This thesis will serve to answer the central question: What is the future for Special Operations Forces in the Arctic? The Arctic environment demands specially trained military personnel and units. Over time, the requirement for states to be able to operate in the Arctic is increasing while, for many, the capability to do so is decreasing. Future operations in the Arctic will depend on Joint, Interagency, Intergovernmental, and Multinational (JIIM) relationships. The operational environment of the Arctic currently lacks infrastructure, satellite and communication coverage, and strategic-through-tactical mobility. The key recommendations from this thesis are: Current and/or future exercises should reflect Arctic-specific challenges. Networks, such as the Global Special Operations Forces (SOF) Network, should be empowered to address Arctic challenges. National SOF should participate regularly in Joint and International Arctic training exercises. Unit commands and mission planners should see analogies between current problems in other littoral regions of the world and the Arctic, and prepare accordingly. ; Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. ; Major, Royal Danish Air Force ; Major, United States Army ; Major, Royal Netherlands Marine Corps ; http://archive.org/details/whatisfuturefors1094544682