USSF CAPABILITY GAP IN THE ARCTIC

Abstract

How can the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) influence Arctic policy, improve Arctic strategy, and optimize Arctic readiness in support of the 2022 National Defense Strategy and National Security Strategy, 2019 DOD Arctic Strategy, and the 2022 Army Arctic Strategy? As we shift focus from Global War on Terror to Strategic Competition, we find ourselves unprepared to compete in critical areas across a range of emerging competition zones, especially in the Arctic. SOF is often ahead of the larger military apparatus in innovation and development and as such must take an active role in defining its role and strategy in the Arctic. This recommended guidance would help address some of our primary findings:

● Arctic security and readiness require Special Operations support. ● Strategic leaders lack a clear understanding of SOF capabilities in the Arctic. ● USASOC units lack the manning, training, and equipping to campaign effectively in the Arctic and to successfully partner with our High North allies and our own indigenous Alaskans.

Our findings underpin the recommendation for SOCOM and USASOC to publish Arctic strategies and guidance to ensure our units are better prepared to operate in Arctic environments.