![]() ![]() Rather, an armored brigade would be the most plausible option the Defense Department could consider. While the Polish request specifies an American armored division, the Army’s current task organization and rotational commitments in Eastern Europe, Kuwait, and Korea preclude the possibility of moving an armored division to Europe. Recent discussion of the possible evacuation of American military families in South Korea, reminds us that the significant forces and time required to support such an evacuation should be fully considered in the cost-benefit analysis. Though not likely, if a conflict did occur, European Command would need to evacuate thousands of non-combatant families and civilians out of Poland. Finally, the complexities that come with placing military families near a potential conflict zone need to be considered. base could signal support for Europe’s swelling nationalist parties that are increasing internal discord in the European Union. Michael Fitzsimmons’ Defense One article highlights how Poland’s ruling Law and Justice Party has pursued illiberal policies that have led to the “erosion of liberal democracy” in Poland. While Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has been tight-lipped on the issue of consensus, NATO unity of effort is crucial when confronting a Russia that actively seeks to exploit gaps in the alliance. Hodges also stressed that multilateral NATO consensus should be required before proceeding with the proposed bilateral arrangement. (ret.) Ben Hodges discussed how this base could be interpreted as a violation of the 1997 NATO-Russian Founding Act. There are several valid points against basing in Poland including the need for NATO consensus, the ongoing erosion of democratic values in Poland, and non-combatant evacuation considerations. Based on valid concerns over a large American base in Poland, a middle-ground approach of an armored brigade based in Germany would maintain deterrence against Russia, improve NATO interoperability, and strengthen the Army’s armored fleet readiness.Īn Armored Division in Poland or an Armored Brigade in Germany? While the ongoing debate has focused on the issue of basing in Poland, it has neglected to discuss the option of basing in Germany. Alternatively, Michael Kofman cautioned against the Polish request and recently rebutted Hunzeker and Lanozszka. Michael Hunzeker and Alexander Lanoszka’s commentary captures the opinion of those who favor an expanded American presence in Poland. This controversial request has sparked intense debate in defense circles. ![]() Simultaneously, NATO responded with the Enhanced Forward Presence battlegroup rotations in the Baltics and Poland.ĭespite ongoing rotations, Poland’s Defense Ministry recently requested an American armored division be permanently stationed on Polish soil. Army armored brigade through Central and Eastern Europe under Operation Atlantic Resolve. The United States responded with the European Deterrence Initiative which continuously rotates a U.S. In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea and a new iteration of an old rivalry set in. By 2013, the last American armored brigade based in Germany had deactivated, leaving zero U.S. Over the next 25 years, there was a gradual drawdown of American forces in Europe. ![]()
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