NATO's Arctic Exercises: Civilian Support for Military

0:00On March 9, NATO kicked off its major Arctic exercises called Cold Response on Monday, running through March 19. This year's drills highlight how civilians can back up the military, especially with tensions high over former President Trump's calls to buy, Greenland from Denmark. The exercises defend NATO's position in the European Arctic, near borders with Russia shared by Norway and Finland. They're now linked to a broader mission called Arctic Century aimed at easing strains from the Greenland dispute. Trump argued the island is key to counter Russian and Chinese moves up north, but Denmark and Greenland insist it's not for sale. About 25,000 troops from 14 nations, including the United States and Denmark, are joining in mostly across northern Norway and Finland, the U.S. is sending around 4,000 personnel. Norway is ramping up civilian readiness as part of its total defense plan for 2026, training hospitals, businesses, and locals to handle.

1:00Crisis Officials say society needs to keep running smoothly for the military to succeed. On Thursday, they'll test northern hospitals treating masses of fake casualties from a simulated front line in Finland, showing how everyday support fits into the big picture.