MAGTF-25 Marines Combat the Cold
by Cpl. Enrique Saenz
Marine Corps News
March 08, 2005
NAMDALSEID, Norway - The United States Marine Corps is known for making Marines and winning battles. Exercise Battle Griffin 2005 in Norway trains Marines for a different sort of battle - one against the elements.
The Marines of Marine Air Ground Task Force 25 have endured everything the Norwegian skies could throw at them - from relentless flurries of snow or sleet to well below freezing temperatures and a bitter wind chill.
Prior to departing for Norway, most of the Marines underwent cold weather training that included topics such as use of warming tents, camp stoves, snowshoes and sleeping systems. Upon arrival, they immediately learned how to drive on snow and ice, how to heat MRE's and stay hydrated. The Marines attest that there is no substitute for the real thing.
"It's my first time being this cold," said Lance Cpl. Frank Lamar, a Mobile Ala. native with Combat Service Support Detachment 44. "I'd seen snow before, but the wind and the cold…it's a lot more than I expected."
To protect themselves from the harsh environment Marines drew a unique uniform issue of cold weather gear.
"Everyone's walking around in the cold weather boots, Gore-Tex and the heavyweight fleece we've issued," said Lance Cpl. Ojibwa D. Miller, a warehouseman with CSSD-44. "It's not normal issue, but we've had to adapt for the exercise. There's no possible way we could've (successfully) completed this exercise without that issued gear."
The weather not only made Marines uncomfortable, it caused two MAGTF Marines to come down with a mild case of frostbite and caused several cold vehicle accidents.
"I think my Marines have developed a sense of respect for the cold weather environment," said Sgt. Maj. Patrick E. Anderson, the MAGTF sergeant major. "Its effect on their bodies and their equipment has made them think twice about coming to the field unprepared and overconfident."
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