Photo Of The Day: Proficiency with allied and enemy gear and firearms is something all pros train for, and that’s why these American soldiers are in Sodankyla, Finland, to learn how to use the 7.62mm RK62 assault rifle.

Exercise Arctic Forge 23 is a U.S. Army Europe and Africa led umbrella exercise that leverages the host-nation exercises Defense Exercise North in Finland, and exercise Joint Viking in Norway, taking place Feb. 16 through March 17, 2023,K focused on building capabilities and cooperation in support of the U.S. Army’s Arctic Strategy.

Using gloves like these is of course nice, but makes it virtually impossible to manipulate and shoot any kind of firearm.

Using ski poles to support the firearm for accuracy. It looks like these soldiers are on skis already. The location is in the Finnish Laplands, some 130 kilometers (81 miles) north of the Arctic Circle

The firearm will still kick and jump, especially in a major caliber. But most of the time, this is a more accurate way of shooting than free-handed.

Spc. Cade Ross, from Charlie Troop, 3-71 Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, shoots range targets at 50 meters with the RK62 on skis in the kneeling position during Exercise Arctic Forge in Sodankyla Garrison, Finland on Feb. 22, 2023.

Source: U.S. Army, photo by Pfc. Kaylan Joseph, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division.