Due to global warming, the polar icepack which covers the Arctic Sea is melting. One of the very likely results of this environmental phenomenon is the year-round opening of the Arctic maritime sea routes. The strategic and operational implications for U.S. national and military security strategies would be significant. These routes would connect the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and provide both alternate and shorter maritime routes for U.S. force projection and strategic agility. Inter-theater movement of forces over the top of the world would provide a supported combatant commander both flexibility in operational design and advantages in operational functions. Future use of the Arctic Sea routes would directly support the national security strategy, in a highly complex global security environment which will often require rapid and sustained U.S. military response to threats and crises.