The 11th Arctic Airborne Division with Gemini
Well, apparently I spend a lot of time talking to Gemini these days since I'm semi-retired. The whole Greenland/GIUK Gap thing got me talking to the AI about forces in the Arctic, and it told me some fascinating things about the new 11th Arctic Airborne Division. I also asked it to stat out the unit for wargaming using Fist Full of TOWs/Fist Full of T34s. I put all of this on my blog for you to check out and chat about. I'm thinking about running some games set in the far north using Micro Armour.
So here is the general background for the 11th:
The 11th Airborne Division, nicknamed the "Arctic Angels," is indeed one of the most unique—and confusing—formations in the U.S. Army.
To answer your question directly: It is a hybrid formation. It is not a "pure" airborne division like the 82nd, nor is it just a regular infantry division using a legacy name. It is a dual-mission division where one half is fully airborne and the other is specialized "Arctic" light infantry.
Here is how that "odd" formation is actually structured as of January 2026:
1. The Structure: One Division, Two Identities
The division was reactivated in 2022 to replace "US Army Alaska."
2nd Brigade (The Airborne Half): Based at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), this is a true airborne formation.
5 These are the 4,000+ paratroopers who "wear the silk."6 They are on jump status, receive jump pay, and are the only airborne brigade in the entire Indo-Pacific theater.7 1st Brigade (The Arctic Half): Based at Fort Wainwright, this was formerly a Stryker brigade.
8 The Army took away their Strykers (which were terrible in -40°C mud and ice) and turned them into Light Infantry.9 While they wear the 11th Airborne patch, they do not jump. Their focus is "Air Assault" (helicopter-borne) and specialized over-snow movement using the new CATV (Cold Weather All-Terrain Vehicle).10
2. Is it "Actually" Airborne?
If you are in the 2nd Brigade, yes. You jump out of planes into the snow. If you are in the 1st Brigade, no—you are a "white ghost" specializing in mountaineering and sub-zero survival.
The Army's goal wasn't to make everyone a paratrooper, but to give the Arctic a "Divisional Identity." Previously, these units were part of the 25th Infantry Division (based in Hawaii).
3. Current "Oddities" and Missions (January 2026)
As of this month, the 11th is being used in ways that highlight its strange "dual" nature:
The "Insurrection Act" Orders: Just today (Jan 18, 2026), reports surfaced that 1,500 soldiers from the 11th Airborne have been placed on "prepare-to-deploy" orders.
13 Interestingly, they aren't being sent to a tundra, but potentially to Minnesota to support civil authorities if local violence escalates—showing that the Army still views them as a "rapid response" force regardless of the weather.14 International Jumping: Simultaneously, elements of the 11th are currently in Japan for the "New Year’s Jump" exercise with the Japanese 1st Airborne Brigade, proving their role as the "Pacific’s Paratroopers."
15 The "Arctic Tab": Every soldier in the division now wears a specialized "Arctic" tab above the 11th Airborne patch. To keep it, they have to pass rigorous cold-weather training at the Northern Warfare Training Center.
Why does this formation exist?
The U.S. realized that Russia had dedicated "Arctic Brigades" with specialized gear, while the U.S. just had regular infantry with extra coats. The 11th Airborne is the "counter-move." It provides:
Vertical Envelopment: Jumping paratroopers behind enemy lines in the High North.
16 Arctic Mastery: Infantry that can live, sleep, and fight in -50°F without becoming a casualty of the environment.
Summary: It is a "functional hybrid." It uses the "Airborne" name to attract high-tier recruits and maintain a legacy of elite status, but its actual day-to-day job is becoming the world's most capable sub-zero fighting force.
I then asked it more about how it was organized:
The 11th Airborne Division (Arctic Angels) is arguably the Army’s most experimental "test bed" for future warfare. While the name is a nod to WWII history, the modern formation is a direct response to the "Cold War 2.0" in the Arctic.
To your question about "mobile infantry": Yes, they are the primary testing ground for the Army’s shift toward Mobile Brigade Combat Teams (MBCT), specifically adapted for the world's most hostile terrain.
