Pentagon orders bases to plan for 90 days without the grid as Britain urges families to stockpile food and water

The Pentagon is mandating that all major U.S. military installations be capable of operating independently for a minimum of 90 days without external assistance, in the event of a war that cuts off power and supply chains. This initiative, known as FORTRESS, aims to enhance the resilience and survivability of military forces. The requirement extends beyond electricity to include water, fuel, communications, and other essential services.

The plan calls for the deployment of portable nuclear reactors, large-scale battery storage, and microgrids to ensure self-sufficiency. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that the 90-day self-sufficiency standard goes beyond merely generating its own power, extending to critical areas like water, fuel, and communications.

The Army has already begun this process, committing up to $2.2 billion to build nuclear microreactors at five bases. FORTRESS also emphasizes the importance of strategic reserves of munitions, fuel, critical minerals, electronics, spare parts, and medical supplies. The Pentagon aims to secure multiple pathways to supply these resources, to prevent a single factory or supplier from disrupting operations.

While the Pentagon has not publicly named a specific target, recent intelligence reports suggest potential threats from nations like China, Iran, and Russia. Britain, on the other hand, has issued a public advisory urging families to prepare for a three-day disruption in essential services, including stocking up on non-perishable food, water, flashlights, power banks, first-aid supplies, and cash.

This campaign, known as Be Ready, is part of a broader three-year effort to prepare for severe weather and other emergencies. Britain has published similar guidance since May 2024, although it is not perceived as a direct response to an impending conflict. Defense Secretary Wes Streeting warned that adversaries could pose a significant threat to British systems by 2030, highlighting the need for comprehensive preparation against various forms of hybrid warfare.