US Army 10th Mountain Division Enhances Arctic Warfare Readiness in Gothic Sentinel Cold-Weather Exercise.

U.S. Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI), conducted an intensive military exercise on February 20, 2025, at the Camp Ethan Allen Firing Range in Vermont. The exercise occurred in harsh, snow-covered terrain and was part of Exercise Gothic Sentinel. This event tested the soldiers’ abilities to execute tactical maneuvers, refine battlefield communication, and improve suppressive fire techniques—all of which are critical in cold-weather combat environments.
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Spc. Jason Stevens (left) and Spc. Yeons Tomas, assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI), maneuver between support-by-fire positions during a blank-fire exercise as part of Exercise Gothic Sentinel at Camp Ethan Allen Firing Range, Vermont, on February 20, 2025. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

The training focused on the challenges of moving between support-by-fire positions under simulated combat conditions. Soldiers navigated difficult terrain, including knee-deep snow and freezing temperatures, which required physical endurance and adaptability to extreme conditions. Such rigorous training is essential for ensuring soldiers are ready for combat in environments that demand unique skills, such as cold-weather operations, where the harsh environment itself can be as much of an enemy as any opposing force.

The 10th Mountain Division (LI), long recognized for its expertise in cold-weather operations, was able to hone these skills during Exercise Gothic Sentinel further. Soldiers such as those in the 2nd Battalion refined their ability to suppress enemy positions while maintaining secure firing positions and executing rapid movements across difficult terrain. Blank-fire exercises provided a realistic but safe setting to practice these critical maneuvers without the risks associated with live ammunition. The training aimed to enhance the soldiers' readiness to respond rapidly and effectively to battlefield situations, where effective communication and the ability to coordinate suppressive fire are crucial to mission success.

The importance of cold-weather training has grown significantly in recent years, especially as the U.S. military focuses more on preparing for operations in the Arctic and other frigid regions. As global security dynamics shift, particularly with increasing strategic interest in the Arctic, cold-weather warfare capabilities are becoming more important. With its vast and extreme environment, the Arctic region poses unique challenges, including difficult terrain, harsh weather conditions, and the need for specialized equipment and tactics. This makes the training provided by the 10th Mountain Division more relevant than ever, as the U.S. seeks to maintain its strategic advantage in the region.

Cold-weather operations require specialized skills and a unique mental toughness that soldiers in the 10th Mountain Division are trained to develop. Lieutenant Colonel James Harper, Commander of the 2nd Battalion, stressed the importance of such training, noting that exercises like Gothic Sentinel are key to ensuring that soldiers can perform at their best in these extreme conditions. The division’s continued focus on developing soldiers who can operate effectively in cold environments is critical to preparing for potential missions in the Arctic, where both state and non-state actors could contest future military operations.

Training like this also strengthens the cohesion of the unit. By refining tactics, techniques, and procedures in such a demanding environment, soldiers improve their individual skills and enhance their unit's overall operational effectiveness. Teamwork and communication are important in cold-weather operations, where the environment can impact every decision and movement. In these settings, soldiers must remain focused, work closely with their comrades, and trust in their training to succeed.

As the U.S. military faces an increasing number of adversaries capable of operating in extreme environments, preparing for operations in the Arctic is no longer optional but a necessity. Through exercises like Gothic Sentinel, the 10th Mountain Division ensures that U.S. forces are ready to engage in various combat scenarios, including those that may occur in the frigid, unpredictable climates of the Arctic region. The ability to operate effectively in such an environment requires constant training, adaptability, and the integration of new tactics and technologies to overcome the challenges posed by the cold.

The 10th Mountain Division (LI) remains a vital force in preparing U.S. forces for the unique demands of cold-weather warfare. With its long-standing history and expertise in operating in harsh, mountainous terrain, the division continues to play a key role in ensuring that the U.S. military is ready to respond to any challenge, whether in the Arctic or elsewhere. Through continued training and development, the division ensures its soldiers remain capable, lethal, and effective—ready to face the challenges of modern warfare, regardless of the environment.