The Army Arctic Strategy

What is it?

The U.S. Army Arctic Strategy, supports the 2019 DoD’s Arctic Strategy and lays out how the Army will generate, train, organize and equip the force to partner with Arctic allies and secure the national interests. The Total Army strategy adapts how the Army executes extended, multi-domain operations in extreme conditions to support the joint warfighter, which demonstrates the Army’s resolve to securing national interests in the region.

What are the current and past efforts of the Army?

The Army is:

• Continually improving its Arctic capabilities by training and equipping its forces to operate in extreme cold, high altitude and latitude, and variable weather conditions.
• Competing in the Arctic and globally by partnering with allied Arctic nations that share those demanding operating environments.
• Projecting power across the Arctic region by conducting multi-domain operations to prevail in competition.
• Positioning forces in the Arctic region with a wide range of capabilities- Approximately 11,600 Soldiers serve in Alaska at Fort Wainwright and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson under the command of U.S. Army Alaska. Major active-duty Army units include two brigade combat teams, a combat sustainment support battalion, and two aviation battalions. The Alaska Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve also provide support through a regional support group and mobilization support elements.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned?

The Army will continue with its resolve to securing national interests in the Arctic region.

• Conduct a wargame (or similar analysis) to provide shared understanding of the region’s military challenges.
• Establish a Multi-Domain enabled operational two-star headquarters with specially-trained and equipped combat brigades to regain its cold-weather dominance.
• Improve the materiel readiness of Arctic-capable units to conduct extended Arctic operations.
• Improve the quality of life for its Soldiers, Civilians, and Families that live and work in installations and facilities in the Arctic region.

Why is this important to the Army?

The Arctic Strategy communicates the Army’s objectives and plan to build an Army capable of Multi-Domain Operations and regaining Arctic dominance. The Arctic is a vital area containing many of the nation’s natural resources and key shipping channels, a platform for projecting global power, and a possible avenue of attack in conflict. An enhanced Arctic capability will increase the Army’s ability to operate in extreme cold-weather, mountainous, and high-latitude environments.

Resources:

• U.S. Army Pacific
• U.S. Army Europe-Africa
• U.S. Army Alaska
• U.S. Army Alaska Arctic Support Command

Related document:

• Regaining Arctic Dominance: The U.S. Army in the Arctic Strategy
• 2019 DoD’s Arctic Strategy

Related STAND-TO!:

• ReARMM

Related articles:

• Army announces release of Arctic Strategy
• Army chief of staff discusses Arctic strategy, Indo-Pacific presence