About this Unit
The 2nd Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment (2/297th Infantry) is a unit of the Alaska Army National Guard. Its lineage traces back to the Alaska Territorial Guard and the early organization of National Guard units in Alaska after World War II. Activated and reorganized several times during the Cold War, the 2/297th Infantry has played a vital role in providing local defense and support during emergencies, such as natural disasters. The unit has also contributed personnel to overseas deployments, supporting U.S. Army operations in the Global War on Terrorism and other missions.
Historical Facts
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Alaskan Roots: The 2nd Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment (2/297th Infantry) is a unit of the Alaska Army National Guard, reflecting Alaska’s unique military heritage and strategic importance during the Cold War and beyond.
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World War II Heritage: The 297th Infantry Regiment traces its lineage to the Alaska Territorial Guard and home guard units that defended Alaska during World War II, particularly during the Aleutian Islands Campaign.
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Cold War Mission: During the Cold War, 2/297th Infantry was a key component of Alaska’s defense, trained to repel Soviet incursions and protect vital installations in the state.
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Rural Composition: The battalion has historically included soldiers from remote and rural communities across Alaska, including many Alaska Natives, making it a uniquely diverse unit.
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“Eskimo Scouts” Connection: The unit has historical ties to the famed Alaska Territorial Guard (“Eskimo Scouts”), whose local knowledge and survival skills were vital to Alaska’s defense.
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Disaster Response: Soldiers from 2/297th Infantry have frequently responded to natural disasters in Alaska, such as floods, earthquakes, and wildfires, providing critical assistance to isolated communities.
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Deployments: Members of the 2/297th Infantry have participated in overseas deployments, including missions to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait as part of the Global War on Terrorism.
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The regiment’s insignia features a polar bear, symbolizing the Arctic environment and the unit’s readiness to operate in extreme cold weather.
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Community Ties: The battalion is well-known for its integration into Alaskan life, with many soldiers serving dual roles as hunters, subsistence fishermen, and traditional community leaders.
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Modern Training: 2/297th Infantry regularly trains in Arctic survival, mountaineering, and cold-weather operations, skills crucial to defending Alaska’s vast and often inaccessible terrain.
