We had Marines going to Norway in the early 80s for cold weather training.
I don’t know when that started or how long it lasted but I know it happened back then.
And really. 700 Marines as a threat? That’s enough to set up and man a training base that regiment sized units could be rotated through for arctic training and area familiarization.
And yes. The USMC has an interest in that area. In the event of the Big Stupid, the USMC is slated to bulk up the nordic countries to prevent closure of the Baltic and North Sea lanes of comms.
Even if that’s no longer a thing, and I tend to be in that batch that believes the Big Stupid is about as probable as a black hole suddenly appearing and swallowing the planet, still...
700 Marines is no threat to anyone except the local beers and possibly the virtue of any willing ladies in that AO.
“the USMC is slated to bulk up the nordic countries to prevent closure of the Baltic and North Sea lanes of comms.”
That’
s the job of the USN and the USAF should the Europeans fail to do it themselves. But then only after overwhelming casualties and huge lost territory.
It’s not our job to protect those lazy, cowardly bastards.
And, like you said, the “Big Stupid” is about as likely as a black hole suddenly appearing and swallowing the entire planet.
Coincidently, the US Army is involved in Operation Atlantic Resolve which puts Army forces from the Baltics to Poland. I guess it’s sort of like the old Reforger era. I do miss being stationed in Europe.
“700 Marines is no threat to anyone except the local beers and possibly the virtue of any willing ladies in that AO.“
You underestimate the capabilities of the USMC. No willing lady anywhere in Norway is safe.
Oh, and The Norwegian beer industry should double production just to be on the safe side. We are talking about 700 Marines after all.
Semper Fi.
L