15E_StrikeEagle]

best alliance in history since the allies in ww2

[@瓦森]

We Finns didn't like allies back then, because their main big country next to us (USSR, Russia de facto) did not want our dear country to exist at all. So in 1941-44 we had no option but stay with axis.

[@sittingbull22322]

Awesome work.

[@mainiotaainetta]

Yes! With swedish tech and finnish skis we are pretty much geard up for the certain threat.👍

[@mikemilk2653]

That one finnish soldier must be somewhere in south or west Finland were ground is mostly quite flat. North, central and east part in Finland are not so flat. Sure those Norwegian mountains are so differend class.

[@travelbagphotography]

Pretty sure the narrator meant to say 'minus' twenty is dangerous, not twenty! PS. One melts snow and boils water. Sorry to criticise. Beautiful cinematography!

[@axelbjork8063]

10:53 That picture hits hard

[@spehhhsssmarineer8961]

Semper Fi Marines ❤

[@foxytv4896]

Far from the theatrics of Hollywood.....they had engaged a very well 'trained' film crew to make this piece of 'film' very shiny.

[@Thetequilashooter1]

I’m glad to see NATO countries all training together. I am just glad that it’s not me. As an old man, I hate cold weather.

[@UndercoverPirate69]

Pro-tip: Never boil the yellow snow

[@keisari9151]

These videos are so good and well made, i dont understand how they get so little views.

[@AnderzL7]

3:07 "Drops below -20 degrees"* maybe?

[@Kukkakukko]

It is very dangerous to sunbathe at 19°C, one might get sunburn or even cancer!

[@RahulDevanarayanan]

Or 20F - though i think the most dangerous window is 29F - 45F and wet. 20F and snow/ice or dry is fine, just need wind protection and adequate insulation. Wet ruins everything and gets you hypothermic so fast.

[@Valokaari]

Always glad to have our American allies here! Hope you guys had a fun time! #StrongerTogether

[@HennyWho_7]

The need ducted paramotor backpacks….design Em just for cross country skiing where you can aim your weapon but change direction maybe even pack a parachute and lift off

[@33d672]

The best thing ever is when finns speak swedish