Primary Arms

Archive for the ‘Profession of Arms’ Category

US Army Releases New TM for Target Audience Analysis

Wednesday, February 21st, 2024

TM 3-53.11 Influence Process Activity: Target Audience Analysis is the first of several new Technical Manuals to be released following the deconstruction of Special Text 33-01. The Influence Process Activity series includes TM 3-53.11, Target Audience Analysis; TM 3-53.12, Plan; TM 3-53.13, Prepare; TM 3-53.14, Execute; and TM 3-53.15, Assess. The others in the series are currently in the publication process with unknown, future publication dates.

TM 3-53.11 establishes techniques and procedures for Psychological Operations forces conducting analysis of foreign target audiences (TAs) in support of commander’s objectives and influence-based objectives.

Analysis provides requisite information for Psychological Operations Soldiers throughout each phase of conducting influence activities, to include the planning, development, delivery, and assessment of series.

Series focus on intermediate objectives toward a single supporting psychological objective (SPO) and TA combination in support of a psychological objective (PO). Multiple series may be required to support the achievement of each PO. Multiple POs support a program(s). Analysis further enables informed advice and increases behavior forecast accuracy. The principles contained in this publication are linked to Army Service doctrine in FM 3-53.

Read it at armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN40204-TM_3-53.11-000-WEB-1.

Rigorous Analysis of Future Operational Environment Informs Army Readiness

Wednesday, February 21st, 2024

AUSTIN, Texas – Army Futures Command is charged with transforming the Army to ensure war-winning future readiness.

A major effort underpinning this goal is the command’s extensive study and assessment of the future operational environment.

“It’s not about getting it right,” said AFC Commanding General Gen. James E. Rainey of the command’s efforts to forecast future likelihoods. “It’s about not getting it really wrong and seeing what you got wrong and adapting faster than your enemy.”

In late 2022, AFC leadership identified the need for a “running estimate” of what future challenges the Army of 2040 might face, including how it is likely to be shaped by rapidly evolving technologies and shifting global geopolitics.

An initial version of the document, which focused on the 2040 timeframe, was developed by AFC’s Directorate of Intelligence and Security in early 2023.

Referred to as the Future Operational Environment Running Estimate, the living document draws upon insights from previous iterations of future forecasts — among them AFC Pamphlet 525-2, Future Operational Environment: Forging the Future in an Uncertain World 2035-2050 — but was uniquely designed to be updated continually, offering the Army the ability to iteratively refine its understanding of future warfare.

“Army Futures Command’s critical mission is to transform the Army through new capabilities, formations and operational concepts that provide war-winning readiness. Understanding the conditions of the future operational environment and how adversaries may fight is necessary to inform the command so it can develop the capabilities, formations and concepts to achieve overmatch in those conditions,” said Jacob Barton, Ph.D., AFC’s future operational environment intelligence chief.

The running document explores types of conditions warfighters might encounter, technologies that could disrupt the status quo and implications of near-peer adversary activities.

Input for the document is derived from intelligence reporting, academic and scientific studies, and sustained engagement with experts from across the intelligence community, industry, academia and think tanks. The document also includes input from organizations across the command and other elements of the Department of Defense, resulting in comprehensive and in-depth analysis of information, Barton explained.

AFC uses the assessment of the future operational environment to inform all other critical functions performed by the command, including research, concepts, experimentation, requirements and integration.

The work is often extraordinarily complex, given how rapidly situations and technologies can change.

“Some of the most challenging aspects of preparing for the future operational environment involve the difficult nature of attempting to forecast the future,” Barton said.

“In assessing trends about the current operating environment, we attempt to envision the range of possibilities that exist in 10 and 20 years. Then we make assessments of what we believe at the time to be the most likely conditions within the range of potential possibilities.”

Despite the vastness of the challenge, Barton believes AFC is well-positioned to serve as a steward of the document for the Army.