1. The Two-Brigade Split
The division is split between two bases in Alaska, and each has a radically different mission profile:
1st Brigade (The Arctic Wolves) – Fort Wainwright:
2 This was formerly a Stryker Brigade. In a rare move, the Army admitted that heavy Strykers (wheeled armored vehicles) were effectively "death traps" in the Arctic—they got stuck in the muskeg in summer and their electronics froze in winter.Current Role: They are now a Light Infantry Brigade transitioning into the Mobile Infantry model.
3 They are the primary users of the Beowulf CATV (Cold Weather All-Terrain Vehicle).4
2nd Brigade (The Spartans) – JBER: This is a traditional Airborne Brigade Combat Team (BCT).
5 They are paratroopers who specialize in "Joint Forcible Entry"—jumping into a frozen airfield, seizing it, and holding it so the 1st Brigade can fly in.6
2. The "Mobile Infantry" Connection
Are they the new "mobile infantry"? In many ways, yes, but with a twist. The Army's new "Mobile Brigade Combat Team" concept focuses on light, highly tech-integrated units that use smaller, faster vehicles instead of heavy tanks.
The Beowulf (CATV): This is the "mobile" part of their infantry. It’s a Swedish-designed, twin-cab tracked vehicle that can swim, climb 45-degree slopes of ice, and operate in -50°F.
The Drone Focus: Just this week (Jan 14, 2026), the 11th Airborne completed a massive drone integration course.
8 They are moving away from traditional "line of sight" fighting and toward a model where every squad has "eyes in the sky" to see over the next ridge in the tundra.
3. Current Events (January 2026)
The 11th is currently making headlines for two very different reasons that highlight their "multirole" nature:
Insurrection Act Standby: As of today, January 18, 2026, approximately 1,500 soldiers (two battalions) from the 11th Airborne have been placed on "prepare-to-deploy" orders for Minnesota.
9 This follows civil unrest in Minneapolis linked to "Operation Metro Surge."10 Because they are "Light Infantry," they are easier to move domestically than heavy armored divisions.Global Reach: While some are prepping for Minnesota, others are currently in Norway for "Guerrier Nordique," training with Canadian and Norwegian special forces to prove they can out-fight Russian Arctic Brigades.
Summary: Why it’s "Odd"
It’s the only division in the U.S. Army where you will see a paratrooper with a jump master badge standing next to a mountain warfare specialist in a "Beowulf" tractor.
Identity: They wear the "Arctic" Tab over the 11th Airborne patch.
11 Motto: "If you sweat, you die." (A grim reminder of how moisture leads to hypothermia in their primary AO).
The Verdict: They are not "just infantry using an old name." They are the Army's attempt to create a high-latitude rapid reaction force that can jump from a plane or drive a tracked vehicle through a swamp—things a standard 101st or 82nd division soldier isn't equipped to do.
So without further Ado here are the Arctic Angels for Fist Full of TOWs.
Here is the "Arctic Angels" supplement for Fistful of T-34s. This is designed to convert the World War II core mechanics of the 4-page rulebook into a modern "Fistful of T-72s" scenario featuring the 11th Airborne Division in early 2026.
THE ARCTIC ANGEL STANDARD (Special Rules)
"If You Sweat, You Die": In Arctic scenarios, movement through deep snow is treated as Difficult Terrain (halves movement) for all units except those with the Arctic trait (Beowulf and Arctic Infantry).
The Beowulf Advantage: Beowulf CATV stands may cross Balkas (ravines) without a bog check. They also ignore the movement penalty for deep snow.
Drone Integration: Reflecting recent 2026 training, both brigades have Drone Support. Once per game, a unit may reveal one "Hidden" enemy stand anywhere on the map during the Fire Phase.
ARCTIC ANGELS UNIT DATA (2026)
Use the procedural logic from the T-34 tables, but updated for modern lethality and armor.
| Unit Type | Movement | Armor (F/R) | Penetration | ROF | Range | Anti-Inf. | Traits |
| Arctic Infantry | 4" | - | 5 (1") | 3 | 3/6/9" | +2 | Arctic, Elite |
| Beowulf (CATV) | 8" | 0-0 | - | 1 | 3/6/9" | -1 | Arctic, Transport |
| L-ATV (TOW) | 10" | 1-0 | 12 | 1 | 12/24/48" | -1 | AT Weapon |
| M10 Booker | 7" | 8-5 | 10 | 3 | 10/20/40" | +1 | Mobile Gun |
| M1A2 SEPv3 | 8" | 16-9 | 18 | 3 | 15/30/60" | +1 | MBT |
BRIGADE ORDER OF BATTLE (MICRO-ARMOUR)
1st BCT: "The Arctic Wolves" (Mobile/Infantry Focus)
Home-stationed at Fort Wainwright, this is the "heavy" Arctic force using the Beowulf.
