NATO's High North:U.S. Arctic Strategy 2024 - Part 1

According to a prefatory Memorandum by U.S. Secretary of Defense General Lloyd F. Austin III,U.S. Army ret.:The United States is an Arctic nation,and the region is critical to the defense of our Homeland,the protection of U.S. national sovereignty,and our defense treaty commitments...Major geopolitical changes are driving the need for this new strategic approach to the Arctic,including Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine,the accession of Finland and Sweden into the NATO Alliance,increasing collaboration between the People's Republic of China (PRC) and Russia,and the accelerating impact of climate change.This increasingly accessible region is becoming a venue for strategic competition,and the United States must stand ready to meet the challenge alongside Allies and Partners.This new DOD strategy directs the Department to enhance its Arctic capabilities,deepen engagement with Allies and Partners,and exercise our forces to build readiness for operations at high latititudes...This strategy represents prudent and measured efforts to protetct U.S. interests in the face of new challenges and an evolving security environment.*In the body of U.S. Arctic Strategy 2024,it notes:The National Defense Strategy (2022) directs that activities in the Arctic will be calibrated to reflect a "monitor-and-respond" approach that is underpinned by robust intelligence collection capabilities,security cooperation with our regional Allies and Partners,and the deterrent value of the DOD'S ability to deploy the Joint Force at the time and place of our choosing...This strategy will strengthen the ability of the United States to build integrated deterrence and effectively manage risk to U.S. interests in the Arctic Region by enhancing our domain awareness and Arctic capabilities;engaging with Allies,Partners and key stakeholders;and exercising tailored presence...The North American Arctic Region comprises the northern approaches to the homeland and includes sovereign U.S. territiory in Alaska-home to significant U.S. defense infrastructure (Eielson Air Force Base;Fort Greely;Fort Wainwright;Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson;Clear Space Force Station),and the sovereign territory of NATO Allies including Canada and the Kingdom of Denmark's autonomous territory of Greenland.Vital for homeland defense,the North American Arctic Region hosts aerospace warning,aerospace control and maritime warning capabilities for the binational U.S.-Canada North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).The North American Arctic Region is also integrated to the execution of Indo-Pacific operations,as the Northern Flank for projecting force from the U.S. homeland to that region.*Geographically,the European Arctic Region comprises the Arctic territory of NATO Allies Finland,Iceland,Norway and Sweden,as well as Russia's Kola Penninsula.Collaboration in this region between Unified Combatant Commands (CCMDs-U.S. European Command,U.S. Northern Command and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command) and Arctic Allies is critical to the collective defense of NATO Allies and to U.S. homeland defense.The accession of new NATO Allies and the strengthening of the NATO Alliance opens strategic opportunities and supports critical objectives in the National Strategy for the Arctic Region (NSAR 2022).The Arctic serves as an avenue for power projection between North America and Europe.The Arctic includes multiple strategically significant maritime chokepoints.Reduction in sea ice due to climate change means chokepoints such as the Bering Sea between Alaska and Russia (you can see Russia from Alaska) and Russia and the Barents Sea north of Norway,are becoming more navigable and more economically and miltarily significant.

NATO Secretary General with 🇺🇸US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III 13 OCT 2022

NATO Secretary General with 🇺🇸 US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, 02 JUNE 2022

Secretaries Blinken And Austin Hold Joint Press Conference In Poland Following Quiet Visit To Ukraine

NATO Secretary General with 🇺🇸US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III...

