In the early 1970's, during the "Cold War", the Royal Marines began to specialise in Arctic Warfare in order to help defend NATO's Northern flank in North Norway.
For several decades 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines has predominated in its expertise in extreme cold weather regions, and elements of the brigade deploy to Norway annually for a three-month training period to enhance its unique extreme cold weather warfare skills.
Cold Weather Warfare Training within the RMR
In order to be able to fully integrate with their regular counterparts, members of the RMR are encouraged to undergo Cold Weather Warfare Training (CWWT).
For 2 weeks every second year, all five of the RMR units deploy RMR ranks to conduct centralised CWWT in Norway or on some occasions in the Western USA with the USMC.
CWWT for the RMR is broken into 3 stages;
- Novice Ski & Survival Course (NSSC)
- Winter Warfare Course (WWC)
- Continuation Training
Each stage is a two-week training package, RMR ranks must successfully complete each course, in order to progress the next stage on a subsequent deployment. On completion of the Winter Warfare Course, RMR ranks are considered Arctic Warfare Trained (AWT) and may undergo continuation training with the RMR or the Corps.
Novice Ski & Survival Course (NSSC)
The purpose of this course is to introduce Marines to living and moving in arctic conditions in order that they can "Survive to fight, instead of merely fighting to survive". Novices are taught the dangers of frostbite and hypothermia, how to live and survive in the arctic and the use of 4 man tents and snow holes for shelter. In addition novices are taught how to travel across the terrain on cross country skis and snowshoes.
Winter Warfare Course (WWC)
This course is designed to develop the Marines in the techniques employed in order to fight effectively in arctic conditions. Marines learn how to use and maintain their weapons and equipment in arctic conditions. They are also introduced and exercised in the variations in tactics and camouflage required in arctic operations. Finally they take part in a tactical exercise, carrying out patrols, ambushes and attacks, in many cases navigating at night, traveling on skis, while carrying up to 100lbs of equipment that is required to fight and survive in the arctic.
Continuation Training
After their basic AWT, marines then practice and hone their arctic warfare skills on subsequent annual deployments with the RMR or the Corps. Marines with suitable experience in arctic warfare then have the opportunity to attend the 4-week Military Ski Instructor (MSI) course, which provides the qualifications required to instruct Marines on the NSSC and WWC.