“By having close collaboration with concepts and capabilities writers, engineers, scientists, technologists and integrators, AFC is uniquely suited to compare friendly and adversarial capabilities and provide useful analysis about what might be necessary to provide the Army advantages in the future,” Barton said.

AFC shares its analysis with other members of the joint force, helping to refine understanding of mutual challenges and opportunities related to future readiness.

The Army-specific lens of the running estimate also extends beyond what is typically provided by academia and industry, making it particularly useful to Army leaders and planners. Due to the sensitive nature of the document, it is not available for public consumption; however, its insights are directly contributing to the nation’s ability to protect its future.

“Ultimately, the Army must maintain its advantages,” Barton said. “Protecting the information and judgments inherent to the running estimate is a necessary step to maintaining this advantage.”

By Maureena Thompson, Army Futures Command

Swapping Skills and Patches at the Panzer Shooting Range

Monday, February 19th, 2024

STUTTGART, Germany – Ten soldiers from the German military, the Bundeswehr, earned U.S. Army Marksmanship Qualification Badges at Panzer Kaserne in Böblingen Oct. 18, while strengthening German-American friendship.

After a three-year hiatus caused by the pandemic, the USAG Stuttgart Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) was finally able to host German Soldiers at the Panzer shooting range again, allowing them to earn the American marksmanship badges.

Capt. Andrew Horn, who assumed command of the HHC in early 2023, expressed satisfaction in hosting the Bundeswehr personnel and enabling their increased understanding of American weaponry.

“When we have these events, it keeps communication between us open, and therefore the friendship keeps going,” said Horn.

Following a round of practice shots, the invited German soldiers got the green light to demonstrate their shooting skills. Three Bundeswehr soldiers scored a perfect 40, earning the highly coveted ‘expert’ badge and the admiration of their colleagues.

Events like these provide opportunities for soldiers on both sides to bond, swap stories, and learn about each other’s cultures and military life. They sometimes include the chance to exchange keepsakes such as badges worn on their arms to symbolize their regiment or corps.

Sergeant Erik one of the Bundeswehr soldiers who scored a perfect 40, was eager to swap some of his patches for American ones. “It’s always fun to exchange badges. I love hearing the story behind them. I have some that have already caught my eye, and I hope to exchange them for some of mine,” he said.

Hauptfeldwebel (Sgt. 1st Class) Michel, who previously shot with American soldiers, always welcomes participation in these types of events.

“Days like these are always special as it’s like being together with brothers, and it increases the teamwork amongst ourselves,” Michel said.

These events are not only for bonding, but also serve practical purposes. “It’s helpful in case there is a real-world scenario, and we’d have to consider each other’s capabilities,” explained Horn. “We are familiar with it since we’ve already seen and practiced with each other’s equipment before.”

After a long and exhausting day, everyone gathered for a typical American barbecue, closing out with hamburgers and new patches from their counterparts.

Per Bundeswehr policy, German soldiers are identified only by rank and first name.

By BALMINA SEHRA

US Navy Updates Uniform Policy, Authorizes Hands In Pockets

Thursday, February 15th, 2024

According to recently released GENADMIN message, the US Navy has updated several u form and appearance policies, including reversing course on hand in the pockets. Sailors are now authorized to have hands in their pockets when doing so does not compromise safety nor prohibit the proper rendering of honors and courtesies

Another change is the authorization of the wear Coyote backpacks with the NWU Type II and III.

The message also authorizes two new warfare pins, the Surface Chaplain Officer Qualification (SCO) Insignia and Aerial Vehicle Pilot (AVP) Warfare Qualification Insignia (Officer).

Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Mikal Chapman

Chaplains began receiving their new pin late last year while the first AVP wings were awarded last May in Pensacola.