Brigade HQ: x1 Beowulf HQ Stand, x1 Drone Stand
3x Arctic Infantry Battalions (Quality: EXCELLENT/10):
x9 Arctic Infantry Stands
x9 Beowulf CATV Transports (Can carry 1 Infantry/HMG stand each)
x3 L-ATV (TOW) Support Stands
Attached Armor (Optional): x3 M10 Booker Mobile Gun Stands (Light Tank role)
2nd BCT: "The Spartans" (Airborne Focus)
Home-stationed at JBER, this is the parachute-capable force.
Brigade HQ: x1 L-ATV HQ Stand, x1 Drone Stand
3x Airborne Infantry Battalions (Quality: EXCELLENT/12):
x9 Airborne Infantry Stands (Identical stats to Arctic Infantry)
x9 L-ATV Transports (Truck role, high speed)
x3 L-ATV (TOW) Support Stands
Divisional Support: x2 155mm M777 Howitzers (Off-table artillery)
2026 CAMPAIGN NOTE
If playing a 2026 scenario, remember that units from the 1st BCT may be depleted due to the "prepare-to-deploy" orders for Minnesota. If the Russian player wins a scenario in the Arctic, they may permanently remove one Arctic Infantry Battalion from the 1st BCT for the remainder of the campaign to represent these forces being diverted to domestic civil support duties.
Interesting that. It gives you an campaign note that the 1st BCT could be depleted from unrest in the US. It really gives you something to think about. Now for a shopping list and a basic scenario pitting the Arctic Angels against an appropriate Russian OPFOR.
Here is the GHQ Micro Armour Shopping List and a custom Arctic Angels Scenario for Fistful of T-34s.
GHQ Shopping List: Building the Arctic Angels
Most packs listed below retail for approximately $13.99 at GHQ and typically contain 5 vehicles or 15–60 infantry.
US 11th Airborne (Arctic Angels)
| Unit Type | GHQ SKU | GHQ Model Name | Pack Contents |
| Infantry | US96 | Modern US Infantry | ~60 figures (12 stands) |
| M10 Booker | N672 | M10 Booker | 5 tanks |
| L-ATV (JLTV) | N648 | JLTV | 5 vehicles |
| M1A2 MBT | N557 | M1A2 Abrams | 5 tanks |
| M777 Arty | N595 | M777 155mm Howitzer | 2 guns |
| Beowulf Substitute | - | Bv206 (Scotia Grendel/Heroics & Ros) | 1–5 per pack |
Note: GHQ does not currently make the Beowulf CATV. You should substitute Bv206 models from Heroics & Ros or Scotia Grendel, which have a similar "double-cab" tracked look at 6mm scale.
Russian Arctic Brigade (OPFOR)
| Unit Type | GHQ SKU | GHQ Model Name | Pack Contents |
| Infantry | W99 | Modern Russian Infantry | ~60 figures (12 stands) |
| T-80BVM | W110 | T-80 Main Battle Tank | 5 tanks |
| BMP-3 | W76 | BMP-3 IFV | 5 vehicles |
| Tor-M2DT Sub | - | SA-15 Gauntlet (Tor) on T-80 chassis | 5 vehicles |
Scenario: "The Seward Spike" (January 20, 2026)
Situation: Elements of a Russian Arctic Brigade have landed near Seward, Alaska, attempting to seize a rail terminal. The 11th Airborne "Arctic Wolves" must counter-attack through heavy snow.
