The discussion explored a variety of resource, environmental, cultural, geopolitical, legal, military, and security issues required to build a "Strategy for an Arctic Age" and inform the U.S. National Security Strategy.

     Lt. Col. Alan Kollien, U.S. Air Force, is a student in the U.S. Army War College Class of 2009 and the fourth of eight presenters for the 2009 Great Decisions program. 

     "Arctic climate change introduces new opportunities and challenges especially for the United States and its Arctic neighbors," said Kollien.  "This century's newly navigable waters bring increased commercial shipping and resource exploration, but also expose a previously secure North American maritime flank, and spark new conflicts in the polar region as nations rush to claim potential mineral riches."

    The Great Decisions lecture series is sponsored by the Carlisle Barracks Spouses' Club.  This program has been a source of information for more than 40 years.