Military in Alaska

The United States Armed Forces have played an important role in Alaska since the territory was purchased from Russia in 1867. For two decades following the purchase, the Army, Navy, And Revenue Service, the forerunner of the U.S. Coast Guard, provided what little government there was. Military personnel mapped much of the interior, enforced rudimentary law and order during the Gold Rush and, shortly after the turn of the century, managed the installation and operation of Alaska's first major communications system, the Washington-Alaska Military Cable System (WAMCATS).

The military's most lasting impact, in terms of the economy and population, began to be felt at the outset of World War II. Military sponsored construction of docks, airfields, warehouses, and bases were under way well before the December 7, 1941 surprise attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese. In early 1942, the Japanese occupation of Attu and Kiska, two far western islands of the Aleutian chain, spurred the military establishment to initiate the construction of the Alaska-Canadian (Alcan) highway. Before the year was out, a pioneer road was completed that tied Alaska to the "lower 48" states. The subsequent military buildup in the territory was enormous.

The Cold War, and Alaska's proximity to the Soviet Union, made Alaska a key outpost in the defense of North America. Early warning radar and communication systems were erected across Alaska, and key military bases were enlarged. The Department of Defense and United States Coast Guard continue to maintain about 30 manned installations across the state as well as a large number of unmanned stations such as radio relay sites.

In 1960, some 32,860 persons worked in the military, fully 33% of the labor force. The diversification of the Alaskan economy with its corresponding growth of civilian employment has resulted in the proportional decline in military employment. By 2009, active military personnel numbered 24,449 with 33,897 dependents. Alaska's active military composed 4.7% of the total labor force.

Alaska's military population is centered around the state's two largest cities. Fort Wainwright near Fairbanks and Fort Richardson near Anchorage are the state's major Army posts. The Air Force's major bases are Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks and Elmendorf Air Force Base outside of Anchorage.

Alaska is host to the Alaskan Air Command (ACC) with headquarters at Elmendorf Air Force Base. The Air Force also operates 13 long range radar stations located around the state.

The principal Army unit in Alaska is the 172nd Infantry Brigade (Separate), headquartered at Fort Wainwright.

Headquarters for the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard are located in Anchorage with principal units in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Kotzebue, Bethel, and Juneau.

The 17th Coast Guard District, with headquarters in Juneau, encompasses Alaska's 33,000 miles of coastline. The Coast Guard's major responsibilities include enforcing the 200-mile fisheries conservation zone, search and rescue, and maintenance of navigation aids.

The Navy and Marine Corps have commands and detachments in Anchorage and on Adak Island in the Aleutians.

For more information, see Military under the "Government & Law" section on SLED!