Pentagon Mandates 90-Day Operational Independence
\nThe Pentagon has initiated a program requiring every major US military base to operate independently for 90 days without reliance on external support. The initiative, designated as FORTRESS (Federal Operations for Resilience, Troop Resources, Energy, Supply, and Survivability), was unveiled by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during his \"State of the Force\" address on September 30.
\nHegseth pledged that all major military installations would generate their own power, severing dependence on the civilian electrical grid. The program aims to ensure continuous military function during prolonged disruptions or conflict scenarios where standard infrastructure might fail.
\nPentagon chief spokesperson Sean Parnell emphasized the strategic necessity of this shift. \"We don't want to rely on standard civilian municipal infrastructure to run our national defense. It's an intolerable risk,\" Parnell stated. He added that without electricity, the military loses essential capabilities including communications, water supply, logistics, and command structures.
\n\nNuclear Microreactors and Strategic Stockpiles
\nTo achieve energy independence, the US Army announced in August that it awarded up to $2.2 billion in contracts to develop nuclear microreactors at five specific bases, including Fort Bragg and Fort Hood. The plan involves the deployment of portable nuclear reactors, large-scale battery storage systems, and microgrids designed to disconnect bases from civilian power grids during extended outages.
\nBeyond energy infrastructure, the FORTRESS initiative addresses logistical vulnerabilities. Parnell warned that global supply chains would likely break in a major war fought on multiple fronts. To mitigate this, the military is establishing strategic reserves of munitions, fuel, critical minerals, electronics, spare parts, and medical supplies.
\nThe program also mandates that critical needs must have at least two approved suppliers to prevent single points of failure within the supply chain.
\n\nUK Government Urges Public Preparedness
\nIn a parallel development, United Kingdom Prime Minister Andy Burnham has advised citizens to prepare for potential national crises. The UK government launched a campaign urging households to stockpile three days of food and water and to begin carrying cash as a precautionary measure.
\nReports indicate that while the US military preparations and the UK public advisories occur