Photo by Ensign Elias Kaser

Below is the entire message:

CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//

ROUTINE

R 141633Z FEB 24 MID600117190288U

FM CNO WASHINGTON DC

TO NAVADMIN

INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC

BT

UNCLASS

NAVADMIN 031/24

PASS TO OFFICE CODES:

FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1//

INFO CNO WASHINGTON DC//N1//

MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/FEB//

SUBJ/NAVY UNIFORM POLICY AND UNIFORM INITIATIVE UPDATE FEBRUARY 2024//

REF/A/DOC/COMNAVPERSCOM/23AUG21//

AMPN/REF A IS NAVPERS 15665J, U.S. NAVY UNIFORM REGULATIONS.

RMKS/1. This NAVADMIN announces updates to Navy uniform policies for calendar year 2024. These policy updates are the result of Sailor feedback, command sponsored requests and direction from Navy leadership.

2. The following Navy uniform policy changes are effective immediately:

a. Female Combination Cover. The female combination cover, also referred to as the bucket cover, is reinstated as an optional Navy uniform component for female Sailors (E-1 through O-10) when wearing Service Dress and Dinner Dress Uniforms. The bucket cover is now also optional for female officers and chief petty officers (CPOs) when wearing Service Khaki and Summer White Uniforms. Note: the bucket cover will not be available for personal purchase at Navy Exchange Uniform Centers and will need to be privately obtained if desired for wear.

b. Tiara. The tiara is reinstated as an optional Navy uniform component for all female Sailors (E-1 through O-10) when wearing Dinner Dress Blue and White Jacket Uniforms. Note: the tiara will be available for personal purchase as a special order item via Navy Exchange Online Customer Service with a lead time of approximately four weeks.

c. Physical Training Uniform. Black or navy-blue leggings/tights are authorized for optional wear with the Physical Training Uniform shorts and fitness suit pants.

d. Grooming, False Eyelashes. Female Sailors are authorized to wear false eyelashes or eyelash extensions that project a natural appearance and are no longer than 14 millimeters in length as measured from the eyelid to the tip of the eyelash. False eyelash color will match the color of the natural eyelash. Eyelash extensions cannot hinder wear of protective eyewear.

e. Officer Headgear Cap Insignia. Warrant Officer One Officers (W-1) will no longer wear the unique W-1 cap device. All officers (W-1 through O-10) will wear the same officer cap insignia consisting of two gold crossed fouled anchors with burnished silver shield surmounted by a burnished silver eagle facing to wearer’s right and may be embroidered or made of metal. While allowed immediately, in order to allow time for W-1 officers to transition this new policy becomes mandatory on 1 October 2024.

f. Chaplain Religious Faith Emblem (Chaplain Staff Corps Insignia). Navy Chaplains are authorized to wear religious faith emblems above their grade insignia on uniform components with rank tabs. The religious faith emblem is a 1 1/2-inch by 1 1/2-inch black patch with gold embroidered chaplain corps insignia centered on the fabric and positioned upright. When worn, the religious faith emblem will be sewn or affixed to the uniform using a velcro fastener directly above the rank tab.

g. Surface Chaplain Officer Qualification (SCO) Insignia. Navy Chaplains assigned to qualifying afloat units who meet qualification criteria are authorized wear of the SCO breast insignia on Navy uniforms. Wear of the SCO will be in accordance with reference (a).

The SCO may be metal or embroidered. The SCO insignia design consists of the bow-on aspect of a warship on a background of ocean swells and scroll banner underneath displaying the Navy Chaplain motto, Vocati Ad Servitium.

h. Aerial Vehicle Pilot (AVP) Warfare Qualification Insignia (Officer). Chief Warrant Officers and Warrant Officers (737X) successfully completing prescribed training requirements are authorized to wear the AVP breast insignia on Navy uniforms in accordance with reference (a). The AVP insignia consists of a silver bordered gold shield, a delta pointing downward, crossed fouled anchors and stylized wings.

