Capitol News

Congressman Tom Barrett of Michigan’s 7th District joined U.S. Secretary of the Army Daniel P. Driscoll, Senator Elissa Slotkin, and Representatives Jack Bergman and John Moolenaar at Camp Grayling on Friday for Exercise Northern Strike, an annual military training event in Northern Michigan.

Barrett highlighted the significance of the exercise and Michigan’s contribution to national defense. “Michigan plays a leading role in preparing our next generation of military leaders, and Northern Strike’s combat training operations ensure our armed forces remain mission-ready to defend our nation,” Barrett said. “After years of participating in these exercises myself, it was special to see the operation from the other side along with Secretary Driscoll and my colleagues in Congress. Michigan’s strategic military bases and the critical training we provide are critical to our national security and will continue to play a leading role in maintaining peace through strength.”

This year’s iteration of Exercise Northern Strike included more than 7,500 participants from various branches: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, reserves, National Guard, as well as international allies. The training takes place over two weeks at Camp Grayling and other sites within Michigan’s National All-Domain Warfaring Center. Operations during the exercise cover land, sea, air, space, and cyber domains.

In addition to its focus on readiness and security objectives for U.S. armed forces and partners, Exercise Northern Strike provides an economic benefit by bringing an average of $38 million annually into Michigan.