EventInternal Department of National Defence documents reveal 400 soldiers from the 3rd Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment struggled during February’s Exercise Global Response in Alaska, with frostbite in up to 30 troops, failing batteries, and difficulties with civilian‑style cold‑weather gear. Commanders say all troops were cold‑weather qualified and that training objectives were still met, but the report stresses a need for stronger basic winter skills, especially by reducing reliance on technology.
Canadian troops in Alaska faced preparation and equipment gaps during a February exercise with U.S. forces, according to internal Defence documents, though they ultimately met training objectives and learned key lessons.
Canadian troops struggled with frostbite, failing batteries and communication issues during a February 2026 Arctic exercise in Alaska, exposing gaps in basic winter skills and readiness.
U.S. and Canadian forces completed Tundra Merlin drills in western Alaska, moving HIMARS rockets, radar systems, fighter jets, and maritime units to demonstrate rapid deployment and interagency integration amid growing Russian and Chinese presence.
Lt. Gen. Robert Davis explained how Operation Tundra Merlin trains U.S. and Canadian forces to detect, deter, and defeat threats approaching North America.
