Courses and education
Through our courses and seminars, we offer specialised training and education for operating in cold weather.
The Education and Training branch (E&T) provides support and offers specialised training and education in order to enhance the general knowledge and to increase combat effectiveness when operating in an arctic or cold weather environment.
E&T is prepared to accommodate a variety of requirements – from individual to unit level as certification, courses and seminars using the knowledge of all branches in the Norwegian Armed Forces as well as from allied and partner nations.
We have a standard Basic Cold Weather Unit Training programme. It is a basic programme and is designed for units with little, or no, cold weather experience. The overall aim of this programme is to establish the basic routines for operations in cold weather and give the unit basic knowledge of how to fight and maintain combat readiness in a cold climate.
The training consists of a four week programme. The first week focuses on the staff, NCO and medic training and preparations, and the last three weeks are for unit training. Trough the training, the Unit will acquire knowledge and skills on utilising their own combat techniques in winter conditions. They will also be able to use their weapon platforms as well as maintain them. The end state is that the unit is ready to start field integration training with other allied units in a cold environment.
Our courses
Centre of Excellence – Cold Weather Operations offers a diversity of cold weather courses. Some courses run annually, some biennial and some by request. The courses are open for students from NATO and partner in nations.
Course programme 2025–2026
- NATO Cold Weather Survival Instructor Course (NCWSIC)
03 november - 18 november 2025 - NATO Cold Weather Combat Medic Instructor Course (NCWCMIC)
25 november - 10 december 2025 - NATO Cold Weather Warfare Instructor Course (NCWWIC)
12 january - 06 february 2026 - NATO Cold Weather Planner Course (NCWPC)
26 january - 06 february 2026 - NATO Avalanche Warning Course (NAWC)
10 february - 20 february 2026 - NATO Avalanche Rescue Instructor Course (NARIC)
13 april - 17 april 2026
Webinars 2025 - 2026
Discover how the Norwegian Coast Guard safeguards its northern waters through ice navigation, search and rescue missions, and international cooperation.
Cancelled due to unforseen circumstances.
19 November 15:00 CET: The Norwegian Joint Military Working Dog Centre - Work title: Military Working Dogs in Cold Weather Operations
Military working dogs (MWDs) represent a force multiplier and a vital capability within Allied and partner forces, contributing to surveillance and control, threat detection, force protection, and search and rescue. Operating in Arctic and sub-Arctic conditions, however, imposes unique challenges for both handlers and dogs, requiring specialized training, equipment, and welfare measures.
In this webinar, representatives from the Norwegian Joint Military Working Dog Center will share national expertise and lessons identified from Arctic operations and multinational exercises. The session will highlight how MWDs are selected, prepared, sustained, and employed in Arctic and cold-weather environments, and how these capabilities support interoperability, readiness, and resilience in the High North.
Link for registration: Webinar: Military Working Dogs in Cold Weather Environments
