Journal of Innovations

Vol. 2, Issue 2

Securing Arctic Dominance Through Innovation: A Case Study of the Squad Stove 

AUTHOR(S)

Lane Fincher

ABSTRACT

The United States Army, a highly bureaucratic organization, can stand to benefit from rapid incremental innovation implementation. With the publishing of “Regaining Arctic Dominance” in 2021, the Army renewed its interest in cold-weather operations. This renewed interest calls for “Arctic-capable units able to effectively conduct sustained operations in extreme cold weather and mountainous environments”. The conflicts of the previous two decades occurred in hot climates, but with the focus shifting to extreme cold weather regions, the Army must now address deficiencies in training, sustaining, and equipping its forces to meet the intent of the new Arctic Strategy. This paper concentrates on small units and addresses the question of whether soldiers are fielded with the appropriate equipment to provide enough water for their teams while operating in isolated arctic and sub-arctic climates. Comparing the current squad stove against other commercial and modified options reveals that there is room for improvement when it comes to soldier hydration and nutrition in extreme, cold weather. This paper uses a method of personal observation, Army doctrine review, and experimentation to identify shortcomings with the current equipment sets used to heat water and melt snow from the environment. The research findings highlight the importance for Army leaders to continue to empower the lowest levels, capture their innovations, communicate the issues to decision makers, and seek long-term solutions by navigating the bureaucracy on behalf of the individual American soldier. Rapid, incremental innovations at the lower levels can lead to drastic increases in efficiency and soldier welfare in the meantime. 

DOI

https://doi.org/10.62470/2b242276 

CITE THIS ARTICLE 

Fincher, L. (2024). Securing Arctic Dominance Through Innovation: A Case Study of the Squad Stove, Journal of Innovations. 2(2), 24-34. DOI: https://doi.org/10.62470/2b242276