Russia to strengthen its naval forces in the Arctic and Atlantic. How should the US/NATO respond?

Our politicians have to meet force with equal or greater force. We have to get politicians that counter certain actions by the Russians , Chinese etc. Our President acts as if he is afraid , uncertain. Actually he doesn't act at all. that's the problem. The rest of the world thinks we are becoming soft and they are having a field day building Islands taking territory etc etc. We stand there and throw stones.

My opinion only, But I think the United Nations is a waste, ineffective political bullshit organization. They suck. What have they accomplished with what is going on now in the world. A Civilian airline shot down over Ukraine, the Russian aggression in Ukraine and Crimea. The Island building in the Pacific by China. Obama administration Just sits there and does sht. The United Nations does squat, and the U.N is total horse shit.

Politicians are not military strategists, Its unfortunate when the United States President does not pay attention to the enemies of the united States and counter the actions of the enemy. No One wants another event like the Cold War, however, when the enemy presents clear and present danger there is no choice but to respond. I did send a message similar to the to our President I did get an email back and it was in true form of a typical Obama response. If you want the email let me know.

SGT Mike Marino - "We stand there and throw stones". that is to aggressive, We stand there and pick our nose, is more like our leadership.

We need to ante up quickly and with commitment. Our lack of icebreakers is appalling. This region will continue to grow in its importance as a sea lane, resource-rich sea bed, and even tourist destination. 

I heard a great quote several years ago by a U.S. Coast Guard admiral: "Regardless of what you think about global warming or climate change, the fact is there is now water where once there was ice." 

Sabra rattling. Russia is still in economic turmoil.

CAPT (Join to see) - A year or two ago, FORBES MAGAZINE, had an article on Oil Drilling in the Arctic. Royal Dutch Shell Petroleum invested millions in start up cost, for Arctic drilling. In short the project was shut down because when the drilling started the Ice was too thick.

The Arctic has been a potential powder keg for decades. Everyone knew that there are untapped natural resources there, but no one had the time, equipment, nor the wearwithall to drill through the ice to get at them. Now that the ice is receding, all the nations with borders on the Arctic are getting spun-up to claim slices of it.

Heck in 1994 I had a DOS-based video game add-on for Gunship 2000 called "Islands & Ice" that took place in the Arctic against an entrenched USSR. The Arctic has been a known quantity for a while now.

If we want to get in on the game or even defend what we might see as ours, we need to start taking this frontier into consideration when it comes to defense spending. I think the USCG has TWO icebreakers, and that's 100% of our icebreaking capability. If some nation wanted to keep us at home, those icebreakers would present a nice target. Canada better start increasing their forces too..

Russia has already completed a massive exercise in the Arctic, so they are now probably the most experienced in operating up there. They are also reopening several old Cold War era bases on their northern border.

Agree sir, my Dad was a twenty year man, BMC, I miss his sea story's like crazy, he's probably turning over in his grave right now knowing what Washington has done to his Navy, or might I say what they not doing for his Navy!

I have a great deal of respect for anyone who makes Chief, but especially within the Boatswain's Mate rating. I was First Lieutenant (Deck Department Head) onboard an amphibious ship during Desert Shield/Desert Storm and I can tell you that the BMs are some of the most hard-working and skilled people I have had the pleasure to lead.