3rd: 297th infantry Batallion

• Alaska Army National Guard: The 3rd Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment is part of the Alaska Army National Guard, representing the state’s unique geographic and cultural heritage. • Predominantly Rural and Remote: Soldiers of the 3rd/297th are often recruited from rural and remote Alaskan communities, making the battalion one of the most geographically dispersed units in the U.S. Army. • “Eskimo Scouts” Legacy: The battalion traces its lineage to the Alaska Territorial Guard (ATG) or “Eskimo Scouts,” a World War II militia formed to defend Alaska from Japanese invasion. • State Defense: Members have traditionally played a crucial role in defending Alaska’s vast and challenging terrain, particularly during the Cold War, when the state was seen as a potential front line. • Operation Iraqi Freedom: In 2004-2005, the 3rd/297th Infantry was mobilized and deployed to Iraq, marking one of the largest Alaska National Guard deployments since World War II. • Unique Training Conditions: Soldiers train in extreme Arctic and sub-Arctic conditions, honing specialized skills such as cold-weather survival, navigation, and operations in snow and ice. • Community Ties: The battalion is deeply integrated into the communities it serves, often providing disaster response and search and rescue support in Alaska’s challenging environment. • Military Firsts: The 3rd/297th Infantry was one of the first units in the National Guard to integrate Native Alaskans, contributing to military diversity and inclusion. • Distinctive Insignia: The unit’s crest features symbols representing Alaska, including a polar bear and the Big Dipper constellation from the state flag. • Enduring Mission: Today, the battalion continues its dual mission of supporting national security abroad and providing vital support for emergencies and civil defense at home in Alaska.