Vigilant Presence
A comprehensive examination of Operation Atlantic Resolve, detailing the United States' strategic military deployments and deterrence efforts in Eastern Europe.
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Operation Overview
A Strategic Response
Operation Atlantic Resolve (OAR) encompasses a series of military activities initiated by the United States in direct response to Russian military operations in Ukraine, particularly the conflict in Donbas.[1] This enduring commitment to regional security is financially supported by the European Deterrence Initiative, underscoring a long-term strategic posture.
Enhancing NATO's Eastern Flank
Following Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, the United States and the United Kingdom swiftly implemented measures to bolster the deterrence capabilities along NATO's eastern border.[1] These actions included a significant augmentation of air, ground, and naval presence, alongside the enhancement of pre-scheduled military exercises. The overarching goal is to reinforce NATO's defense plans and maintain a consistent military presence across Central and Eastern Europe.[1]
Rotational Command Structure
The various rotations and deployments under Operation Atlantic Resolve are meticulously managed and overseen by a dedicated, regionally aligned headquarters. This structure ensures continuous coordination and responsiveness to the evolving geopolitical landscape in the European theater.[2][3]
Operational Origins
The 2014 Genesis
Operation Atlantic Resolve commenced on April 30, 2014, as an immediate response to Russia's illegal annexation of the Crimean Peninsula on March 18, 2014.[4] This initial phase involved the deployment of United States Army and Air Force personnel to Poland and the Baltic States (Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia) for bilateral military exercises with partner nations, distinct from a broader NATO action.[4][5]
Initial Airborne Deployments
The initial force comprised approximately 150 soldiers, organized into four companies, from the 173rd Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) based in Vicenza, Italy. These ground forces were supported by Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) from the 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron out of Vilseck, Germany.[4] Troop transport was facilitated by the USAF's 37th Airlift Squadron from Ramstein Air Base, Germany.[4][5]
Transition to Formal Operations
These four companies underwent ninety-day rotations until the end of 2014, at which point a more formalized and structured version of Operation Atlantic Resolve was officially established. This transition marked a shift from immediate, ad-hoc responses to a sustained, strategic presence in the region.[4][5]
Airborne Operations
Air Force Contributions
Aerial assets are strategically deployed across various air bases in Europe, including รmari Air Base, Graf Ignatievo Air Base, Mihail Kogฤlniceanu Air Base, Papa Air Base, and Illesheim Army Airfield. These bases serve as critical hubs for maintaining air superiority and providing rapid response capabilities.
The Roadmarch
Operation Dragoon Ride
In March 2015, a significant demonstration of military mobility and presence occurred with the "Dragoon Ride." This operation involved a convoy of U.S. Army armored fighting vehicles, including Strykers, returning by road to their garrison in Vilseck, Germany, after completing maneuvers in Poland, Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania.[6] The road march commenced approximately one week after its announcement.[7]
A Visible Deterrent
The Dragoon Ride served as a highly visible manifestation of the United States' commitment to its NATO allies and partners in Eastern Europe. By traversing public roads through multiple countries, the convoy underscored the ability to rapidly deploy and maneuver heavy military assets across the region, sending a clear message of reassurance and deterrence.
Ground Assets
Armored Brigade Rotations
Since January 2017, the ground component of Operation Atlantic Resolve has featured continuous nine-month rotations of U.S. Army armored brigades. These brigades, typically comprising around 3,500 troops, 87 tanks, and 144 Bradley fighting vehicles, initially gather in Poland before dispersing across seven countries, from Estonia to Bulgaria.[24] The equipment is permanently stationed in ลปagaล, western Poland, alongside a Polish armored division.[25]
Army Aviation Brigades
Aviation assets play a crucial role in providing aerial support, reconnaissance, and rapid transport capabilities across the operational area. These units rotate regularly to maintain readiness and integrate with ground forces.
Command and Control Evolution
On March 8, 2022, V Corps' main headquarters forward deployed to Germany. This strategic move was undertaken to enhance the command and control capabilities for U.S. Army forces operating in Europe, forming part of a broader personnel buildup in direct response to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. This deployment signifies an adaptive and robust command structure to manage the increased operational tempo and complexity in the region.
Geopolitical Reactions
Allied Support
The deployments under Operation Atlantic Resolve have garnered significant support from allied nations. An opinion poll conducted by the independent STEM agency in 2015 revealed that 82% of Czech citizens approved of and supported the U.S. Army-NATO convoy during Operation Dragoon Ride.[30] Similarly, Polish officials and the public warmly welcomed a NATO deployment in early January 2017, viewing it as a necessary countermeasure to Russian military exercises near their border and Russia's intervention in Ukraine.[31][32][33][34]
German Perspectives
In Germany, the same January 2017 deployment elicited mixed reactions. While the country's ruling CDU/CSU coalition and German military officials defended the necessity of the deployment, it also sparked protests and drew critical responses from center-left political parties.[35][36] This highlights the complex domestic political considerations surrounding international military operations.
Information Warfare
The deployment also became a subject of information warfare. An article published by the Donbas News International (DNI) agency, which subsequently circulated within Western conspiracy-theory and Russian media spheres, was cited as a prime example of the creation and dissemination of "fake news."[37] This incident underscores the challenges of maintaining factual narratives in a highly charged geopolitical environment. An editorial from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette further cautioned against the instrumentalization of such deployments for domestic political gain.[38]
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