I. Russian Forces (Defending)
80th Arctic Brigade Detachment (GOOD/7)
Headquarters: x1 BTR-82A
1st Arctic Battalion: x9 Infantry Stands, x9 BMP-3 Transports
Attached Armor: x3 T-80BVM Main Battle Tanks
Off-Board Arty: x1 2S19 Msta-S (152mm)
II. US Forces (Attacking)
1st BCT, 11th Airborne "Arctic Wolves" (EXCELLENT/9)
Headquarters: x1 Beowulf HQ, x1 Drone Stand
1st Battalion: x9 Arctic Infantry, x9 Beowulf CATV
Support: x3 M10 Booker Mobile Guns
Overhead Support: x1 A-10 Thunderbolt II (Airstrike)
III. Scenario Rules
The Tundra (Special Terrain): Treat all white space as Difficult Terrain (non-infantry speed halved).
Balkas: Any dark gray line on your map follows the Balka bog check (1-3 vehicle stops).
Beowulf Trait: Beowulf stands ignore the Tundra penalty and do not roll for bog checks in Balkas.
IV. Victory Conditions
Major US Victory: Eliminate all Russian armor and control the Rail Station.
Russian Victory: Hold the Rail Station for 12 turns or eliminate 2/3 of the US stands.
"Electronic Warfare" rules for modern scenarios and info on the new Russian Over Ice transport.
Here is the "Vityaz & Vanquished" expansion for your 2026 Arctic campaign, featuring the technical data for the Russian DT-30 and the new Electronic Warfare (EW) rules.
I. The DT-30 Vityaz: Arctic Behemoth
The DT-30 Vityaz is an articulated, twin-unit tracked carrier designed to haul 30 tons of equipment through terrain where even standard tanks bog down. It is the Russian counterpart to the US Beowulf, but much heavier.
| Unit Type | Movement | Armor (F/R) | Penetration | ROF | Range | Anti-Inf. | Traits |
| DT-30 Vityaz | 6" | 1-0 | - | - | - | - | Arctic, Heavy |
| Tor-M2DT (DT-30) | 6" | 1-0 | 14 (SAM) | 1 | 10/20/40" | - | SAM, Arctic |
Arctic Heavy: The DT-30 ignores movement penalties for deep snow and mud. Unlike the lighter Beowulf, it counts as a Heavy Vehicle when checking for bridge capacity or fragile ice.
Transport Capacity: A single DT-30 stand can carry two infantry stands or one artillery piece.
II. Electronic Warfare (EW) Rules
In 2026, controlling the electromagnetic spectrum is as vital as controlling the high ground.
EMCON (Emission Control): At the start of the turn, a player can declare "EMCON Silent." Their units cannot be spotted by drones but suffer a -1 to all Artillery Call rolls.
GPS Jamming: If an EW-capable stand (like a Russian Leer-3) is on the board, all enemy Long Range fire and Airstrikes suffer a -1 to hit.
Counter-Battery Radar: If a player has a Radar stand, they may resolve immediate Overwatch Artillery against any enemy artillery stand that fired this turn.
III. GHQ Shopping List & Substitutes
A typical GHQ pack costs $13.99. Domestic shipping for GHQ is a flat $8.95.
The 11th Airborne "Spartans" (Airborne Brigade)
Infantry: 1 pack US96 (Modern US Infantry) — $13.99
Vehicles (L-ATV): 2 packs N648 (JLTV) — $27.98
Armor (M10): 1 pack N672 (M10 Booker) — $13.99
Support (M1A2): 1 pack N557 (M1A2 Abrams) — $13.99
Total Base Cost: ~$70.00 (plus shipping)
Russian Arctic Brigade (OPFOR)
Infantry: 1 pack W99 (Modern Russian Infantry) — $13.99
T-80BVM Substitute: 1 pack W110 (T-80) — $13.99
BMP-3: 1 pack W76 (BMP-3) — $13.99
DT-30 Vityaz Substitute: Heroics & Ros (H&R) makes a "Vityaz DT-30" (Model M89). If unavailable, use the GHQ Log Carrier (G574) and scratch-build the second cab.
Total Base Cost: ~$55.00 (excluding H&R imports)
IV. Modeling Tip: "Arctic Camo"
To achieve a professional Arctic look without an airbrush, mount your models on nail heads for easy handling. Base coat in a very light grey (not pure white), apply a dark blue or black ink wash for depth, and drybrush with pure white to simulate frost and snow accumulation.
