U.S. Marine Corps Strengthens Arctic Readiness with Campaign - Alaska

The United States Marine Corps has launched "Campaign - Alaska," a strategic initiative to enhance its operational capabilities in the Arctic. This campaign combines two key efforts: the Marine Rotational Force - Alaska (MRF - Alaska) and the establishment of a Supporting Arms Liaison Team - Alaska (SALT - Alaska). These initiatives will address the Arctic's growing strategic importance in an era of global competition and ensure the Marine Corps is prepared for the extreme conditions of the High North.

The 2026 National Defense Strategy prioritizes key terrain in the Western Hemisphere from the Arctic to South America as vital for homeland defense and strategic competition.

The Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Eric Smith, stated that "the Arctic is a region of growing strategic importance. The Marine Corps must be prepared to operate and win in its extreme conditions. MRF - Alaska and SALT - Alaska are critical to ensuring our Marines are forward postured, trained and equipped to project power globally, reaffirming our commitment as the Nation's expeditionary force in readiness."

MRF - Alaska, under the direction of Marine Forces Northern Command (MARFORNORTH), will conduct persistent, multi-domain expeditionary training and experimentation in Alaska. By participating in Joint exercises like Arctic Edge and Red Flag, MRF - Alaska will provide a training venue to prepare the Fleet Marine Force for operating in arctic conditions. This will not only bolster homeland defense but also improve interoperability with Joint and allied forces, deter adversaries, and promote regional stability.

"In this era of strategic competition, Alaska is critical to homeland defense and a vital theater for global power projection in the Arctic," said Lt. Gen. Bobbi Shea, Commanding General, Marine Forces Northern Command. "The Marine Corps Campaign - Alaska is a deliberate and necessary step to ensure we provide the Joint Force with a combat-credible force to support the National Defense Strategy."

Complementing the rotational force, Marine Corps Forces Reserve (MARFORRES) is establishing SALT - Alaska, a permanent detachment of the 6th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO) at Joint Base Elmendorf -Richardson (JBER). This builds on MARFORRES' long-standing presence in Alaska, dating back to 1985. The SALT - Alaska detachment will be instrumental in expanding training and operational activities and will facilitate coordination with Joint Forces, allies and local communities. By fiscal year 2027, SALT - Alaska will provide a persistent Marine Corps presence in Alaska, ensuring continuity in Arctic operations and positioning the force for rapid expansion when needed.

Campaign - Alaska is a deliberate, forward-thinking strategy to meet the challenges and opportunities of the Arctic. By combining persistent rotational training with a permanent liaison capability, the Marine Corps is creating a robust Arctic presence. This will enable the Corps to project power, defend the homeland, and deter adversaries in one of the world's most demanding environments.

Lt. Gen. Shea stated, "Alaska will only grow in strategic importance. The Marine Corps is committed to ensuring we are prepared to operate in the High North."

For questions regarding Campaign - Alaska please contact [email protected].