US News
US focuses on military readiness while other nations urge citizen preparedness
The Guardian reports the Pentagon's FORTRESS America plan targets 90-day base self-sufficiency as the UK and Sweden issue public preparedness guidance.
The short version
- According to The Guardian, the UK and Sweden are issuing public preparedness guidance, while the US emphasizes military readiness.[The Guardian]
- The Pentagon's FORTRESS America initiative aims to keep military bases operating for 90 days without outside support.[The Guardian]
- FEMA's 2024 report found 51% of adults believed they were prepared, and more than 4,300 staff left the agency in fiscal 2025.[The Guardian]
Key facts
- The UK's campaign urges the public to stock up with supplies to last 72 hours.[The Guardian]
- Sweden published updated guidance for its population in the case of crisis or war.[The Guardian]
- On 30 September, Pete Hegseth released a memorandum establishing FORTRESS America to prepare US military bases to operate for at least 90 days without outside support.[The Guardian]
- FEMA's 2024 National Preparedness Report indicated that 51% of adults believed they were prepared for a disaster.[The Guardian]
- More than 4,300 employees left FEMA in fiscal year 2025, about 17% of the workforce, according to a GAO report.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- The reporting is inconsistent on Japan: it says Japan also published updated guidance, yet its disaster management minister said an emergency appeal to citizens would be issued on 2 November.[The Guardian]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.