Norwegian Marinejegerkommandoen (MJK) - Afghanistan 2001

"They skied 50 miles behind enemy lines in -40°F. Taliban thought winter would protect them. They were wrong."

STORY: This story is unverified, the account an excellent illustration of the types of missions the amazing MJK undertake: Winter 2001-2002, Afghanistan. While most forces hunkered down, Norway's MJK saw opportunity. Taliban commanders retreated to mountain hideouts, assuming snow would protect them. MJK specialized in arctic warfare. They inserted at high altitude in brutal cold, carrying 100-pound packs, skiing cross-country through mountain passes that would kill most soldiers. One team tracked a Taliban commander to a compound at 12,000 feet elevation. For three days, they observed from snow caves, enduring temperatures that dropped to -40°F. When they confirmed the target, they didn't call for air support. They assaulted directly, attacking through a blizzard. Taliban fighters couldn't see them coming through the snow. The entire operation took eight minutes. MJK disappeared into the storm before reinforcements arrived. They skied 50 miles back to extraction, proving that winter belongs to those who train in it.