President Joe Biden has authorized the call-up of 3,000 reserve troops to support operations in Europe, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year.
The move comes as the U.S. military’s training mission in Europe and the deployment of additional brigades have stretched active-duty forces. Lt. Gen. Douglas Sims, the director of operations for the Joint Staff, stated that this decision reaffirms unwavering support for the defense of NATO’s eastern flank.
The authorization grants the military’s European Command greater flexibility in defending the continent, but it will not change force levels in Europe.
The executive order also designates Operation Atlantic Resolve as a contingency operation, allowing the Pentagon to call up reserve forces and expedite equipment supply. This ensures reservists are treated and supported as active-duty troops, including benefits for their families and dependents.
The NATO summit in Lithuania saw the pledge from allies to have 300,000 troops ready for rapid deployment within 30 days. This commitment highlights the ongoing efforts to strengthen NATO’s capabilities, although individual member countries face challenges related to equipment and troop readiness due to military funding constraints over the years.
As Ukraine continues its offensive against Russian defensive lines in the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions, progress has been slower than anticipated. To bolster Ukraine’s military efforts, the Pentagon has sent new cluster bombs, believed to be more effective against dug-in Russian positions and concentrations of troops and armored vehicles.
President Biden’s executive order makes up to 3,000 American reservists available to support NATO’s ongoing mission under Operation Atlantic Resolve. The purpose is to enhance the United States’ commitment to NATO’s eastern flank defense.
Reserve mobilizations are subject to the decision of the European Command (EUCOM), allowing commanders in Europe to determine the best utilization of reserve units alongside active-duty troops.
Even before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the United States had increased troop presence in neighboring areas such as Germany, Poland, and Romania to support NATO’s eastern flank. In addition to military aid, Biden’s administration has pledged tens of billions of dollars to Ukraine.
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The United States European Command will leverage new authorities to support Operation Atlantic Resolve, reinforcing the country’s dedication to NATO’s collective security, peace, and stability.
