Pentagon Prepares Military Bases for Possible Conflict

The Pentagon is set to ensure that U.S. military bases can function independently for at least 90 days without assistance from civilian resources. This initiative acknowledges the looming risks of a major war that might disrupt power grids, hinder supply chains, and endanger critical infrastructure across the United States.

This new requirement is part of a larger military strategy known as FORTRESS, which aims to enable American forces to sustain their operations even if the civilian systems they rely on are compromised, as outlined in documents obtained by Fox News Digital.

Concerns Over Civilian Infrastructure

“We can’t depend on conventional civilian infrastructure to maintain our national defense. That’s just a huge risk,” said Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell.

The Pentagon is also taking steps to prepare civilian manufacturers for transitioning to defense production in times of crisis. It’s about creating alternative supply chains and strategic reserves. This move is crucial for ensuring a steady flow of weapons, fuel, and other vital resources.

“Power is combat now. Without electricity, you lose everything—communications, logistics, and even basic military command,” Parnell noted.

As part of the FORTRESS initiative, major military installations across the continental U.S. will be expected to secure critical operations independently for at least 90 days, ensuring access to essentials like electricity, water, and fuel.

Shift in Defense Strategy

This strategy indicates a meaningful change in how the Pentagon is addressing potential threats to American soil. According to Parnell, the traditional assumption that two oceans provide security is outdated. “President Trump has recognized that the landscape has changed significantly, which has opened the door for new approaches—think Golden Dome, a focus on the Western Hemisphere, Greenland, and Panama.”

One of the Pentagon’s main concerns is its reliance on civilian power grids, which support various military functions, including communications and logistics.

FORTRESS proposes using portable nuclear reactors and microgrids that allow military bases to remain operational during extended power outages. Parnell stated, “We need mission-critical power that is independent, robust, and has backup options.”

Additionally, the Pentagon has plans to lessen its reliance on civilian energy sources. The new standard for 90-day self-sufficiency expands this concept, encompassing other vital services necessary to support military activity.

The plan also foresees major disruptions in global supply chains, which could impact the military’s access to arms, equipment, and critical materials.

“Future conflicts might be fought on numerous fronts. When that happens, we anticipate that global supply chains will falter,” Parnell pointed out.

To address this, the FORTRESS initiative includes establishing reserves of munitions, fuel, essential materials, electronics, spare parts, and medical supplies. These reserves are crucial for maintaining operations if supply routes are interrupted or domestic producers are unable to meet wartime demands.

The volume of reserves will adjust based on the rate at which supplies are used during significant conflicts and the time required for manufacturers to replenish them.

Supporting Wartime Mobilization

Another critical aspect of the initiative involves enhancing the capacity of the civilian manufacturing sector to support a wartime mobilization. Through the existing Civil Reserve Manufacturing Network integrated into FORTRESS, the Pentagon intends to identify commercial factories that could pivot to defense manufacturing in times of need.

The strategy also involves assessing manufacturers’ abilities and setting up necessary technical specifications, cybersecurity measures, and contracting strategies well ahead of any conflict.

FORTRESS plans to implement regular industrial stress tests and mobilization drills to evaluate whether manufacturers can maintain production amid prolonged disruptions.

Furthermore, the initiative extends to bolstering military communications and satellite capabilities to withstand interference. This means preparing to keep operations running even if GPS signals are disrupted.

The overarching aim is to minimize the military’s dependence on civilian infrastructure and fragile supply networks during a lengthy conflict.

“It’s essential not to be making critical decisions mid-conflict. We need a solid plan,” Parnell asserted, describing FORTRESS as an insurance policy for the homeland. It’s designed to ensure American forces remain capable of functioning, even if a significant war disrupts the infrastructure and supply chains they currently depend on.