The U.S. Army’s reactivation of the 11th Airborne Division on June 6, 2022, marks a significant commitment to enhancing security in the Arctic and Indo-Pacific regions. This division, known as the Arctic Angels, is based in Alaska and has rapidly united its forces under a shared mission: to excel in Arctic warfare and expeditionary operations across the nation’s priority theater, the Indo-Pacific.
Located strategically, the 11th Airborne Division trains in a variety of environments, from the frigid mountains of Bardufoss, Norway, to the tropical jungles of Baturaja, Indonesia. Their training enables Soldiers and Paratroopers to operate effectively in a wide range of temperatures and terrains, from -50 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This adaptability and resilience are hallmarks of the unit’s effectiveness as the Army’s only Arctic division and airborne division in the Indo-Pacific.
Historically, the 11th Airborne Division has deep ties to the Pacific and cold weather operations, having been activated during World War II at Camp Mackall, NC. The division played a pivotal role in the Philippines Campaign, where its forces engaged in significant battles, including the liberation of over 2,000 civilians at the Los Banos internment camp.
During the Korean War, they further refined their skills in extreme cold operations, overcoming harsh conditions in battles such as Yongju. Today, the 11th Airborne Division’s mission revolves around conducting multi-domain operations in both the Indo-Pacific theater and Arctic regions. This includes confronting potential adversaries in large-scale combat situations characterized by extreme cold, mountainous, and high-latitude environments.
The regions of the Arctic and Indo-Pacific are becoming increasingly contested, highlighting the 11th Airborne Division’s strategic importance. The 2022 National Defense Strategy emphasizes the Indo-Pacific as the national priority theater, especially concerning the increasing military capabilities and aggression of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The urgency of maintaining regional stability is underscored by the PRC’s ambitions regarding Taiwan and North Korea’s persistent belligerence.
Simultaneously, the Arctic’s geopolitical significance has risen dramatically, influenced by various global events. The Department of Defense’s Arctic Strategy released in 2024 underscores this importance, citing rising temperatures and geopolitical shifts, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO. These factors have re-energized U.S. focus on Arctic security, partly motivating the reactivation of the 11th Airborne Division.
Alaska’s prime geographical position fosters quick deployment capabilities for the Arctic Angels across vast distances, including direct air access to major adversaries like Beijing and Pyongyang. Anchorage is closer to these capitals than even traditional U.S. military hubs, signifying the division’s readiness to address pressing security threats.
To achieve regional stability, the 11th Airborne Division engages in Operation Pathways, which supports U.S. Army Pacific Command (USARPAC) efforts to deter adversaries and assure allies in the Indo-Pacific. The operation focuses on deploying combat-ready forces throughout the Pacific and enhancing international partnerships and interoperability through various exercises.
The division executes numerous training events annually, ensuring its effectiveness as a vital player in maintaining stability across the region. Even while deploying to combat challenges in warmer climates like Indonesia, the 11th Airborne Division conducts crucial training at the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC), which prepares them for operations in extreme cold and high-latitude environments.
The rigorous conditions encountered at JPMRC include wind chills plunging below -50 degrees Fahrenheit. In these extreme scenarios, Soldiers and Paratroopers are compelled to apply innovative movement techniques and battle drills, demonstrating significant individual discipline and essential life-saving sustainment practices.
Beyond operational training, Arctic Angels enjoy their unique assignments in Alaska, taking advantage of the vast landscape synonymous with the Arctic. The unit runs the Northern Warfare Training Center, recognized as the premier facility for cold weather and mountain warfare training in the U.S. Army.
Troops have access to a variety of sought-after courses, such as Cold Weather Orientation, Leaders courses, and both Basic and Advanced Military Mountaineering courses. These programs equip Soldiers and Paratroopers with essential skills for navigating snowy terrains, conducting mountain maneuvers, and effectively engaging in Arctic combat.
Additionally, dedicated service members have the chance to join the Denali Expedition team, affording them the extraordinary opportunity to summit the highest peak in North America.
In summary, the 11th Airborne Division stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of military strategy in the Arctic and Indo-Pacific regions. With a proud legacy and a clear mission ahead, the Arctic Angels are uniquely equipped to meet the challenges of modern warfare and secure America’s national interests across these critical areas.
For more insights on the operational impact of the 11th Airborne Division, including details about its involvement in Operation Pathways and experiences at JPMRC, interested readers can look forward to accompanying articles featuring insights from Army personnel, including MAJ Ben Torgersen, and others sharing their perspectives and experiences.
For additional articles related to military operations and innovations, visit the U.S. Army Infantry magazine and the Line of Departure journals online.
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