Defence Leaders' Perspective on the Ukraine Crisis

On 28 January 2022,the Secretary of Defense General Lloyd Austin III,US Army retired,and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,General Mark Milley,US Army,briefed reporters at the Pentagon.The following is this blog's notes on their presentations. General Austin: Russia's buildup has progressed at a consistent and steady pace,supported by increased naval activity in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean.The forces they have assembled are capable of the seizure of cities and portions of territories.We remain focused on their use of disinformation and our commitment to national sovereignty,territiorial integrity and self-determination.We're unified against Russia's attempt to undermine our values,but conflict is not inevitable.Diplomacy is still possible.* We have supplied Ukraine with Javelin anti-tank missiles;grenade-launchers;artillery;and small arms.Another shipment arrived today. The situation on Ukraine's borders is changing rapidly.We will continue to provide President Biden with options.We will continue to consult with our Allies.A move by Russia into Ukraine will result in the very opposite of what they say they don't want.There's no reason why this situation has to devolve into conflict.Whatever Putin decides,we will stand with our Allies and Partners.* General Milley: Ukraine has the right to be independent,as it has been since 1991.Russia guaranteed the sovereignty of Ukraine.We strongly encourage Russia to stand down.They have over 100,000 ground manoeuvre forces in place on Ukraine's borders,along with air,naval,Special Operations Forces,and logistics elements. Ukraine is the second largest country in Europe,with 44 million people.When its high water table freezes,it is ideal for the transit of tracked armoured vehicles.If war were to break out,the Ukrainian people will suffer immensely. Ukraine's combat capabilties have improved since Russia's 2014 invasion.There is a small contingent of US military advisors in Ukraine (Yavoriv),but they have no offensive capabilty.NATO,minus the US,has more than 130 brigades of ground manoeuvre forces;93 squadrons of high-end fighter aircraft;four aircraft carriers;and other surface combatants.The President has authorised us to reassure and reinforce our NATO Allies.* General Austin: We always consider the impact our troop movements will have on other leaders.If and when we do move in,the purpose is to reassure and support NATO.Russia's moves are an overt act of coercion against Ukraine.With north of 100,000 troops,that gives Putin a number of options.We can't predict what he will decide,but we remain concerned about the range of options he has. General Milley: They could move against Ukraine with ground manoeuvre forces and air power.They could launch ballistic missiles. General Austin: Their force posture far and away exceeds what we typically see for exercises.We're focused to provide the President with options to support and reinforce NATO. General Milley: Russia's force posture does feel different than anything we have seen in recent memory-since the end of the Cold War.* General Austin,when asked whether US troops might assist Americans in Ukraine to evacuate: Any troops that we deploy have multiple capabilities.The President has been clear about not using troops in Ukraine for combat operations,but we prepare for a range of activities and options.Whatever task the US military is called upon to accompish,we'll do our best to do it.The US military is prepared to do whatever we are directed to do.We have significant capabilties to protect and defend the homeland. Let me thank Canada and our other Allies for what they do to support Ukraine.We are in constant communication with Canada and the UK on support for Ukraine. I don't think this is about trusting Putin.This is about our Allies trusting us.Right now,we don't think Russia's final decisions have been made.* General Milley: All of Russia's forces are packaged together.If they were unleashed on Ukraine,there would be significant civilian casualties.It would be horrific.It would be terrible.* General Austin: There was no provocation that caused them to move those forces to the borders of Ukraine.*

US,Netherlands Forces Put On Alert for NATO Call-Up

Some 8500 US troops have been notified today that they are on alert for call-up by NATO for the NATO Response Force (NRF) over the Ukraine crisis.NRF is a tripwire force of 40,000 multinational sea,air and land personnel,including Special Operations Forces.The Netherlands has also put its land forces and a Royal Netherlands Navy frigate on standby for this crisis response unit,which includes the 20,000 member Very High-Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF).The exact criteria for NRF activation have not been disclosed,yet Russia is being put on notice that this activation will happen if it reaches certain milestones.The decision to heighten the alert by Secretary of Defense General Lloyd Austin III,US Army retired is about getting the units,all of them based in the US,on heightened alert for short notice deployment to Europe.Some of the units must be able to deploy in as little as five days.No final decision to deploy has been reached yet,according to Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby,US Navy retired.It is entirely up to NATO,which is commanded by General Tod Wolters,US Air Force,the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR).The bulk of the troops are for the NRF,but some are for the VJTF.They include the combat credible units,the Brigade Combat Teams;aviation units;Intelligence,Surveillance and Reconnaisance;logistics,transportation,medical and engineering personnel. The US troops,a comprehensive package,are also available if other contingencies develop or the European security situation deteriorates.We have about 60,000 troops already in Europe.The call-up would primarily be to reinforce NATO'S Eastern Flank.Policy makers are working their way through the NRF activation criteria.Said Mr.Kirby: I can't rule out that there may be some deployment before an invasion.We've seen Vladimir Putin add to his military capability.We don't believe he's made that decision.He is increasing the military options available to him.* At the same time,Denmark has sent a frigate to the Baltic Sea Region and is also bulking up the NATO Air Policing Mission in Lithuania by providing four of its F-16 Fighting Falcons.* House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has requested a bi-partisan briefing on the alert for Congressional leaders.*

