Speaking Feb. 15 at a NATO ministerial conference, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Russia’s “reckless war of choice” represents the worst European security crisis since World War II and requires a “fundamental shift” in the alliance’s collective defense and deterrence efforts.
By providing weapons and training, the U.S. is working to put the Ukrainians in the “strongest possible position” to defend their sovereignty and engage the Russians from a “position of strength,” Army Secretary Christine Wormuth said.
Speaking Dec. 3 on a panel during the Reagan National Defense Forum, Wormuth said the stakes are high. “Given what is at stake in Ukraine, not just for the Ukrainians, but for NATO and for the entire free world, it’s in our interest to give them what they need to defend their territory and push the Russians out,” she said.
The purposes of a war provide the original motive for fighting and the basis for the war’s political aims.
While the Army remains busy supporting Ukraine and America’s NATO partners, the force has not let go of its focus on other hot spots around the world, Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville said.
“We’re a global organization,” McConville said Sept. 7. “We have to be able to do more than one thing at once.”
Speaking at an event hosted by Defense One, McConville said this includes boots on the ground in the Middle East, Asia, Europe and elsewhere, all while supporting defense of the homeland.
The U.S. and its NATO allies must remain united as they work to sustain support to Ukraine, Army Secretary Christine Wormuth said.
“We can’t take that unity for granted, but I think our NATO allies know what’s at stake,” Wormuth said May 31 during an event hosted by the Atlantic Council.
However, the alliance must find a balance between aiding the Ukrainians and not escalating the war.
Years of practice and investment allowed the Army to quickly deploy to support NATO allies in Eastern Europe, the senior U.S. Army officer on the continent said.
Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Gen. Christopher Cavoli said the U.S.’ “multiyear” investment in the European Deterrence Initiative, designed to enhance deterrence and increase readiness, enabled the Army to place “large amounts of very modern equipment, brigade combat team sets, in storage in Europe” and practice drawing that gear on short notice.
Gen. Christopher Cavoli, the top U.S. Army leader in Europe, has been nominated to be the next supreme allied commander, Europe, the Pentagon announced May 3.
If confirmed by the Senate, Cavoli would succeed Air Force Gen. Tod Wolters, who has held the job since May 2019. Cavoli also would take command of the U.S. European Command.
The Association of the U.S. Army supports America’s Army as it sends soldiers to bolster and assure our NATO allies and partners in Europe.
“At this defining moment in world history, the United States Army stands ready to defend our nation’s security and support our European allies and partners, just as it has for generations,” said retired Gen. Bob Brown, AUSA president and CEO.
While Russia has the combat power it needs to take out Ukraine’s defenses, a potential attack by Russia is not likely going to “be like Pearl Harbor,” a former senior allied commander in Europe said.
Addressing the current standoff at the border of Russia and Ukraine, where more than 100,000 Russian troops are amassed, retired Gen. Wesley Clark, who was supreme allied commander Europe from 1997–2000, said Russia can effectively launch precision strikes.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley on Jan. 28 called for diplomacy and peace as Russia continues to mass “tens of thousands” of troops on its border with Ukraine.
“There is no reason this situation has to devolve into conflict,” Austin said in a briefing with reporters. He added that conflict is not inevitable. “There’s still time and space for diplomacy,” he said.
Milley echoed Austin’s remarks. “Ukraine has the right to be independent. We strongly encourage Russia to stand down,” he said.