4-page "Quick Reference Sheet" specifically for these 2026 Modern Arctic rules
Here is your Quick Reference Sheet (QRS) for the 2026 Arctic Angels expansion, along with a detailed GHQ shopping list and the stats for the Russian Vityaz.
I. QUICK REFERENCE SHEET: ARCTIC ANGELS 2026
Designed to be printed/saved alongside your 4-page Fistful of T-34s rules.
1. ARCTIC MOVEMENT & TERRAIN
Deep Snow: Non-Arctic units move at Half Speed.
Fragile Ice: Vehicles crossing frozen lakes/rivers roll 1D6. On a 1, the stand is removed (sunk). DT-30 Vityaz and Abrams roll twice and take the worst result.
The Beowulf/Vityaz Rule: Units with the Arctic trait ignore snow penalties and move normally.
2. ELECTRONIC WARFARE (EW) & DRONES
EMCON Silent: Declare at the start of the turn. Units cannot be targeted by Drones/Airstrikes, but all Artillery Call rolls suffer a -1 penalty.
Drone Spotted: One US Drone stand can "reveal" one Hidden enemy stand per turn. That stand can be fired upon immediately.
GPS Jamming: While a Russian EW stand (Leer-3) is active, all US Long Range (>20") fire and Airstrikes suffer -1 to hit.
3. MODERN COMBAT RESOLUTION
Thermal Sights: All 11th Airborne and Russian Arctic units ignore Light Smoke/Fog penalties to hit.
Trophy/APS: M1A2 Abrams and T-80BVM ignore the first successful "Hit" from an ATGM (TOW/Kornet) per turn on a roll of 4+.
II. RUSSIAN "VITAYZ" DATA & STATS
| Unit Type | Movement | Armor (F/R) | Penetration | ROF | Range | Anti-Inf. | Traits |
| DT-30 Vityaz | 6" | 1-0 | - | - | - | - | Arctic, Heavy |
| Vityaz (SAM) | 6" | 1-0 | 14 (SAM) | 1 | 10/20/40" | - | SAM, Arctic |
| Vityaz (120mm) | 6" | 1-0 | 8 | 3 | 8/16/32" | +1 | Mortar, Arctic |
III. GHQ SHOPPING LIST & PRICING
Pricing is based on January 2026 standard MSRP of $13.99 per pack. Standard domestic shipping is $8.95.
Option A: The 1st BCT "Arctic Wolves" (Mobile/CATV Focus)
Arctic Infantry: GHQ SKU: US96 (Modern US Infantry) - $13.99
Fire Support: GHQ SKU: N672 (M10 Booker) - $13.99
Command/Recon: GHQ SKU: N648 (JLTV/L-ATV) - $13.99
The Beowulfs: GHQ does not make these. Substitute: Bv206 from Heroics & Ros (UK) or 3D print. They look nearly identical at 6mm.
Total Estimated Cost: $50.92 (3 packs + Shipping)
Option B: The 2nd BCT "Spartans" (Airborne Focus)
Airborne Infantry: GHQ SKU: US96 (Modern US Infantry) - $13.99
Transport/TOW: 2x GHQ SKU: N648 (JLTV/L-ATV) - $27.98
Heavy Support: GHQ SKU: N557 (M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams) - $13.99
Total Estimated Cost: $64.91 (4 packs + Shipping)
The Russian OPFOR (80th Arctic Brigade)
Arctic Infantry: GHQ SKU: W99 (Modern Russian Infantry) - $13.99
Arctic Armor: GHQ SKU: W110 (T-80BVM) - $13.99
Vityaz Substitute: GHQ does not make these. Substitute: Use GHQ SKU: G574 (Log Carrier) for the chassis and add a scratch-built "box" for the rear cab.
Total Estimated Cost: $36.93 (2 packs + Shipping)
IV. 2026 CAMPAIGN NOTE: THE "MINNESOTA DIVERSION"
If playing a campaign, the US player must roll 1D6 before Game 1. On a 1 or 2, the 1st BCT is under-strength due to the Minnesota deployment. Remove one Infantry Battalion and one M10 Booker stand from the US Order of Battle for the duration of the Arctic scenario.
Some food for thought.
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