The Nordic Arc: A Vital Region.

• Main Author: Handwork,Bertrand A , Jr
• Other Authors: ARMY WAR COLL CARLISLE BARRACKS PA
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1977
• Subjects: Military Operations; Strategy and Tactics; *EUROPE; *MILITARY STRATEGY; *MILITARY PLANNING; *ARCTIC REGIONS; COLD WAR; DEFENSE PLANNING; SHIPPING; ARCTIC OCEAN; Arctic; Arctic Ocean; Kola Peninsula; Norway; Iceland; kola peninsula; Northern Norway; Spitsbergen
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA041437; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA041437

The basic problems addressed are: the importance of the Nordic Arc, the role of the Army in that area, and how that role may best be accomplished. Data was gathered through a search of existing literature without recourse to classified publications. Initially, the growing importance of the Arctic is addressed, later focusing on the Nordic Arc - specifically: Iceland, Spitsbergen, the northern portions of Norway, Sweden and Finland, the Kola Peninsula, and all the waters which lie between. The term Nordic Arc is believed to be original with this work. Soviet interests are examined with an emphasis on potential economic developments related to energy sources and the use of the growing maritime power of the Soviet Union, both highly dependent on the Nordic Arc. American interests are also examined with emphasis on political and military considerations. It is concluded that conflicting or converging interests could lead to the possibility of armed conflict; that the Army would be required to defend bases in this area, which are needed to effectively and economically employ our air and naval forces; and, that our Army Reserve Component Forces are the only troops which are available for this purpose. The study recommends programing, equipping, training, and exercising specific Reserve Component units for possible deployment to Iceland and Northern Norway. (Author)