New marine rotational force deploys to Norway

Approximately 350 marines and sailors of 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, have deployed to Norway for a two-month training deployment. The marines and sailors of the 'Teufelhunden Battalion' are the next rotational deployment of Marine Rotational Force-Europe. After a quarantine period at their training location in Norway, to mitigate the risk of COVID exposure and transmission, the marines will conduct bilateral arctic warfare training, improve interoperability, and strengthen defense capabilities alongside Norwegian allies.

This is the first rotation of shorter MRF-E deployments, announced by the Marine Corps in August 2020. Marine Rotational Force-Europe’s deployment will be synchronized with the Norwegian Armed Forces’ arctic training and will allow for increased operational flexibility for the Marine Corps.

“Norway offers challenging terrain and unique training opportunities to improve our cold-weather and mountain-warfare skills, enabling our force to fight and win in arctic conditions,” said Lt. Col. Ryan Gordinier, commander of 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. “The ‘Teufelhunden Battalion’ looks forward to continuing our historic relationship and strengthening our alliance with the Norwegian military.”

During their deployment, the new MRF-E will participate in cold-weather warfare and survival training, led by Norwegian Army instructors; participate in a variety of field training events in rugged, arctic conditions alongside Norwegian Army allies; and participate in Exercise Reindeer II, a major Norwegian Army-led field exercise in northern Norway.

Marine Rotational Force-Europe 21.1 is expected to operate in Norway several times over the coming year, with a larger follow-on rotation scheduled in early 2021. The Marine Rotational Force plans to conduct various exercises alongside allied forces for continued inoperability and arctic training.

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