U.S. Marines conduct cold-weather training in Ushuaia, Argentina

The Argentine Navy has confirmed that members of the United States Marine Corps are participating in a training exchange in Ushuaia. The program, which began on September 8 and is scheduled to run until September 22, is described as an “exchange of cold weather experts.”

Working alongside the Argentine Marine Infantry Battalion No. 4 (BIM 4), the U.S. personnel are sharing theoretical and practical techniques for operating in low temperatures and mountainous terrain. Training activities include alpine skiing, survival maneuvers, and mobility in extreme cold using equipment such as crampons and snowshoes. The Navy stated that these bilateral exchanges have occurred in Ushuaia since 2017 under an established cooperation framework.

Despite the official description of the mission as a small group of instructors, reports have noted sightings of larger contingents of 20 to 30 military personnel at the Ushuaia international airport carrying tactical gear. These observations have prompted political questions regarding the legal framework for the entry of foreign troops, specifically whether the activities comply with the Argentine Constitution, which requires Congressional authorization for the entry of foreign military forces.