Wisconsin Guard Artillery Soldiers Train in Extreme Weather

Why It Matters

The drill validates the Guard’s ability to deliver artillery firepower in extreme cold, a critical capability for domestic and overseas missions. Maintaining cold‑weather readiness safeguards operational effectiveness across all environments.

Key Takeaways

• 200 Guard soldiers completed cold‑weather artillery training
• Training focused on M777 and M119 howitzer proficiency
• Exercises replicated elements of Northern Strike on smaller scale
• Arctic tents with heaters used for crew comfort
• Fort McCoy offers versatile firing ranges for realistic scenarios

Pulse Analysis

Cold‑weather artillery proficiency has become a cornerstone of U.S. military preparedness, especially as climate variability pushes forces into harsher environments. Artillery units must contend with metal brittleness, lubricants thickening, and crew endurance challenges when temperatures plunge below zero. By mastering these variables, the National Guard ensures that fire support can be delivered reliably, whether defending domestic infrastructure during severe winter storms or supporting expeditionary operations in arctic theaters.

The Wisconsin Guard’s recent Fort McCoy exercise illustrated a pragmatic approach to extreme‑cold training. Over a ten‑day period, soldiers practiced setting up and firing M777 and M119 howitzers from heated arctic tents, executed sling‑load drills, and refined individual soldier tasks while contending with snow showers and sub‑zero conditions. Instruction from Cold‑Weather Operations Course experts, such as Joe Ernst, reinforced proper gear usage and equipment maintenance, directly translating classroom knowledge into field competence. This hands‑on methodology not only boosts technical skill but also reinforces unit cohesion under austere conditions.

Strategically, the training underscores the Guard’s role in a total force concept, bridging active‑duty capabilities with state‑level readiness. Fort McCoy’s expansive range network and flexible firing points make it an ideal venue for realistic, low‑visibility scenarios that simulate potential combat environments. As the Army schedules follow‑up exercises for 2027, the lessons learned will inform broader cold‑weather doctrine, ensuring artillery units nationwide can operate effectively wherever temperature extremes arise.

Wisconsin Guard Artillery Soldiers Train in Extreme Weather

By Scott Sturkol · February 5, 2026

FORT McCOY, Wis. — About 200 Soldiers assigned to the Wisconsin National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 120th Field Artillery Regiment trained at Fort McCoy Jan. 21–31 to complete individual Soldier tasks and conduct cold‑weather operations on M777 and M119 howitzers.

The training reinforced the battalion’s readiness to operate artillery systems in extreme cold while maintaining individual proficiency, teamwork and safety in austere conditions.

Army Command Sgt. Maj. Nicholas Kletzien, the battalion’s senior enlisted advisor, said the training was designed to mirror elements of previous cold‑weather exercises, including Exercise Northern Strike at Camp Grayling, Michigan, but on a smaller scale.

“Those were good training opportunities,” Kletzien said. “What we wanted to do here was conduct similar training, but at a smaller scale.”

Kletzien noted that just over half of the battalion participated, as many Soldiers were supporting deployments or attending institutional training typically scheduled this time of year.

“Because we were training with a smaller number of troops, we decided to conduct the training at Fort McCoy, and it worked out great,” he said.

Army Lt. Col. Rustin Billings, the battalion commander, and Kletzien said the 11‑day training event focused on multiple operational objectives, including equipment proficiency, basic Soldier skills and teamwork in extreme cold.

“We find this type of training resonates with Soldiers more than when we make training artificially hard,” Kletzien said.

During the exercise, Soldiers set up arctic 10‑person tents equipped with heaters to maintain warmth while operating howitzers and during a sling‑load training event on Jan. 28.

Kletzien emphasized that practicing cold‑weather techniques and wearing proper cold‑weather gear helps ensure Soldiers are prepared to operate in any environment.

In October, Joe Ernst, an instructor with the Cold‑Weather Operations Course at Fort McCoy, demonstrated proper use of cold‑weather equipment to unit members, helping prepare them for the winter training.

“When Joe came to talk with our unit, he showed us how to use that equipment, and it really helped us prepare for this training,” Kletzien said.

Throughout the event, Soldiers trained in snow showers and temperatures at or below zero.

“Our goal was to test the equipment while focusing on individual tasks and training,” Kletzien said. “That was accomplished.”

Kletzien also said Fort McCoy’s location and range options make it an ideal training site for extended combat training, weekend drills and annual training.

“Fort McCoy offers a wide array of firing points for our unit,” he said. “That flexibility helps us build realistic training scenarios for our Soldiers.”

Planning is already underway for future training in 2027.