The Tri-Command Strategy and Merging U.S.-Canada Arctic Foreign Policy
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has now been replaced by CJOC to, “Improve unity of effort with each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
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