About Arctic Shock

Arctic Shock is a combined U.S. and Norwegian exercise supporting the National Arctic Strategy that enhances multi-combatant command relationships, airborne interoperability, and Arctic capabilities. 

The exercise takes place from March 18 to 22, 2024, in Bardufoss, Norway, with around 150 U.S. Soldiers from the 11th Airborne Division and around 100 soldiers from the Norwegian Armed Forces participating. 

The exercise consists of an over-the-pole movement from Alaska to Norway, an airborne jump, and a field training exercise focused on cold-weather capabilities demonstrating the U.S. commitment to defend the High North.

Arctic Forge Images
Press Information

 

Videos
Video by Senior Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot
KC-135 Minimum Interval Takeoff
185th Air Refueling Wing, Iowa Air National Guard
March 7, 2024 | 1:22
B-roll video shows two U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft from the Iowa Air National Guard’s 185th Air Refueling Wing performing a Minimum Interval Takeoff or MITO at the Sioux City, Iowa airport on March 7, 2024.

The technique of taking off so closely comes with some safety concerns such as wake turbulence.

During a MITO, the time between aircraft taking off is greatly reduced in an effort to take off as quickly as possible. A Minimum Interval Takeoff is performed by bomber and tanker aircraft as part of requirements that test their ability to scramble aircraft at twelve to fifteen second intervals.
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