View Gallery

Gallery contains 1 image

×

Photo 1 of 1

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe

U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, conduct a 3-mile hike using snowshoes during cold-weather training near Bjerkvik, Norway, March 8, 2020. Marines are in Norway preparing for Exercise Cold Response, a Norwegian-led exercise designed to enhance military capabilities and allied cooperation in high-intensity warfighting in a challenging arctic environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Isaiah Campbell)

Download image

Copy text

Photo by: Cpl. Isaiah Campbell 

Approximately 350 Marines and Sailors of 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, have deployed to Norway for a two-month training deployment.

The Marines and Sailors of the "Teufelhunden Battalion" are the next rotational deployment of Marine Rotational Force-Europe. After a quarantine
period at their training location in Norway, to mitigate the risk of COVID exposure and transmission, the Marines will conduct bilateral arctic warfare
training, improve interoperability, and strengthen defense capabilities alongside Norwegian allies.

This is the first rotation of shorter MRF-E deployments, announced by the Marine Corps in August 2020. Marine Rotational Force-Europe's deployment will be synchronized with the Norwegian Armed Forces' arctic training and will allow for increased operational flexibility for the Marine Corps.

"Norway offers challenging terrain and unique training opportunities to improve our cold-weather and mountain-warfare skills, enabling our force to
fight and win in arctic conditions," said Lt. Col. Ryan Gordinier, commander of 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. "The 'Teufelhunden Battalion' looks forward to continuing our historic relationship and strengthening our alliance with the Norwegian military."

During their deployment, the new MRF-E will participate in cold-weather warfare and survival training, led by Norwegian Army instructors;
participate in a variety of field training events in rugged, arctic conditions alongside Norwegian Army allies; and participate in Exercise Reindeer II, a major Norwegian Army-led field exercise in northern Norway.

Marine Rotational Force-Europe 21.1 is expected to operate in Norway several times over the coming year, with a larger follow-on rotation scheduled in early 2021. The Marine Rotational Force plans to conduct various exercises alongside allied forces for continued interoperability and arctic training.

Visit Marine Forces Europe and Africa for more.