CORE26 | Mastering the Ice: Norwegians Train U.S. Marines for Arctic Roads
SETERMOEN, NORWAY — The screech of tires echoes across the ice as a Humvee spins 180 degrees, completely out of control. For the U.S. Marine behind the wheel, it’s a vital lesson taught by Norwegian Army instructors: here in the High North, the difference between a controlled skid and a deadly rollover is training.
U.S. Marines and Sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, have already been completing cold weather training for months; their participation in a slippery driver training course from Jan. 26-27, 2026 is a critical part of their preparation for exercise Cold Response.
Exercise Cold Response 26 is a Norwegian-led winter military exercise designed to enhance collective defense capabilities, ensuring U.S. readiness to rapidly deploy and seamlessly operate alongside NATO Allies in challenging Arctic conditions. The exercise takes place in all three domains of air, land and sea with CLB-6 providing ground logistics support directly to 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, and various other units.
“A crucial aspect of supporting other units is safely executing that support,” said 2nd Lt. Daniel Charloins, a logistics officer with CLB-6, and the officer-in-charge during the course. “The narrow Norwegian roads combined with operating wide vehicles, all while on ice and snow, creates a higher risk for an accident. The training mitigates the risks to military personnel and civilians.”
The Norwegian-led course provides Marines and Sailors the opportunity to learn and practice how to safely and defensively operate tactical vehicles in Arctic terrain such as ice and snow.
“Even though I was ready for the vehicle to react differently to steering and braking on the ice,” said Sgt. Melissa Siance, a motor vehicle operator. “I was still surprised as you do not feel yourself sliding. It makes you think about how easily a dangerous situation can happen.”
Day one of the course focuses on teaching trained motor vehicle operators and those whose direct job or specialty involves operating a tactical vehicle, while day two focuses on alternative drivers such as backup drivers, specialties that require having a Marine with a license to operate tactical vehicles, and Marines who have a license to drive and operate a tactical vehicle but whose primary job is not motor vehicle operation.
“The training is split with half of the Marines learning, practicing, and competing to attach snow chains to vehicles, while the other half is driving on ice and learning obstacle avoidance. This results in Marines knowing how to quickly upgrade their vehicles in difficult terrain and navigate that terrain as well,” Charloins explained.
“I’ve done various missions in the Mojave Desert during other training exercises, but I have never driven in the snow, nor been to Norway before, so the whole environment is different especially growing up in a tropical environment,” said Siance, a native of Haiti. “I believe this training improved my ability to operate a tactical vehicle safely due to the Norwegian instructors showing us ways to maneuver, use our brakes efficiently, and safely. Also, by showing us tricks they use for their snow chains, that they use day-to-day, we got faster at attaching ours. I believe this training is essential for preventing incidents and saving lives and all tactical vehicle operators should attend this training.”
Exercise Cold Response 26 is a critical and routine training opportunity for the U.S. Marine Corps in realistic Arctic conditions, challenging Marines to operate in a demanding environment, honing warfighting skills, and refining advanced capabilities such as cold-weather logistics.
“It was a good experience getting instruction from the Norwegians and learning how they navigate their roadways in these conditions, which are routine for them and new to us,” said Charloins, a native of North Carolina. “The Marines always look forward to learning more from our Arctic allies.”
For decades, the U.S. Marine Corps and the Norwegian Armed Forces have trained side-by-side, building a foundation of trust and shared expertise that is invaluable during exercises like Cold Response. Ultimately, safety is the responsibility of all, and training like the slippery driver course underlines the commitment of NATO allies to safety and security across the region and at home.
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