US military continues to focus on the Arctic

The US is trying to counter Russian actions in the Arctic. The Department of Defense is very concerned about Russia’s expansion in the region. The military’s leadership believes that more needs to be done to establish a lasting presence in the region.

Climate change is spurring ice melt in the Arctic Ocean and opening up parts of the Arctic to both transportation and natural resource development.

Air Force Gen. Glen VanHerck said during a House Armed Services Committee hearing, “Currently, I would assess our capabilities as being in the process of developing a game plan. We are not able to have the stamina to keep up with the development in the Arctic on a daily basis.”

The United States is working with Canada to modernize and build its additional military capabilities in the Arctic. Last year, the Norfolk-based US 2nd Fleet joined the Canadian Forces to conduct an exercise there.

There are currently 10 U.S. satellites in orbit to promote awareness in the region. Another 100 satellites are planned to monitor the region.

Heiner Kubny, PolarJournal

More on the subject:

US Army to ‘regain’ Arctic dominance with own strategy

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In the midst of the dispute between the U.S. and Russia, the U.S. Army releases its own Arctic strategy, titled “Regaining Arctic Dominance”

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The US Navy has presented the blueprint of its Arctic strategy and sees a need for action against Russia and China.

Battle for the Arctic – America not ready

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U.S. policymakers and global strategists have long misjudged the Arctic as a strategic region, according to The National Interest. Now this is taking its toll, wrote the American journal.