U.S. Senator Mark Begich continued his fight to maintain a strong Army presence in Alaska in a letter sent to top Army brass stressing the strategic importance of the state and its current Army force structure.

With a decision on the implementation of end-strength reductions expected next month, Begich pointed out in the letter to Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh and Army Chief of Staff General Ray Odierno, that keeping Alaska’s military presence strong will help maintain a ready force able to meet the requirements of our National Defense Strategy.

Begich writes in the letter:

“As you well know, Alaska’s Brigade Combat Teams have unfettered access to world class training ranges supporting full spectrum operations by U.S. and coalition partners. Moreover, Alaska ‘s geographic location ensures soldiers can rapidly deploy in support of operations in the Pacific or around the world. Alaska is home to the only Airborne Brigade Combat Team in the Pacific and the only Stryker Brigade Combat Team in the Arctic. A drawdown of either would hinder our nation’s presence in the Pacific Command Area of Responsibility, thereby contradicting the requirements and priorities of our National Security and our National Defense Strategy.”