i. Female T-Shirts. All female Sailors are authorized to optionally wear T-shirts specifically designed for female bodies with Navy uniforms. Female t-shirts will conform to Navy’s requirement for color, fabric, and neck configuration (e.g., crew neck, v-neck) per reference (a). The intent of this policy update is to address expressed dissatisfaction regarding the required wear of male or unisex t-shirts that are not designed to fit female bodies.

j. Personal Appearance. The restriction on placing hands in pockets while in uniform is rescinded. Sailors are authorized to have hands in their pockets when doing so does not compromise safety nor prohibit the proper rendering of honors and courtesies.

k. Backpacks. Commercially procured coyote brown backpacks are authorized for optional wear with the NWU Type II and III. Coyote brown backpacks will be worn in accordance with reference (a).

3. Ongoing Navy uniform initiatives:

a. Maternity Pilot Program (MPP). The MPP is successfully entering its third year of providing participating Sailors free uniforms ready for wear at their doorstep. Since the program commenced in 2022, over 1300 Sailors have participated in the program. During 2024, the program will continue to provide pregnant

Sailors the option to choose from four maternity sea bag variations encompassing all maternity uniforms and a cardigan sweater with alterations and applicable accoutrements attached. For more information about the program visit https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/References/US-Navy-Uniforms/Maternity-Pilot-Program/.

b. Size Modernization Program (SMP). The SMP is a multiphase, five-year uniform improvement program with an initial focus on female uniform improvements. The objective of the SMP is to deliver Navy Sailors with a modernized and consistent uniform fit and sizing system.

c. Female Officer/CPO Summer White Uniform. A white overblouse is being added to the list of authorized optional uniforms for the female officer and CPO Summer White Uniform. The new overblouse is the first line of components delivered by the SMP. Availability of the Summer White Uniform overblouse is planned for early fall 2024.

A dress white overblouse is also being developed as an optional component for the female officer and CPO Service Dress Blue Uniform with estimated introduction after calendar year 2024.

d. Female Service Uniform Slacks. The Navy is currently evaluating service uniform slacks with back pockets for females.

The focus of the evaluation is to determine the functionality and acceptability of female uniform slacks with back pockets. If the evaluation to include Sailor feedback is determined to be positive, the future design of female slacks will include back pockets.

e. Uniform Surveys. Uniform surveys will be distributed throughout 2024 to continue to capture Fleet-wide input. Surveys have been determined as the best method for the Uniform Matters Office to capture diverse and unbridled Sailor feedback that is crucial to planning, research and execution of uniform improvements and uniform and grooming policy updates. Surveys will be announced on the Uniform Matters and MyNavy HR websites. Access to surveys will be via QR codes or hyperlinks posted on the Uniform Matters and MyNavy HR websites.

f. Hat Liners. The Navy Exchange Service Command is adding synthetic liners to their list of uniform accessories for the Navy Working Uniform (NWU) eight-point cover. The purpose of synthetic hat liners is to address Sailors’ expressed concerns regarding unwanted hair removal or loss resulting from donning and doffing the NWU eight-point cover. The liner will be sold separately and must be sewn into the cover for proper placement and wear. Availability is expected to commence mid-February 2024 at most major Fleet concentration areas and online via https://www.mynavyexchange.com/.

4. Questions regarding this NAVADMIN should be addressed via e-mail to Mr. Robert B. Carroll, Navy Uniform Matters and Emerging Issues Branch (OPNAV N13X), at robert.b.carroll3.civ@us.navy.mil, or ETCM Richard Baumert (OPNAV N13X) via richard.a.baumert2.mil@us.navy.mil or PSC Sache Hagans (OPNAV N13X) at sache.m.hagans.mil@us.navy.mil.

5. Questions regarding the MPP should be addressed to the Uniform Matters Office (OPNAV N13X) at Navy_MPP.fct@navy.mil or LS1 Meagan Cobia, Uniform Matters Special Assistant, meagan.l.cobia.mil@us.navy.mil.