As Ukraine Crisis Builds,Major Naval Drills Set To Begin in Europe

As Europe totters on the edge of an abyss fabricated by the Kremlin,naval forces of both Russia and NATO will soon begin exercising in the region.Russia is holding massive drills involving more than 140 warships and support vessels,50+ aircraft,1,000 pieces of military equipment,and 10,000 personnel,from January-February;while NATO,for its part,is staging Exercise Neptune Strike 22.The NATO drills were not on the list of official NATO exercises for 2022.So far,details about it are sketchy.All that is definitely known is that it begins on 24 January and concludes on 4 February,and that the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group with its four Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers;a guided missile cruiser;typically up to two nuclear-powered attack submarines with Tomahawk cruise missiles for power projection on land; and a Royal Netherlands Navy frigate are taking part.The carrier air wing includes several dozen Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornets,which can carry armaments ranging up to the B61-12 tactical nuclear bomb.* Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby,US Navy retired,said the drills will: demonstrate NATO'S ability to integrate the high-end maritime strike capabilities of an aircraft carrier strike group to support the defence and deterrence of the Alliance...NATO Allies will participate in coordinated maritime manoeuvres;anti-submarine warfare training;and long-range strike training.* The Russian exercises will take place both in Russian seas and select World Oceans,including the Mediterranean,the Russian news agency TASS said,where the Truman CSG has been patrolling on orders of the Secretary of Defense,General Lloyd Austin III,US Army retired.* It is also known that NATO Ally Spain has dispatched a minesweeper and a frigate to the Mediterranean and the Black Seas in response to the Ukraine crisis;it may also send fighter aircraft to reinforce NATO Ally Bulgaria.France has offered to send troops to reinforce Romania.* Boeing (BA)

NATO Secretary General with 🇺🇸 U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, 04 O...at the Pentagon

Operation Allies Refuge:Airport Firefight Erupts With Unknown Assailants

On 23 August 2021,a firefight with unknown assailants broke out at the German gate of Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul.One Afghan guard was killed and three others wounded.There are about 600 former members of the Afghan National Defence and Security Forces now serving as guards at the airport.German and US troops also took part in the hostilities,but sustained no casualties.It is possible the assailants were members of ISIL-K,the Afghanistan branch of Islamic State,as the US has warned of an IS threat to the airport over recent days. On 22 August,US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that: the threat is real,accute and persistent...We are working hard with our Intelligence Community to isolate,to determine where such an attack might come from.* Indeed,US President Joseph R. Biden said from the Roosevelt Room at the White House yesterday: I'm not going to talk about the tactical changes that we're making to keep the airport as secure as we can.I don't want to get into the details.We've changed the gate operations and a whole range of things.* The Taliban have agreed to having a larger safety zone around HKIA.* On 20 August,Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby,US Navy retired,noted that: Al-Qaida is a presence as well as ISIS (another name for Islamic Stae).We believe there isn't a presence of al-Qaida significant enough to pose a threat to the homeland.Obviously,we're going to maitain an overwatch capability.We do believe we'll be able to maintain a warning sufficient for counterterrorism. The secretary's not going to rule anything in out in order to get done what we have to do there.Now we've built up extra capacity in the past few days,the secretary feels we can accomplish the mission...We have flown in additiobal forces,so if there would be a need,we would examine those options and offer up options to the secretary.Every decision that has to be made has to weigh the risks and the benefits.If the secretary were to make a major muscle movement,he would want to ask the White House.* There have been reports of US helicopters flying out of the airport to pick up people from multiple locations,but Mr.Kirby said: I cannot confirm those reports.* According to CNN Senior International Correspondent Sam Kiley,the US is using secret methods to bring people into the airport.Reportedly,sensitive operations may be underway to rescue key individuals.President Biden had revealed yesterday that we have evacuated nearly 28,000 people since 14 August.*

