Alaska plays a critical strategic role in U.S. defense, particularly for Arctic operations, homeland defense, and training in extreme cold-weather environments.
The U.S. Army in Alaska is organized under the 11th Airborne Division (activated in 2022), which provides highly trained forces capable of operating across the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions.
The three main Army installations include Fort Wainwright, Fort Greely, and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (which includes the former Army Fort Richardson). All of which are designed to support combat readiness, missile defense, large-scale joint exercises, and rapid response capabilities.
Recent Developments in Alaska Army Bases (2025–2026)
- The 11th Airborne Division continues to serve as the primary combat formation, with brigades at Fort Wainwright and JBER.
- Expanded training areas, including new mortar and artillery ranges at JBER (Record of Decision announced in 2026).
- Ongoing large-scale exercises like Arctic Edge 2026 and Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC), involving thousands of U.S. and allied troops with increased focus on drone operations and Arctic warfare.
- Infrastructure investments, including new barracks and training facilities, to support Arctic dominance and quality of life.
These bases emphasize cold-weather expertise, missile defense, and multi-domain operations in a strategically vital region.
Summary of Army Bases in Alaska (2026)
| Base | Location | Primary Focus | Key Units / Features | Status (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Wainwright | Fairbanks | Stryker & cold-weather infantry training | 1st BCT (Stryker), 11th Airborne, NWTC | Active - major training hub |
| Fort Greely | Delta Junction | Missile defense & cold regions testing | 49th Missile Defense Bn, Test Center | Active - strategic defense |
| Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (Army) | Anchorage | Airborne operations & joint training | 2nd BCT (Airborne), 11th Airborne | Active - expanding ranges |
#1. Fort Wainwright
Location: Wainwright, Alaska
In Use: 1935- Present
Overall Mission: Fort Wainwright serves as a major hub for the 11th Airborne Division. It focuses on training infantry, Stryker, aviation, and medical units for Arctic and worldwide deployment. The base supports extreme cold-weather operations and hosts the Northern Warfare Training Center, among other training units.
Units Stationed:
- 1st Brigade Combat Team (Stryker), 11th Airborne Division
- 16th Combat Aviation Brigade (Task Force 49 legacy)
- Elements of the 11th Airborne Division headquarters and support units
- Bassett Army Community Hospital
- Northern Warfare Training Center (NWTC)
Fort Wainwright is home to significant portions of the 11th Airborne Division, and is a frequent host for JPMRC exercises with drone training and cold-weather maneuvers.
Official Site: https://home.army.mil/alaska/index.php/fort-wainwright
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#2. Fort Greely
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
In Use: 1942- Present
Overall Mission: Fort Greely is a key missile defense and cold-regions testing installation that supports Ground-Based Midcourse Defense and provides world-class cold-weather testing capabilities through the Cold Regions Test Center.
Units Stationed:
- Midcourse Missile Defense
- Cold Regions Test Center
- Ground-Base Midcourse Defense
- 49th Missile Defense Battalion
- 59th Signal Battalion
- Logistics Readiness Center
Notable Role: One of the coldest training and testing sites in the U.S., making it ideal for evaluating equipment in extreme Arctic conditions. It also supports joint exercises like Arctic Edge, which is an annual defense exercise designed to test and demonstrate military capabilities in extremely cold environments.
Official Site: https://home.army.mil/alaska/index.php/fort-greely/about
#3. Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER)
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
In Use: 1941- Present (Previously an Air Force Base, beginning in 1884)
Overall Mission: JBER is Alaska’s largest military installation and a true joint base supporting both Army and Air Force missions. The Army component hosts the 2nd Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) of the 11th Airborne Division and focuses on airborne operations, joint training, and homeland defense.
Units Stationed:
- US Army Alaska units
- 2nd Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division
- Alaska Army National Guard units
Recent Developments: In 2026, a Record of Decision was issued for expanded mortar and artillery training areas. A new $332 million Joint Integrated Test and Training Center is under construction for realistic combat simulation.
Official Site: https://home.army.mil/alaska/index.php/fort-richardson-jber
Frequently Asked Questions About Army Bases in Alaska
How many Army bases are in Alaska?
There are three primary Army installations: Fort Wainwright, Fort Greely, and the Army side of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
What is the 11th Airborne Division?
Activated in 2022, the 11th Airborne Division is the U.S. Army’s Arctic-focused division, with brigades at Fort Wainwright and JBER. It specializes in cold-weather and airborne operations across harsh environments.
Can civilians visit these bases?
Access is restricted for security reasons. Public tours are rare, but some bases host community events or open houses. Contact the Public Affairs Office for official business or family visits.
Are there opportunities for cold-weather training?
Yes — the Northern Warfare Training Center at Fort Wainwright and various ranges across the bases offer some of the best cold-weather and mountain training in the world.
Which base has missile defense?
Fort Greely is the primary site for Ground-Based Midcourse Defense and hosts the 49th Missile Defense Battalion.
Final Thoughts
Alaska’s Army bases are essential for maintaining U.S. presence and readiness in the Arctic. Whether you’re stationed there, PCSing, or simply interested in military life in the Last Frontier, these installations offer unique challenges and opportunities in one of the most demanding environments on Earth.
For the most current information, visit the official U.S. Army Alaska / 11th Airborne Division websites or speak with a recruiter.
If you have experience at any of these bases or questions about life in Alaska, feel free to leave a comment below!
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Craig spent many years on active duty service in the Air Force stationed in such places as Okinawa, Japan and SAC Headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. While in the military, he spent time analyzing imagery from a variety of aircraft such as the SR-71.
He was also one of the first enlisted members in the Air Force to experience working with near real time satellite imagery. Craig currently resides in the Outer Banks of North Carolina and runs his own business. Connect with him via his LinkedIn profile.