6. Questions regarding the SMP, Service Uniform Slacks and Summer White Overblouse initiatives, should be addressed to Ms. Louise Caulfield (Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility) at louise.a.caulfield.civ@us.navy.mil or Dr. Brianna Plummer (Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility) at brianna.l.plummer2.civ@us.navy.mil.

7. Questions regarding the Hat Liners should be addressed to Ms. Angela Brown (Navy Exchange Service Command) at angela.brown@nexweb.org.

8. Feedback and recommendations regarding uniform policy, uniform components and uniform availability are welcomed and can be provided via e-mail at UMO_CMC@navy.mil, via the MyNavy UNIFORMS App, or via

MyNavy Portal at https://www.mnp.navy.mil/, select Professional Resources, U.S. Navy Uniforms and *Ask The Chiefs*.

9. Retain this NAVADMIN until policy changes are incorporated in reference (a), superseded or cancelled, whichever occurs first.

10. Released by Vice Admiral Richard J. Cheeseman, Jr., N1.//

BT

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CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED//

US Army Releases TC 3-12.2.98 HUNT Operations

Monday, February 12th, 2024

At the beginning of February, the US Army published TC 3-12.2.98, “Hunt Operations” which provides tactics, techniques, and procedures for defensive cyber forces conducting hunt operations as part of defensive cyberspace operations.

The tactics, techniques, and procedures contained in this publication are intended to be used as a guide and are not prescriptive.

The principal audience for this publication is cyber professionals in the United States Army Cyber Protection Brigade who conduct defensive cyberspace operations and the commanders and staffs of units who request and receive defensive cyberspace operations support from the cyber protection brigade.

Get your copy at armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN40178-TC_3-12.2.98-000-WEB-1

Scholar Becomes Army’s First Military Intelligence Direct Commission Officer

Monday, February 5th, 2024

FORT KNOX, Ky. — Bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate, Army.

The only military-related background Capt. Chelsea Michta had prior to becoming the first officer to receive an active-duty direct commission in the Army’s Military Intelligence Corps was that her father worked for the Department of Defense.

Now, she is the officer in charge at the Army Europe Open Source Center – what Michta said is the largest open-source intelligence shop in Europe.

“It’s incredibly meaningful to work with a team who is providing commanders with information that is having a real-world impact on the battlefield,” Michta said. “It’s also humbling to be continuously learning.”

Michta, however, is no stranger to learning. Her achievement becoming the first Army MI direct commission officer is far from her only noteworthy feat. Adorned with extraordinary accomplishments, Michta’s path to the Army was not only unconventional, but shows why her selection was obvious.

“Boy, did she have all of the unique skills that no other lieutenant coming through the regular channels would have,” said Col. Christina Bembenek, 66th Military Intelligence Brigade commander in Wiesbaden, Germany.

Michta’s background and reputation preceded her. After all, how often does a University of Cambridge Ph.D. graduate who speaks English, German, Polish and Spanish commission in the Army? To Bembenek, Michta’s passion for service rivaled that of her passion for academics.

“When she came here, her desire to learn how to be an officer and how to be in the Army was impressive,” Bembenek said. “Her extensive research ability, combined with her knowledge of the languages and region — I could not have had a better officer fall into our brigade.”

Prior to putting on a uniform, much of Michta’s life was devoted to education. While in high school, her father, then professor at a liberal arts college in Memphis, Tennessee, accepted a position with the defense department in Germany. Although she lived in Warsaw as a child, this move provided Michta her first real exposure to Europe and living abroad.

Following her graduation from Munich International School, she went on to earn a bachelor’s in European history from Amherst College and then attended Cambridge for her master’s. There, she was one of just a few graduate students selected by the university to receive a full tuition scholarship to pursue her doctorate.

There was just one issue.

