Bill Overview
Title: Don Young Arctic Warrior Act
Description: This bill requires the military departments and the Department of Defense (DOD) to provide certain benefits to specified members of the Armed Forces who are assigned to a duty station in Alaska or those assigned to perform cold weather operations. Additionally, DOD must establish various programs and incentives for certain behavioral health students or professionals.
Sponsors: Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]
Target Audience
Population: Members of the Armed Forces in Alaska and Cold Weather Operations
Estimated Size: 70000
- The bill targets members of the Armed Forces assigned to duty stations in Alaska or those engaged in cold weather operations.
- According to recent data, there are approximately 1.3 million active duty military personnel in the U.S.
- While not all of these personnel are stationed in cold weather environments, there are specific bases in Alaska and other northern regions that would be covered by the bill.
- We can estimate that a small percentage of the active duty force, possibly around 5%, might be stationed in such environments or operations, thus directly affected.
- Additionally, the bill affects behavioral health professionals involved in supporting these personnel, though their numbers are smaller.
Reasoning
- The policy targets a specific niche within the military population, specifically those in cold weather operations, most notably in Alaska. Given the military population of around 1.3 million and an estimated 5% allocation to Alaska or cold weather conditions, the target is approximately 70,000 service members.
- The allocated budget indicates a major but focused investment in well-being programs via infrastructure, financial incentives, and support for behavioral health roles. This can potentially uplift morale and personal outcomes for those directly affected.
- Not everyone will experience significant changes; some may see no noticeable difference due to factors like indirect involvement in the cold weather operations or not requiring behavioral health services.
- The policy should enhance relationships and operational effectiveness where conditions are harsh, potentially reducing attrition and stress in these key locations.
- The presence of behavioral health programs indicates a recognition of mental health needs, aiming to improve overall well-being and performance in demanding assignments.
Simulated Interviews
Army Specialist (Fairbanks, Alaska)
Age: 25 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could really help with obtaining better equipment and support during the harsh winters.
- It seems like a good step towards recognizing the challenges we face up here.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Air Force Engineer (Anchorage, Alaska)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The extra support can go a long way in dealing with family stress due to cold and isolation.
- Need for improved housing and community programs are key.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Marine Officer (San Diego, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the policy is great for those assigned full-time in cold areas, but I see little change for my situation.
- It seems like a targeted benefit, not affecting all of us.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 8 |
Behavioral Health Specialist (Seattle, WA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful this leads to more jobs and better programs to support mental health among cold-weather stationed personnel.
- Professionals in my field may benefit directly from increased funding.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Logistics Officer (Cold Bay, Alaska)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could enhance our capacity to properly equip all personnel in cold areas, but we'll see how funding is managed.
- There's potential but cautious optimism.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Navy Seaman (Juneau, Alaska)
Age: 26 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Benefits might help with acclimatizing and addressing health challenges posed by the cold.
- If housing and healthcare improve, this would significantly help.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Military Nurse (Barrow, Alaska)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We really need more support for mental health care in these extreme climates, and the policy seems promising.
- However, execution and proper allocation will be key.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Air Force Airman (Anchorage, Alaska)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Additional programs could make a big difference, especially for newcomers like me adjusting to the cold.
- Any improvements in connection and community-building activities would be appreciated.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Army Corporal (Fort Greely, Alaska)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's crucial to have these kinds of supports, but not sure all will see direct benefits immediately.
- Could really help to have better communication channels with families as well.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Retired Military Officer (Detroit, Michigan)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy seems like a necessary step to address the often overlooked challenges of cold assignments in the military.
- Hope it brings about more attention to the need for consistent funding for these roles.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $150000000 (Low: $120000000, High: $180000000)
Year 2: $155000000 (Low: $120000000, High: $195000000)
Year 3: $160000000 (Low: $120000000, High: $200000000)
Year 5: $175000000 (Low: $130000000, High: $220000000)
Year 10: $200000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $250000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The scope of members eligible for benefits is critical, with direct effects on overall cost.
- Logistics and infrastructure investments to support cold weather operations may incur added cost implications.
- Behavioral health programs require sustainable funding for their success and continuity.