As far as I know Alaska is the only part of the US that has any part of it's northern border above the arctic circle. Maybe Canada is slated to become part of the US.

...Alaska is a very, very, large state.  With a very, very, long northern border.

Don't take it lightly just 'cause it's a single state.

is the Dr. Strangelove mentality of military people, especially those in the U.S.  A "security threat to the northern U.S. border"?  The biggest security threat to the U.S. is its extremely bloated military budget, which is threatening to cause the U.S. economy to implode.

perhaps the "special interest" in securing Alaska is due to the domestic oil production projects planned or already underway there...you know, pipeline issues. Anyone know more about the extent of oil production in Alaska?