“I knew from the outset that I didn’t want to pursue a traditional civilian academic career,” Michta said. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my Ph.D. and explored a number of options during grad school to try and figure that out.”

It was while writing her dissertation that an unexpected set of circumstances ultimately opened Michta’s eyes to the possibility of choosing the Army as a career. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she had to return to Germany where her father was serving as the dean of the George C. Marshall Center. With the facility’s classroom the only available workspace outside her home, she spent the days of lockdown with Soldiers attending the Foreign Area Officers’ program there.

“It was honestly that experience of being around a lot of Army officers and talking with them about their experiences in the Army that first sparked my interest in uniformed service,” Michta said.

According to Michta, prior to speaking with FAO Soldiers, who were from various different branches and backgrounds, she admittedly had a fairly simplistic view of the Army. It was through her many conversations that she became both enlightened and inspired.

“I was struck by how diverse their experiences had been and the responsibility that was entrusted to them so early in their career, and by their sense of shared values and purpose,” Michta said. “It was the first time I considered pursuing a career in the military myself, but I just didn’t know what that would look like for me.”

As she began taking steps to see what options were available, Michta discovered the Army was expanding its direct commission opportunities to new specialties. With her combined education, cultural exposure and language capabilities, a panel of senior intelligence officers reviewed her civilian credentials and written statement outlining her desire to serve, and selected Michta to be the first person to direct commission into the MI Corps.

Now, two years after first arriving at Fort Moore, Georgia, Michta is leading her team in Wiesbaden and has her sights set on attending the Captain’s Career Course later this year.

“My short-term goal is to be a company commander and really step into a leadership role,” Michta said. “I want to take what I’ve learned leading my team here in Wiesbaden and apply that to a larger group of men and women and be the best leader that I can be.”

For Michta, the Army was never in the forefront of her mind as a potential career, especially as she traversed the world of academia. She said many people would likely be as surprised as she was that their own personal skillset has that perfect place within the Army’s many avenues.

“I think it’s important to get the word out about what the Army can offer,” Michta said. “If more people were aware of the sheer variety of experiences that a person can have, the shared sense of purpose, and the professional developmental opportunities the Army can offer, I think a lot more people would seriously consider it.

“Don’t write something off just because you’re not familiar with it or you have preconceived notions of what this profession entails. There’s always more to it than you think.”

By Jennifer DeHaan

WAPS Testing Going Digital in February 2024

Wednesday, January 31st, 2024

ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —  

Beginning with the CY24 E6 promotion cycle in February, the Weighted Airman Promotion System test will be administered electronically, supporting a long-awaited modernization need in the Air Force’s personnel development efforts.

The eWAPS platform is a collaborative effort between the Air Force, the Personnel Data Research Institute and PearsonVUE. Airmen participating in the 2024 technical sergeant and staff sergeant promotion cycles will be the first to use this system.

“This initiative, along with others such as the myFSS applications, is just one of many human resources transformation efforts,” said Lt. Gen. Caroline Miller, deputy chief of staff for Manpower, Personnel, and Services. “Transforming HR Information Technology is one of my five priorities and underpins the entire HR enterprise.”

Promotion-eligible Airmen can anticipate receiving invitational emails later this month, prompting them to visit the PearsonVUE website to establish an account by creating a username and password.

Test Control Officers or unit WAPS monitors will contact each eligible Airman to come into the base education and testing center to sign for their assigned official test date. During this time, they will review testing instructions and individual responsibilities, which include the requirement to have their username and password with them on test day.

Airmen will also receive instructions on how to create their PearsonVUE account if they did not receive the PearsonVUE email or did not create an account due to reasons such as not updating their email in vMPF or a deployment.

Airmen are required to arrive in uniform, punctually, and with their Common Access Card. Additionally, it is now imperative for them to remember their username and password.

Lack of preparation, to include not having or knowing their username and password, can result in being marked as a no-show for testing. Airmen can retrieve their username using their first and last name and their email account and will also be able to reset their password by responding to security questions they established during the account creation process. Airmen who cannot reset their password and access their PearsonVUE account will be marked as a no-show for testing.

