Donnelly Training Area, Alaska. (March 11, 2022): We all hate our daily commute, the noise, slow moving traffic, and the endless wait for the light to change.  Not so for Army Specialist Josh Wyant. In this photo by John Pennell, Wyant is on patrol preparing for the annual Cold Weather Readiness Exercise held at Donnelly Training Area, Alaska.

Located on 624 acres 100 miles south of Fairbanks, the Donnelly Training Area hosts annual cold weather exercises to test combat efficiency of units in freezing conditions and at high altitude. For two weeks each year, over 10,000 infantry and artillery soldiers drill as part of a joint Pacific/Multi-national war games that test a soldier’s ability to perform under hostile conditions.

The Army recently released its “Artic Strategy” putting greater emphasis on expanding military capability in this part of the world. Key to this new strategy is the addition of a new 11th Airborne Brigade from elements of the 25th Infantry Division’s Tropic Lightning Division based in Hawaii.  This “Artic Force” will guard America’s shipping lanes and protect America’s northern flank from attack.

Don’t “freeze up” when it is time to donate to Support Our Troops.org, a non-profit charity dedicated to supporting our Artic Warriors because If they’re there, we’re with ‘em®

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