Counter-Offensive Operations in Alaska

The development of roads and facilities in support of petroleum extraction efforts has dramatically affected Alaska's topographic environment. These events suggest a need to investigate the composition of forces assigned in Alaska to determine their suitability for operations in a changing environment. This study compares the current force's capabilities and limitations for Alaskan counter-offensive operations against those of other force options. Investigation reveals that topographic changes will have no dramatic effect on the need for reliance on airmobility to provide timely response to anticipated threats. None of the forces analyzed in this study possess sufficient means to respond adequately to all expected situations. Expanding the airborne configuration of the present force structure will increase its capabilities dramatically and render it more suitable for counter-offensive operations in Alaska during the 1980-1990 time frame.