David Hoffman | A Marine Corps Platoon Leaves An Aircraft Carrier In North Norway @DavidHoffmanFilmmaker | Uploaded September 2024 | Updated October 2024, 1 hour ago.
I made a public television special on the United States Marines doing cold-weather exercises in North Norway against Norway's Citizen Army. Here is the complete documentary - youtu.be/CBjOQuIgNs4.
The United States Marines participated in cold-weather training exercises in Northern Norway near the Arctic Circle. These maneuvers were designed to enhance military readiness in extreme conditions and to reinforce the U.S. commitment to NATO and European security.
The exercises were necessity for ensuring readiness for any potential conflicts that may arise in such climates. This included learning how to survive, move, and fight in extreme cold and snowy conditions. The training covers a wide range of military operations, from basic survival skills to complex combat maneuvers.
Marines practiced combat tactics that were adapted for cold-weather conditions. This included live-fire exercises, navigation training, and the use of camouflage in snowy environments. The exercises were designed to improve coordination and effectiveness in conducting military operations against adversaries under challenging conditions.
There was a focus on the use and maintenance of weapons, tents, and other gear that were designed for cold-weather operations. Marines were trained to ensure that equipment functioned properly in low temperatures and snowy conditions.
The lifestyle of Marine Corps troops on an aircraft carrier is tight. Marines typically live in tightly packed quarters, with multiple bunks stacked in a shared space (often referred to as racks). Privacy is limited, and personal space is minimal. Each Marine has a small locker or storage space for personal belongings.
Despite the confined space on the ship, physical fitness remains a priority. Marines usually find ways to work out in designated gyms or spaces on the ship.
Marines ensure that their weapons and gear are in peak condition. Regular cleaning and inspections are part of their routine. Marines spend a significant amount of time preparing for the mission they’re traveling to, whether it’s combat, humanitarian assistance, or a training exercise. Officers and senior enlisted personnel hold briefings to discuss the mission plan, go over intelligence, and outline expectations.
Marines eat in the galley (mess hall) alongside Navy personnel. Meals are usually served in shifts to accommodate the large number of people onboard. The quality of food varies but generally consists of standard military fare.
Life aboard a carrier is cramped and noisy with little personal space or privacy. Marines must adapt to these conditions, sharing tight living quarters and dealing with the constant hum of ship machinery. Long stretches at sea can be mentally and emotionally taxing. The lack of fresh air, confinement to a small area, and limited contact with the outside world can lead to boredom or cabin fever. Marines rely on camaraderie and structured routines to maintain morale.
Marines and Navy sailors share the carrier and work closely together. The Navy is responsible for running the ship, while Marines focus on preparing for their missions. This close interaction fosters a sense of teamwork, but it can also lead to friendly rivalries between the two branches. The aircraft carrier is a busy, high-tempo environment, especially with flight operations. While Marines are not directly involved in flying jets or maintaining the flight deck (those are Navy responsibilities), they must be aware of the ship’s operations and how it impacts their routines, particularly safety protocols.
A Marine Corps platoon leader, typically a second lieutenant, has significant responsibilities in leading a platoon, which consists of 40-50 Marines. The platoon leader is responsible for setting the example, motivating, and leading their Marines. They ensure the welfare, discipline, and training of their platoon. They have command authority over their platoon and must make critical decisions in both training and combat environments.
I want to thank the platoon of Marines that took care of us during the shoot which was so physically difficult for us carrying our film equipment. There were many times where I could go on no longer in a Marine picked up my camera and gear and carried it up the hill in the snow for me.
I made a public television special on the United States Marines doing cold-weather exercises in North Norway against Norway's Citizen Army. Here is the complete documentary - youtu.be/CBjOQuIgNs4.
The United States Marines participated in cold-weather training exercises in Northern Norway near the Arctic Circle. These maneuvers were designed to enhance military readiness in extreme conditions and to reinforce the U.S. commitment to NATO and European security.
The exercises were necessity for ensuring readiness for any potential conflicts that may arise in such climates. This included learning how to survive, move, and fight in extreme cold and snowy conditions. The training covers a wide range of military operations, from basic survival skills to complex combat maneuvers.
Marines practiced combat tactics that were adapted for cold-weather conditions. This included live-fire exercises, navigation training, and the use of camouflage in snowy environments. The exercises were designed to improve coordination and effectiveness in conducting military operations against adversaries under challenging conditions.
There was a focus on the use and maintenance of weapons, tents, and other gear that were designed for cold-weather operations. Marines were trained to ensure that equipment functioned properly in low temperatures and snowy conditions.
The lifestyle of Marine Corps troops on an aircraft carrier is tight. Marines typically live in tightly packed quarters, with multiple bunks stacked in a shared space (often referred to as racks). Privacy is limited, and personal space is minimal. Each Marine has a small locker or storage space for personal belongings.
Despite the confined space on the ship, physical fitness remains a priority. Marines usually find ways to work out in designated gyms or spaces on the ship.
Marines ensure that their weapons and gear are in peak condition. Regular cleaning and inspections are part of their routine. Marines spend a significant amount of time preparing for the mission they’re traveling to, whether it’s combat, humanitarian assistance, or a training exercise. Officers and senior enlisted personnel hold briefings to discuss the mission plan, go over intelligence, and outline expectations.
Marines eat in the galley (mess hall) alongside Navy personnel. Meals are usually served in shifts to accommodate the large number of people onboard. The quality of food varies but generally consists of standard military fare.
Life aboard a carrier is cramped and noisy with little personal space or privacy. Marines must adapt to these conditions, sharing tight living quarters and dealing with the constant hum of ship machinery. Long stretches at sea can be mentally and emotionally taxing. The lack of fresh air, confinement to a small area, and limited contact with the outside world can lead to boredom or cabin fever. Marines rely on camaraderie and structured routines to maintain morale.
Marines and Navy sailors share the carrier and work closely together. The Navy is responsible for running the ship, while Marines focus on preparing for their missions. This close interaction fosters a sense of teamwork, but it can also lead to friendly rivalries between the two branches. The aircraft carrier is a busy, high-tempo environment, especially with flight operations. While Marines are not directly involved in flying jets or maintaining the flight deck (those are Navy responsibilities), they must be aware of the ship’s operations and how it impacts their routines, particularly safety protocols.
A Marine Corps platoon leader, typically a second lieutenant, has significant responsibilities in leading a platoon, which consists of 40-50 Marines. The platoon leader is responsible for setting the example, motivating, and leading their Marines. They ensure the welfare, discipline, and training of their platoon. They have command authority over their platoon and must make critical decisions in both training and combat environments.
I want to thank the platoon of Marines that took care of us during the shoot which was so physically difficult for us carrying our film equipment. There were many times where I could go on no longer in a Marine picked up my camera and gear and carried it up the hill in the snow for me.
