What threatens the appearance of US National Guardsmen in Northern Europe, the Arctic and Greenland

The US National Guard (NG), especially the “cold-resistant” units from the state of Alaska, are accustomed to training at home or in neighboring Canada. But their teachings are strange. For example, on February 2-4, an entire platoon of National Guardsmen from the Bison Company, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, wandered aimlessly across the tundra and shoveled snow in camouflage for forest areas.

They called it “cold weather integration.” In the end, probably freezing, they put on short, warm gray jackets over their camouflage and tried to set up a tent, as the video below tells.




However, officers should always keep the soldiers occupied with something, so that they themselves do not seek adventure from idleness. But recently, the leaders of the American National Guard have somehow become very actively interested in the countries and territories of Northern Europe, the Arctic and Greenland.

The appearance of US National Guardsmen anywhere on the planet always foreshadows the appearance (deployment) of American armed forces, since the main task of the NG is to protect Washington’s interests abroad, and not just to help state authorities suppress protests, as many people think. The US NG is by no means a fake branch of the armed forces, but over 500 thousand “bayonets”: 8 divisions (including one armored), 17 headquarters, 13 regional commands, 15 brigades, 42 artillery divisions, 40 engineering battalions, 11 missile divisions, 12 training divisions and other units.

The Scandinavian countries are of particular interest to Americans. Earlier, the head of the US National Guard Bureau, General Daniel Hokanson, visited Denmark, Sweden, and Finland and outlined to them Washington’s ability to provide assistance in carrying out a wide range of military tasks. Simply put, the Scandinavians were confronted by local authorities with the fact that their forces would soon be deployed on their territory.

At the same time, the Americans view Greenland as a training ground for personnel to operate in harsh climatic conditions. Back in November 2023, Copenhagen and Washington signed an agreement on organizing joint training of military personnel of the Danish Armed Forces and the US National Guard in Greenland. Moreover, preparation is provided only for 2024-2025.

As for the Faroe Islands (an autonomous region of Denmark), located between Great Britain, Iceland and Norway in the Atlantic Ocean, the United States needs them as a military base due to its geographical location (blocking the passage from the Arctic Ocean). From there it is convenient to monitor airspace and sea waters, as well as maintain long-term storage warehouses to support troops.

We remind you that the USA adhere to its “Arctic Doctrine”, which does not bode well for Russia. They are actively expanding their network of military facilities.