Marines set up new rotational force in Alaska
Source: Task & Purpose
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The Marine Corps is establishing a new rotational force for Alaska, part of a wider expansion into the Arctic and in preparation for cold-weather missions.
The Marine Corps announced “Campaign – Alaska” on Saturday, a new initiative that will give the service a permanent presence in the northernmost state and expand training in what Gen. Eric Smith, commandant of the Marine Corps, called “a region of growing strategic importance.” The largest part of the effort is the creation of Marine Rotational Force – Alaska.
“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,” Smith said in the announcement.
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The new rotational task force will vary in size depending on the time of year. The Marine Corps did not specify where in Alaska the Marines will be based or what units will be a part of the inaugural rotation. According to Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), the new Marine Corps force is a task-organized Marine Air-Ground Task Force meant to operate in “extreme cold weather, austere terrain, and limited-infrastructure conditions.”
Lt. Gen. Bobbi Shea, commanding general for Marine Forces Northern Command, which will oversee the rotational force, said that Alaska “will only grow in strategic importance” and that the new initiative is meant to meet the goals of the 2026 National Defense Strategy.
Marine Raiders maneuver through the snow during Arctic Edge 2026. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Ashley Low.
The Marine Corps has conducted training in Alaska in recent years — with Marines taking part in exercises such as Red Flag or the Kaiju Rain drills currently ongoing around the Pacific theater this month — but most of its Arctic preparation has been done in Europe. Earlier this year roughly 3,000 Marines went to Scandinavia to take part in Cold Response 26, a NATO exercise. Marine Raiders recently took part in the Arctic Edge exercise in Alaska earlier this year.
The U.S. military has an extensive presence in Alaska, with several installations, including missile defense facilities. The Army’s 11th Airborne Division, specializing in cold weather operations, is headquartered at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Air Force units stationed in the state also play an important role in the North American Aerospace Defense Command’s operations, including intercepting planes in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone. The Department of Defense has been looking to expand its Arctic presence and capabilities, including adding new infrastructure to Greenland.
The Marine Corps is also setting up a permanent detachment in the northernmost state. Marine Corps Forces Reserve is establishing the new Supporting Arms Liaison Team – Alaska. The team will comprise Marines from the 6th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, based out of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. That unit will work with elements from other branches of the military in Alaska.
The post Marines set up new rotational force in Alaska appeared first on Task & Purpose.
Classification
Region
North America
Analytical Domain
Operational
Primary Category / Secondary Categories
Force Movement / Military Operations
Subcategory
Troop Redeployment
SALUTE Report
Size
Varies depending on the time of year
Activity
Establishment of a new rotational force for cold-weather missions
Location
Alaska
Unit
Marine Corps
Time
Announced on Saturday
Equipment
Marine Rotational Force – AlaskaSupporting Arms Liaison Team – Alaska
Summary
The Marine Corps announced the establishment of a new rotational force in Alaska as part of 'Campaign – Alaska' to enhance cold-weather operational capabilities. This initiative aims to ensure Marines are prepared for extreme conditions and will vary in size throughout the year. The force will support the goals of the 2026 National Defense Strategy and includes the formation of the Supporting Arms Liaison Team – Alaska.
Key Facts
- The Marine Corps is establishing a new rotational force in Alaska.
- The initiative is called 'Campaign – Alaska' and aims to enhance Arctic operations.
- The new force will vary in size and will be based in Alaska, though specific locations are not disclosed.
- The Marine Corps has conducted training in Alaska and aims to meet the goals of the 2026 National Defense Strategy.
- A permanent detachment, the Supporting Arms Liaison Team – Alaska, is also being established.