The Pentagon is preparing US military bases to operate independently for at least 90 days in the event of a major armed conflict that could cripple civilian infrastructure across the country. According to Fox News, which obtained documents outlining the initiative, the preparations are intended to keep American forces operational even if external support systems collapse.
One of the military’s biggest vulnerabilities is its heavy reliance on civilian power networks. These systems are essential not only for communications and logistics but also for weapons production. A large-scale conflict could leave critical infrastructure severely damaged, disrupting several areas of military operations simultaneously.
To address these risks, the Pentagon is pursuing an initiative known as FORTRESS, designed to allow American troops to continue combat operations even when civilian infrastructure becomes unavailable. A central part of the program involves making military installations less dependent on external electricity supplies.
The proposed measures include portable nuclear reactors, large-scale battery storage systems and microgrids capable of operating separately from public power networks. These technologies would enable military facilities to maintain essential functions during prolonged electricity outages without relying on civilian utilities.
The Pentagon is also preparing for major disruptions to military supply lines. Its plans include establishing alternative supply routes and building strategic reserves of ammunition, fuel, critical minerals, electronic components, spare parts and medical supplies. Another element involves preparing civilian factories to switch to defense production during a potential crisis.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell told Fox News that relying on municipal infrastructure to sustain national defense creates an unacceptable risk. He stressed that the US military must be able to function without depending entirely on civilian systems.
Parnell also warned that the next major conflict would likely unfold on several fronts at once. He noted that large-scale wars disrupt global supply chains, making advance preparations essential to maintaining military operations under such conditions.