The Pentagon is quietly preparing US military bases to run independently for 90 days without outside power, water, or supply lines, a sign that officials expect a major conflict could knock out the civilian systems troops depend on.

• A new initiative called Fortress wants bases to have backup nuclear reactors, batteries, and mini power grids so they can disconnect from the civilian grid entirely.
• It also calls for stockpiles of weapons, fuel, rare minerals, electronics, and medical supplies, plus backup supply routes in case one gets cut off.
• Officials are openly calling reliance on the regular power grid and civilian infrastructure an unacceptable risk, pointing partly to fears that AI systems could go rogue and disrupt communications or banking networks.
• The timing lines up with growing expectations that the US could strike Iran again, with Trump repeatedly warning Iran to make a deal, though some officials say troop messaging on why this matters has been muddled.
• Rather than reassuring the public, this kind of announcement signals the military is bracing for something serious, not just running a routine drill.

Outlook: Watch for a possible escalation with Iran after the midterm elections, when political pressure to hold off may ease.