The Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies hosted the inaugural “NATO in the North” virtual training at Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson, Alaska, from September 16–18, 2025. Conducted in partnership with Norway’s Centre of Excellence for Cold Weather Operations, the course addressed NATO’s growing needs on the northern flank following Finland and Sweden’s accession.
A total of 117 participants from 17 nations took part in expert panels, interactive workshops, and a scenario-driven capstone exercise simulating a potential Arctic crisis. Discussions focused on the challenges of operating in subzero temperatures, the importance of sustainment, and the performance of equipment under extreme cold conditions with limited daylight.
Organizers highlighted that this was the first program jointly developed by the Stevens Center and an international partner. With Norway, Sweden, and Finland bringing valuable winter warfare expertise, the initiative aimed to improve NATO’s ability to conduct joint operations in the High North.
The course also explored the vast distances, restricted communications, and harsh environment of the Arctic, stressing that effective logistics and unified doctrine are essential to turn deterrence into credible capability.
For the U.S., the program reflects Alaska’s dual role as both a training ground and an integral part of homeland defense, while strengthening transatlantic knowledge-sharing on cold-weather operations.
