Arctic Planning: DOD Expects to Play a Supporting Role to Other Federal Agencies and Has Efforts Under Way to Address Capability Needs and Update Plans

• Main Authors: Pendleton, John, Lentini, Patricia, Bryan, Russell, Byun, Ji, Silver, Michael, Steele, Amie, Wilkins-McKee, Erik, Willems, Michael
• Other Authors: GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE WASHINGTON DC
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 2015
• Subjects: Geography; Snow; Ice and Permafrost; Military Operations; Strategy and Tactics; *ARCTIC REGIONS; *MILITARY PLANNING; DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE; INTERAGENCY COORDINATION; MILITARY CAPABILITIES; SECURITY; STRATEGY; GAO REPORTS; DOD(DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE); Arctic; Ice; permafrost; Sea ice; Alaska
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA620006; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA620006

The recent retreat of polar sea ice in the Arctic, combined with an expected increase in human activity there, has heightened the United States and other nations interests in the Arctic region. The United States, with the state of Alaska extending above the Arctic Circle, is one of eight Arctic nations.1 Diminishing sea ice has made some Arctic waters navigable for longer periods and, as a result, may contribute to new economic opportunities in commercial shipping, oil and gas exploration, tourism, and commercial fishing. This could eventually increase the need for a U.S. military and homeland security presence in the Arctic. While the changing environment may create opportunities, operating in the Arctic region will continue to provide a number of challenges, including harsh and unpredictable weather, vast distances, and limited infrastructure. In November 2013, the Department of Defense (DOD) issued its Arctic Strategy, which calls for a secure and stable region where U.S. national interests are safeguarded, the U.S. homeland is protected, and nations work cooperatively to address challenges. The strategy reflects the relatively low level of military threat in the Arctic and the stated commitment of the Arctic nations to work within a common framework of diplomatic engagement. It also identifies a number of investments that will need to be made over time as activity in the region increases, but the strategy states that desired investments in Arctic capabilities may not compete successfully against other requirements in the department s budget priorities. We have previously examined emerging issues and challenges for the United States in the Arctic. In 2012 we assessed DOD s efforts to prioritize the capabilities needed to meet national security objectives in the Arctic. Report to Congressional Committees