Greenland: The Story of Sirius - The World's Only Dog Sled Team in the Free-Range Arctic
The Sirius patrol team has maintained a presence in the Greenland wilderness since 1950. It is the only special forces unit that uses huskies instead of motorized vehicles to patrol in temperatures as low as -55 degrees Celsius.
Amidst the frigid -55°C temperatures of Greenland, Denmark's Sirius Dog Sled Patrol is the only special forces unit in the world that uses sled dogs for long-range reconnaissance missions. Instead of modern motorized vehicles often rendered ineffective by thick ice and snow, this unit relies on the endurance and survival instincts of native huskies to protect its territory in one of the planet's most isolated environments.
A legacy of patrols from the World War era.
Named after Sirius – the brightest star in the Big Dog constellation – this unit originated from the Northeast Greenland Ski Patrol, established in 1941. Their initial mission was to detect and destroy secret Nazi weather stations. After a brief disbandment following the war, the unit was re-established in 1950 under Operation Resolut and officially became known as Sirius in 1953.
Each year, around six patrol teams – each consisting of two soldiers and a pack of dogs – undertake missions lasting up to five months across an area equivalent to the combined size of England and France. It is estimated that since their inception, they have traveled over a million kilometers across permafrost.
Extreme survival training course
To become part of Sirius, candidates must pass what is considered the world's most rigorous selection process. After passing psychological and physical tests, they face eight months of intensive training. During this time, patrol officers learn not only military skills but also must master hunting, sewing, veterinary care, and survival skills in conditions of limited resources.
Patrol officer Jesper Olsen once shared his experience of jumping into icy water to simulate an accident and having to survive for five days in a self-dug snow cave with minimal food supplies. These skills are vital when they face absolute isolation in the Arctic.
Greenland huskies - The heart and soul of the special forces team.
At the heart of the mission is a pack of approximately 95 native huskies, carefully selected by naval veterinarians. Each sled is typically pulled by 11 to 15 dogs, traveling an average of 30.5 km per day. These animals are capable of sleeping outdoors even in extremely low temperatures and act as an early warning system when polar bears approach.
Each patrol dog typically serves for about 26 months, forging a deep bond with their four-legged friends. However, this journey also carries sad stories. Dogs like the legendary Armstrong, who served for 10 winters and traveled more than once around the Earth, face a grim end upon retirement.
Experience travel in the land of Sirius.
Today, tourists can access Greenland through icebreaker expeditions to admire the pristine beauty of the Arctic. Although commercial tours rarely offer the chance to meet the Sirius crew in person due to the security nature and harsh terrain, their story remains an integral part of the culture and history of exploration in this land.
Greenland is captivating not only for its massive icebergs but also for the resilience of its people and wildlife. For adventure enthusiasts, it's a destination to experience the delicate balance between survival and the grandeur of nature.
