Paratroopers 'break the ice' with JEF and NATO allies March 2023

The first thing you must learn before taking on the challenge of fighting as the enemy on a demanding exercise in Norway’s High North is how to survive in the extreme cold weather climate. 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (2 PARA) has worked with Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) partners and NATO allies to test their physical capabilities and mental resilience on Exercise Joint Viking, amid deep snow and temperatures dipping below -20°C.

Their training began with a three-week extensive cold weather training course, ensuring that they were at their highest state of preparedness for the challenges ahead.

Private Downs from 2 PARA, said. “The cold weather training we participated in three weeks prior was really beneficial. It taught us how to operate and sustain ourselves in an extreme environment.”

 They learned how to hunt, take shelter, and to navigate across treacherous and dangerous environments. Although these lessons may have appeared straightforward on paper, when adding in the arduous elements of Norway, this was a whole new challenge.

 Private Reed from 2 PARA, said “It’s a great opportunity for us to come to Norway and learn from the Norwegian Army as they are the experts in cold weather combat and it’s a chance for us to share our skill sets with each other.”

The demanding exercise saw the British Army act as the ‘enemy’ for the first time in over 25 years. They joined the Norwegian Army and US Marine Corps to delay the Dutch Marines and German forces elements making their way south. A key mission saw Colchester-based 2 PARA launch an air assault mission in Commando Helicopter Force Merlin helicopters to successfully block the advance of their enemy.

Lieutenant Colonel David Middleton, 2 PARA’s Commanding Officer, said, “Exercise Joint Viking presents a positive experience to learn from our JEF partners and other allies and to share the

British Army’s own unique skill sets. We pride ourselves on good soldiering and this is a great environment to truly test our training and capabilities.”

2 PARA is part of 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team, the British Army’s Global Response Force, which is held at very high readiness to respond to international crises.

Commander Field Army, Lieutenant General Ralph Wooddisse visited the troops on the ground. He said: “16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team, and 2 PARA specifically, are demonstrating the Global Response Force’s capability to deploy at reach in adverse conditions, such as the extreme cold weather.”