Biden orders 3,000 troops for Operation Atlantic Resolve in Europe.

President Biden Authorizes Pentagon to Call Up Reserve Troops for Operation Atlantic Resolve

President Joe Biden has signed an order granting the Pentagon the authority to call up to 3,000 reserve troops to support Operation Atlantic Resolve in Europe. This move comes as a response to the Russian annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula in 2014. Operation Atlantic Resolve aims to demonstrate the United States’ commitment to NATO, enhance military readiness, and strengthen the bonds between allied forces.

Increased Troop Presence in Europe

Last year, the Biden administration increased the troop presence in Europe by 20,000 soldiers in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. This brought the total number of U.S. forces on the continent to approximately 100,000. While the order grants the Pentagon the authority to call up additional reservists, it is unclear whether they will exercise this option.

Designation as a Contingency Operation

Operation Atlantic Resolve will now be designated as a “contingency operation,” providing troops and their families with increased authorities, entitlements, and access to reserve component forces. This designation demonstrates the U.S. commitment to NATO allies and partners and allows for greater flexibility in supporting defense efforts in the Euro-Atlantic region.

U.S. Support for Ukraine

The United States has provided Ukraine with over $40 billion in military aid since Russia’s invasion. In a recent shift in policy, the Biden administration decided to provide Ukraine with cluster munitions, despite their ban in many countries due to the threat they pose to civilians. This decision was made to address the depletion of U.S. stockpiles caused by Ukraine’s rapid use of other munitions. The delivery of U.S. cluster munitions to Ukraine has been confirmed by Lt. Gen. Douglas A. Sims.

Overall, President Biden’s order to call up reserve troops for Operation Atlantic Resolve underscores the United States’ commitment to NATO and its support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.

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