Page 25 - Brian Eifler News Today

Alaska's newly formed 11th Airborne Division has shipped away its fleet of roughly 320 Strykers as it shifts its mechanized brigade to focus on air assault.

Even seasoned noncommissioned officers from the lower 48 states can experience a steep learning curve when operating and surviving in the frigid environment.

Commanders across the force this year have been eyeing new ways to boost soldiers' quality of life, with more time off a key target.

Soldiers at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, will be the first to receive the Army’s new Arctic-capable vehicle late next year.

Despite pressing challenges at home and abroad, the Army is standing strong, the service’s top general officer said.  “We put American soldiers on the ground [in Eastern Europe] to reassure [our allies] … and I think that really made a difference. It just showed me how great our soldiers are,” Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville said. “But we’re great at home, too. Our National Guard and Reserve are doing incredible things.” 

"Arctic warfighting is not just what they do. It's really who they are," said Maj. Gen. Brian Eifler.

The US Army activated the 11th Airborne Division in Alaska on June 6. | Business Insider Africa

The Army’s command in Alaska has a new name now, to reflect its new focus on fighting in the Arctic and helping develop tactics and equipment it’ll use in the region. U.S. Army Alaska officially became the 11th Airborne Division Monday, after ceremonies at Fort Wainwright and Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson.

The Army will redesignate its current Stryker element in Alaska to a light infantry brigade amid the formation of the 11th Airborne Division.

The former Army Alaska headquarters and the Alaska-based 1st and 4th Brigade Combat Teams of the 25th Infantry Division were rolled into the 11th Airborne Division.