The JTF-AK's goals are stated as "detect, deter, prevent and defeat terrorist threats within the Alaskan joint area of operations".
In coordination with other federal, state and local agencies, JTF-AK constantly evaluates events and locations throughout Alaska for their potential vulnerability as targets for aggression, such as terrorism.
JTF-AK's civil support mission includes domestic disaster relief operations that occur during fires, hurricanes, floods and earthquakes.
When the scope if the disaster is reduced to the point that the lead federal agency can again assume full control and management without military assistance, JTF-AK will exit, leaving the on-scene experts to finish the job.
On February 11, 2002, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff directed USNORTHCOM to establish and USPACOM to source JTF-AK.