USA Arctic Test Board

The USA Arctic Test Board was established in the late 1940s by the United States Army to evaluate military equipment, clothing, and operational tactics in extreme cold weather environments. Based primarily in Alaska, the unit conducted rigorous field trials to ensure that soldiers and materiel could withstand arctic conditions, thereby enhancing the Army’s readiness for potential conflicts in polar regions during the early Cold War. The Board played a crucial role in developing cold-weather gear and mobility solutions, such as improved snow vehicles and insulated uniforms. Its work contributed significantly to the U.S. military’s understanding of arctic warfare and influenced doctrine and equipment for decades to follow.