Interior Alaska News

U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, engaged with Daniel Driscoll during his confirmation hearing for Secretary of the Army. Driscoll committed to supporting President Trump's "Peace Through Strength" policies and opposed any significant reduction in the Army's active duty force.

Senator Sullivan highlighted past reductions in troop numbers under the Obama administration, noting a cut of over 35,000 active duty troops. He recalled efforts to prevent the elimination of the 4-25 Infantry Brigade Combat Team at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, which later became part of Alaska's 11th Airborne Division.

Driscoll expressed willingness to collaborate on implementing President Trump's "Iron Dome" executive order and support forthcoming legislation for a multi-layered missile defense system. He also agreed to visit Alaska and meet with soldiers, including those from the 49th Missile Defense Battalion at Fort Greely.

During their exchange, Senator Sullivan emphasized concerns about potential proposals to deactivate several brigade combat teams and other units. Driscoll assured his commitment to maintaining military strength: "I commit, if confirmed, to fight as hard as I can for the Army."

The conversation also touched on strategic national security issues related to military presence in Alaska and missile defense capabilities led by the U.S. Army.