Fighting in an arctic environment requires a different approach than fighting in the desert or in an urban environment. The arctic is similar to the jungle because the environment is just as hostile as the enemy. You will have to pack specific items and have a plan to fight off the enemy and the environment at the same time. This is not an easy environment to fight in, which is why Alaska and Northern Canada are popular locations for experiencing and learning winter warfare strategy and tactics. However, the complexity becomes compounded when you conduct these operations in Rural areas near large population centers.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES
Just to give you an idea of the environment, it is not uncommon to see extreme cold temperatures (-40 Degrees) coupled with extremely dry hurricane force winds and over a foot of snow accumulation overnight. Also, at the height of winter, the amount of sunlight is often less than 5 hours. In the rural areas of Alaska, you can expect sporadic civilization beginning 20 miles outside of major cities. Few cities exist far off of the main highways, but there are plenty of off-grid locations that lack a road for standard vehicular access. Most of the land is thickly wooded with dead undergrowth that only slightly limits visibility, giving you at least 100 meters of visibility in all directions. The areas that are open are either due to the land being swampy, a frozen lake, or property. The terrain is a somewhat random mixture of hills, mountain ranges, flatlands, and rolling micro-terrain. I hope that this description gives you a basic, but healthy understanding of the complex nature of this hostile environment.
TACTICAL MOVEMENT
The movement I am talking about here is that which is carried out with the intent to find the enemy or approach the enemy unnoticed without a significant loss in speed. This environment severely limits this ability due to the noise created and the obvious sign left by snow. Also add in the fact that the weather requires more layers and more weight. Therefore, the ability for a unit to carry out long range patrols or movements without constant rest breaks is severely restricted. These rest breaks are needed to keep the body from accumulating excessive amounts of sweat, which can cause hypothermia and death if not treated properly and in a timely manner. On the other hand, movement is necessary in order to combat the cold and prevent debilitating frost bite.
The best method of maneuver for extreme cold weather environments is all dependent on the terrain. In some circumstances, fast movement for a short duration may be necessary for crossing open terrain, pursuing an enemy, or moving to reinforce a friendly unit. In a patrol, it’s a good idea to conduct Ranger File movements with large dispersion and few rest breaks. This allows for the best silent movement, enhanced awareness, and minimizes the sign left by patrol.
TACTICAL MANEUVER
Maneuvering against the enemy in any terrain requires speed and alertness. The arctic tends to deteriorate both due to the increase in layers and effects of the cold. Maneuvering will require power and agility in up to knee high snow, which will require good strength and conditioning of the legs in order to ram through the thick snow. There is also an element of core conditioning needed since your legs will be fighting to move out of an arrested position while your torso will be free to move, creating a balance issue. Added is the fact that snow often hides micro-terrain such as dips and rises that can be a tripping or ankle rolling hazard.
MEDICAL CONSIDERATIONS
In the arctic, you have more medical problems to prepare for such as cold weather injuries, and things such as TQ and bandage application become more difficult from the added layers of clothing. This necessitates training and practice in medical treatment of wounds. In the Korean war, soldiers and Marines found that leaving wounds exposed to the freezing temperatures helped stop the bleeding in lieu of a TQ or bandage. It may be a good idea to understand how you might use the cold in a similar manner, depending on the risk vs reward balance.
WEAPONS MAINTENANCE
If you are going to effective at fighting in this extreme environment, you must have a respect for how it can affect the function of your weapons. Ammunition can lose velocity, lubes can freeze, and metal surfaces can be frozen together from ice or warping. In most cases, the highest recommendation is to leave a very thin or dry film of lube on moving components and keep your weapons clean and dry. However, I have found that there are plenty of lubricants out there that are not petroleum based which can easily stay in liquid form, even at -40 degree temperatures. Products like SLIP 2000 Gun Lube or EWL are good choices in my experience.
CAMOUFLAGE
In any environment, a priority is to disrupt your visual signature and that of your gear. In an environment where snow is relatively deep and there is plenty of undergrowth, having snow camouflage trousers and fall season top camouflage is optimal. The rifle you use would be best broken up with either waterproof paint stripes, or cloth medical tape. The shape of your gear can be broken up by using strips of white sheets or shirts and tying them to parts of your gear that are around waste level. As with your rifle, the best idea is to use the white sparingly so it does not stand out in transition from snow to vegetation. With camouflage, you still need to remember you camouflage principles and adhere to them in order to maximize your stealth and make it more difficult for the enemy to spot you and get a good shot on your vital areas.
NECESSARY GEAR
In the arctic, with the environment being so hostile, requires extra tools in order to help you combat it. For the temperature and weather, you will want warming and protective layers such as fleece underlayers and outerwear such as a water-resistant/Gore-Tex parka. I personally like the British style parkas as they have a lot of pockets and storage areas for canteens to be kept warm against the body. And yes, I recommend canteens. Think about how fast a camelback will freeze up in these horrid conditions. A controversial subject is being selective about whether or not you incorporate body armor. If you are seeking out the enemy or conducting an assault, I can understand that. However, when the goal is stealth and/or speed over rough terrain, you would be wise to leave the body armor behind. Another piece of gear you will need is a good pair of gloves. These gloves can’t inhibit your ability to shoot, but must still be able to insulate your hands from the bitter cold.
When going on long range movements, you will want to have good snow shoes, snow boots, and a snow shovel for forming a shelter to prevent freezing to death. You may also want to consider having a little bit of veiling to hide your position from bare, IR, and thermal spotting. If spending the night under the stars in the arctic, you will want to have an appropriate sleeping bag to protect you, which is virtually non-existent, requiring multiple layers. With the sun raining down UV rays that are being reflected by the snow, you would be wise to carry a sunscreen to protect your skin, and a nonreflective UV blocking pair of sunglasses to protect your retinas from sunburn.
WRAPUP
Extreme cold weather can plague your tactical situation in many ways, but that just means that you need to train to a higher standard of endurance, tolerance, and control. It sucks just being out in the cold, but just imagine how it feels to have shots fired at you while the bitter cold is trying to suck the life out of you. You will need to work on adapting to the cold and fighting through discomfort if you want to survive. Beyond that, you will also need to have your gear in line so that you can survive and perform you mission successfully. This is no easy task, but it builds character.
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