Throwback Thursday

Strengthening Army Readiness for Arctic Operations

The Army Chemical Review Journal has long served as a repository of institutional knowledge, capturing lessons learned from decades of operations. Articles like Captain Eric Larimer’s work on Arctic CBRN operations provide valuable insights into the unique challenges posed by extreme cold weather environments. Larimer’s research highlights how cold weather impacts the behavior of chemical agents, detection methods, and decontamination processes, offering practical solutions that remain relevant today.

For example, Larimer’s observations on the reduced off gassing of chemical agents in subzero temperatures underscore the limitations of traditional vapor-based detection systems. His work also addresses the challenges of decontaminating equipment and personnel in environments where water-based methods freeze almost instantly. These insights are not theoretical; they are grounded in field tests and operational experience, providing actionable guidance for soldiers operating in extreme cold.

While Larimer’s article is an excellent resource, it is part of a larger body of historical knowledge that the Army must revisit. The lessons documented in the Army Chemical Review Journal and other sources reflect decades of research and operational experience, much of which has been sidelined as the Army shifted its focus to desert-based COIN operations. Reintegrating this knowledge into current doctrine and training is essential for rebuilding readiness in Arctic environments. For those interested in exploring Larimer’s work in detail, his article can be accessed here (pg. 57).

Challenges in Arctic Operations

Operating in Arctic environments presents challenges that extend far beyond CBRN concerns. Extreme cold impacts every aspect of military operations, from logistics and mobility to equipment functionality and personnel safety. For CBRN operations specifically, the cold introduces unique complications that require specialized solutions.

Chemical agents behave unpredictably in subzero temperatures, thickening and drastically reducing offgassing. This renders traditional vapor-based sensors ineffective, while active detection methods like M8 and M9 paper require soldiers to know where to test—an often impossible task in snow-covered environments. Historical research explored manual testing techniques and environmental cues to improve detection, but modern technology offers new opportunities. Drones equipped with advanced sensors, ground-penetrating radar, and infrared imaging could enhance detection capabilities, providing soldiers with a more comprehensive picture of the threat environment.

Decontamination in extreme cold is particularly challenging. Water-based methods freeze almost instantly, while powder-based solutions struggle to remove frozen contaminants effectively. Historical research emphasized the use of heated facilities and tools to perform decontamination in controlled environments. Revisiting these methods and integrating modern innovations, such as nonaqueous decontaminants and insulated equipment, could significantly improve the Army’s ability to decontaminate in Arctic conditions.

One promising concept is the use of reusable decontamination trailers or containers. These heated, portable facilities could be designed with built-in liquid and vapor barriers, easy-to-clean surfaces, and sealed drainage systems to simplify decontamination processes. Such trailers could serve as dedicated facilities for Detailed Troop Decontamination (DTD) or equipment decontamination, ensuring that contaminated assets are isolated and cleaned without compromising other operational areas. By investing in these reusable systems, the Army could reduce the logistical burden of decontamination while improving efficiency and effectiveness in extreme cold environments.

Secondary and tertiary contamination risks increase in cold environments, especially when frozen contaminants are tracked into heated facilities. Historical practices, such as establishing contamination control lines and using disposable floor coverings, remain relevant today. However, modern technology can enhance these practices through the use of vapor barriers, sealed drainage systems, and advanced monitoring systems.

The Strategic Imperative

The Arctic’s growing importance as a strategic region makes cold weather warfare and its associated support systems a critical requirement for the Army. Beyond the Arctic, much of Northern and Eastern Europe experiences extreme cold during winter, making readiness for subzero temperatures essential for large-scale conflict in these regions. The Army’s ability to operate effectively in extreme cold is not just about addressing CBRN threats; it is about ensuring overall operational capability in environments that are increasingly relevant to global competition.

Rebuilding readiness for Arctic operations requires more than just revisiting historical lessons. It demands adapting these lessons to modern challenges, conducting new research, and leveraging emerging technologies to enhance operational capabilities. The Army Chemical Review Journal and other repositories of institutional knowledge provide a foundation for this effort, but the Army must also invest in preserving and expanding this knowledge to meet the demands of future conflicts.

Conclusion: Learning from the Past to Prepare for the Future

By rediscovering and integrating historical lessons, the Army can rebuild its capacity to operate effectively in Arctic environments and strengthen its overall readiness for diverse operational challenges. Cold weather warfare and all the associated support systems are not optional; they are essential for large-scale conflict in regions like the Arctic and Northern Europe. The time to act is now, before the next crisis—whether in extreme cold, desert heat, or another unpredictable environment—exposes the consequences of neglect.

The Army’s history is rich with lessons learned, from the detailed research of the 1980s and 1990s to the practical insights documented by CBRN professionals like Captain Larimer. These lessons are not just historical artifacts; they are tools for ensuring readiness and preparation remain at the forefront of the Army’s mission. Concepts like reusable decontamination trailers, advanced detection systems, and contamination control measures are just a few examples of how historical knowledge can be adapted to modern challenges. It is time to rediscover these lessons, innovate upon them, and ensure the Army is prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.

See the Army Chemical Review here.

This article was edited with the assistance of AI tools, and subsequently reviewed and edited by relevant Department of War (DoW) personnel to ensure accuracy, clarity, and compliance with DoW policies and guidance

Captain McCallister is the U.S. Army Maneuver Support Center of Excellence (MSCoE) Harding Fellow. He works in the Doctrine Division, MSCoE, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Illinois State University, Normal.