“This is a transformative step that enhances the careers of our Airmen,” said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne Bass. “By aligning with industry standards, e-testing ensures a secure and innovative platform for a fair and equitable opportunity in promotion and career advancement. It also streamlines the process by allowing test responses to be submitted directly to the Air Force Personnel Center, eliminating the need for traditional mailing of answer sheets. This advancement not only instills total confidence in our Airmen but also provides unhindered access, empowering them to reach goals with greater efficiency and effectiveness. This is a much-needed change…and there are more to come!”

Airmen who are not co-located near a base testing center, such as Airmen assigned to a geographically separated unit, could test at one of many PearsonVUE centers, affording greater flexibility.

If eligible Airmen do not receive an e-mail or they can’t find it, they can go directly to the PearsonVUE website and create an account. Accounts can only be created through the PearsonVUE website after Jan. 30, 2024.

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Army Developing First Arctic Doctrine in More Than 50 Years

Sunday, January 28th, 2024

FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kan. — The U.S. Army has begun development on the first Arctic-focused doctrine in more than 50 years, Army Techniques Publication 3-90.96, Arctic and Extreme Cold Weather Operations. The manual, slated for release in mid-2024, will provide Soldiers and leaders with the knowledge and techniques necessary to overcome the Arctic environment and succeed in temperatures as cold as minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

“Arctic and extreme cold weather operations are about more than being able to survive, you have to be able to thrive,” said Capt. Edward A. Garibay, the lead doctrine author for the publication with the Combined Arms Doctrine Directorate. “As the Arctic warms from climate change, it’s going to become more and more accessible in the coming decades and take on new importance. We have to be ready to accomplish the mission in such an environment. This doctrine will help our Soldiers do that.”

The publication will be tactically focused and will help Soldiers use the concepts and experience they already know and adapt them for the Arctic and Subarctic. It will explain many of the unique and sometimes counterintuitive aspects of the region and the considerations Soldiers must take to adjust operations. For instance, the sun may never rise during the month of December; GPS and satellites can be unreliable due to solar storms; metals and plastics become brittle and can break; and batteries have significantly shorter life.

“One of the problems we face now is that we have a lot of localized knowledge that isn’t easily shared across the Army,” said Garibay. “We have pockets of individuals and units that are experts, but their knowledge is only available in local [standard operating procedures] and only passed down from one command to the next. We’re consolidating all that knowledge in one place and providing a foundation for everyone to build on.”

The CADD Special Doctrine Division, the doctrinal proponent for cold weather, has been extensively researching Arctic and extreme cold weather operations for more than a year. Their efforts include training at the Northern Warfare Training Center, referencing historical records, and consultation with other Arctic nations such as Canada, Norway, Finland, Sweden and Denmark. One of their primary resources is the 11th Airborne Division in Alaska, which has played a critical role in developing doctrine. According to Garibay, their continued innovation and expertise has been invaluable. They have taken an active role in writing Arctic doctrine, staffing revisions, and providing subject matter experts.

“The U.S. Army has to be ready to fight and win in extreme cold and mountainous environments in order to deter conflict, and the 11th Airborne Division is the foundation of that capability,” said Maj. Gen. Brian Eifler, commander, 11th Airborne Division. “To build sustained Arctic readiness, we need to follow the example of Alaska native communities who have thrived here successfully for millennia, sharing best practices and lessons learned.”

Another milestone in the doctrine’s development will occur during the 11th Airborne Division’s upcoming Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center exercise this winter. During the exercise, which will replicate large-scale combat conditions, the division will also be validating concepts for the doctrine and providing immediate feedback to CADD.

To learn more about Army doctrine and access doctrinal resources, visit the CADD public website.

By Combined Arms Doctrine Directorate staff