Inside the Pentagon’s doomsday plan to keep America fighting if global war erupts
The Pentagon is preparing major US military bases to operate independently for at least 90 days if war or another crisis disrupts civilian infrastructure and supply chains. The effort, called FORTRESS, reflects concern that a conflict could affect the US homeland and interrupt the power, water, communications and manufacturing on which military operations depend.
Plans include microgrids, battery storage and portable nuclear reactors to keep bases supplied with electricity, alongside reserves of fuel, munitions, critical minerals, electronics, spare parts and medical supplies. FORTRESS would also seek at least two qualified supply or production routes for critical defence needs and prepare civilian factories to switch to military production; reserve levels would depend on consumption rates and how quickly supplies could be replaced.
In short
- Bases are being prepared to operate independently for 90 days.
- FORTRESS targets risks to power, supplies and infrastructure.
- Plans include reserves and backup production routes.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters could argue that a 90-day ability to operate independently is prudent preparation for a conflict that disrupts power, water, communications or supply chains at home. Microgrids, reserves and alternative suppliers could help protect service members and sustain defence operations when civilian systems are under strain.
The case against
Critics could argue that building extensive stockpiles and military production capacity risks diverting public resources from other priorities, while plans for portable nuclear reactors and military use of civilian factories raise questions about cost, safety and oversight. They might also caution that preparing for prolonged disruption could encourage an overly militarised approach to resilience when broader investment in civilian infrastructure and supply chains may benefit the whole population.