http://www.globalresearch.ca/towards-the-militarization-of-the-arctic-the-us-canada-tri-command-strategy/5317447
Towards the Militarization of the Arctic: The US-Canada Tri-Command Strategy
integration of US Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC) and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).
The Arctic has become an important part of North
American perimeter security. Recently, the U.S. and Canada signed two
new agreements that will expand bilateral military training, security
and defense operations in the region. Both countries are working
together to prepare for any real or perceived threats and are moving
towards merging their Arctic foreign policies.
On December 11, 2012, the U.S. and Canada signed the Tri-Command Framework for Arctic Cooperation which will further
integrate United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), Canadian Joint
Operations Command (CJOC) and North American Aerospace Defense Command
(NORAD).
According to a press release,
the framework is designed to, “promote enhanced military cooperation in
the Arctic and identify specific areas of potential Tri-Command
cooperation in the preparation for and conduct of safety, security and
defense operations.”
USNORTHCOM, CJOC and NORAD will work more closely in the
region with regards to planning, domain awareness, information-sharing,
training and exercises, operations, capability development, as well as
in the area of science and technology. This also ties in with the Tri-Command Training and Exercise Statement of Intent.
The newly signed military document is aimed at, “enhancing joint and
combined readiness in support of safety, security and defense missions
through combined training and exercises and reinforcing partnerships and
collaboration among the Commands.”
The latest U.S.-Canada military agreements are part of the
Tri-Command strategy and demonstrate the importance being placed on the
Arctic. The Tri-Command Vision
has previously called for USNORTHCOM, NORAD and Canada Command which
has now been replaced by CJOC to, “Improve unity of effort with each
other and with our respective mission partners; develop a culture of
continuous collaboration and cooperation in planning, execution,
training, information management, and innovation; enhance intelligence
and information sharing and fusion.”
In order to better achieve these objectives, “The Commands
shall develop and share comprehensive, situational awareness and a
common operating picture, and must strive to interact seamlessly with
each other and with our respective civil authorities, non-governmental
organizations and other mission partners.” The Tri-Command is part of
efforts to merge both countries, security and military priorities under
the umbrella of a single, U.S.-dominated North American Command.
As part of the April 2011 U.S. Department of Defense Unified Command Plan,
responsibility for the Arctic region is now shared between USNORTHCOM
and USEUCOM. With the move, USNORTHCOM was given the primary task of
planning and advocating for future Arctic capabilities, as well as
engaging with stakeholders across the U.S. military, other agencies and
international bodies. This is significant considering USNORTHCOM’s
partnership with CJOC, along with NORAD and was instrumental in the
development of the Tri-Command Framework for Arctic Cooperation. In an
example of what we can expect with regards to joint Arctic security,
Canada’s 2010 military sovereignty exercise, Operation Nanook
included the U.S. and Denmark. The Arctic is also an emerging issue for
the NATO alliance. Canada and the U.S., along with other NATO member
countries have participated in the annual Cold Response
war games. Strengthening its military presence in the region and
enhancing security collaboration with Canada and other northern partners
has become an essential component of America’s Arctic strategy.
In mid-2013, Canada will begin chairing a two-year term of the Arctic Council
with the U.S. assuming the leadership role from 2015–17. Many view this
as an opportunity for both countries to advance a North American Arctic
agenda.
The intergovernmental forum which also includes Denmark,
Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Russia promotes cooperation,
coordination and interaction among the Arctic states. The Arctic Council
has signed an Agreement on Cooperation in Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue
which became the first legally binding deal ever negotiated between all
the eight Arctic nations. As far as military and security concerns go,
in April 2012, Canada hosted a meeting of the Northern Chiefs of Defence
to discuss shared Arctic interests. This included common safety and
security issues in the region such as emergency response and support to
civilian authorities. The conference provided a setting to hold
multilateral and bilateral talks focused on the Arctic and there are
calls to have similar meetings on a regular basis.
The U.S. and Canada share similar goals and concerns in the
Arctic and are further building up their military presence in the
region. With a strategic framework in place, both countries are working
towards establishing a North American Arctic foreign policy. At times,
Canadian and Russian rhetoric in regards to Arctic sovereignty has been
reminiscent of the Cold War era. Rising tensions could further escalate
the militarization of the far north. Increasing diplomatic efforts is
the key to building the foundation for more multilateral cooperation in
the area. While the process to resolve territorial disputes and the
scramble to secure resources has thus far been peaceful, the Arctic
still remains a potential flashpoint for conflict.
Dana Gabriel is an activist and
independent researcher. He writes about trade, globalization,
sovereignty, security, as well as other issues. Contact: beyourownleader@hotmail.com. Visit his blog at Be Your Own Leader
No comments:
Post a Comment