An external assessment of the Army’s northernmost airborne brigade, situated at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska, reveals significant operational tempo and resource shortfalls impacting the brigade’s equipment and facilities. The report by the Army Cohesion Assistance Team, which leaked on Reddit, highlights systemic issues like overwhelming mission requirements and deteriorating barracks. Additionally, the study raised concerns about increased stress levels among soldiers and prevalent instances of racism, sexism, and unhealthy coping mechanisms like alcohol consumption.
Key Points:
- The Army’s northernmost airborne brigade at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson is grappling with challenges including overwork and resource deficits.
- Soldiers reported being overwhelmed by mission demands, poor communication, and abrupt changes, leading to stalled training and obstructed professional development.
- The condition of the barracks has deteriorated, resulting in safety and security concerns, particularly regarding female safety.
- The brigade’s challenges contribute to heightened stress, creating an environment where low-level racism, sexism, and reliance on alcohol are tolerated.
- Despite the challenges, there are positive aspects such as the unit’s “can-do attitude” and trust among lower-ranked members.