Afghan War:NATO Airport Mission Gets Name

The current operation under US Forces Afghanistan-Forward,which is commanded by Rear Admiral Peter Vasely,US Navy,has been named Operation Allies Refuge.Its status has also been elevated to that of a Non-combatant Rescue Operation,or NEO.Indeed,it is considered the second largest NEO ever conducted,according to General Mark Milley,US Army,Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.US President Joseph R. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been getting special intelligence briefings on the operation daily form Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and General Milley. During an 18 August 2021 breifing for journalists at the Pentagon,SecDef Austin said: This is a war I fought in and led.We have a moral obligation to help those who helped us.* General Milley added that: Currently,the security situation at the airport is stable.The Taliban are facilitating access to the airport by passport-carrying US citizens.We in uniform have a deep commitment.* General Milley went on to note that among the forces at the airport are a battalion from the Minnesota National Guard;two US Marine Corps battalions;an 82nd Airborne Division Headquarters and infantry personnel-all of which amount to 20 US manoeuvring companies on the ground at the Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA)in Kabul.As well,a number of fighter aircraft,such as F/A-18 Super Hornets;F-16 Fighting Falcons;AV-8 Harriers;AC-130 gunships;and MQ-9 intelligence and attack UAVs,are flying armed overwatch missions over the airport to protect the US and NATO forces at the airport.There are also B-52H Stratofortress bombers available in Qatar for missions.On the ground,British Army rifle companies and Special Operations Forces are working with the US forces.Also involved are troops from Turkey,France and Hungary.There are 20 sorties by US Air Force C-17 Globemaster transport jets every 24 hours,and a variety of commercial and charter flights are active.General Milley stressed that unexpected challenges can be and are expected.* In the past 24 hours (19-20 August),the operation has evacuated 3,000 individuals,350 of them American.* At the briefing the day before,General Austin revealed to the reporters that: I don't have the capability to go into Kabul.* Despite that,ccording to General Milley: Right now,there's a steady flow of people.* It is clear to this blog,however,that conditions around the HKIA perimeter remain chaotic,dangerous,and tend to hinder access-especially by Afghans.Taliban militants have committed violent acts against some of the refugees.Dead bodies are sometimes seen on the ground.There is a real risk of being trampled at the gates,and without enough troops to mount rescue operations into Kabul itself,nor the authorisation to engage in the combat operations that would no doubt ensue,there seems little chance to smooth the passageway into HKIA without Taliban acquiescence.* Fortunately,President Biden indicated to ABC News that he is open to extending the operation beyond the original 31 August deadline.*

Operation New Dawn Concludes As Colors Return From Iraq

The colors of U.S. Forces Iraq-the unit's flags-arrived home on Tuesday,carried by the last troops to return from Operation New Dawn,General Lloyd J. Austin III,U.S. Army,commander,and his staff.The soldiers flew to Joint Base Andrews,Maryland,where they were greeted by President Barack Obama;Vice President Joe Biden;Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey,U.S. Army;and Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter,as well as the returning soldiers' families.
In a brief address to mark the occasion,General Austin,who is incidentally one of the highest ranking African Americans in the U.S. Army,declared that U.S. Forces Iraq has accomplished its mission.I am proud to safely return our colors to the United States of America.They have safely been passed from commander to commander.
A significant number of our troops answered the call after 9-11.Many of them have re-enlisted.What our troops achieved is truly remarkable.They removed a brutal dictator and gave the Iraqi people their freedom.
Success in Iraq cannot be soley defined as a military effort.Thank you to all of our State Department comrades who are here with us today.
The general went on to thank our Gold Star families-those who lost family members in the war-for their sacrifice,and also the great American public for their care packages and letters-often sent to soldiers they didn't even know.It was a big boost to morale.
Finally,the general thanked our military men and women who served in Iraq.I am truly humbled by your many sacrifices.Thank you for a job extremely well done,General Austin said emphatically.
Genral Austin goes on to be Vice Chief of Staff,U.S. Army.The colors will eventually be put on display.
Members of all five branches of the U.S. military served in the Iraq War:Army,Marine Corps,Navy,Air Force and Coast Guard.