Russia Crisis
NATO increases operational readiness of the armed forces
US soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division arrive at the airport in Jasionka near Rzeszow. Drastic reductions in standby times apply to NATO alliance soldiers with immediate effect. Photo: Darek Delmanowicz/PAP/dpa
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In view of the tensions with Russia, NATO is reducing the standby times for other armed forces. Thousands of German soldiers are also affected.
In view of the tensions with Russia, the NATO supreme commander in Europe has drastically reduced the standby times for tens of thousands of alliance soldiers.
According to information from the German press agency from NATO circles, forces of the rapid reaction force NRF must be able to be deployed within just 7 days instead of 30. A so-called “Notice-to-Move” period of 30 instead of 45 days now applies to other units.
The military alliance thus further increases deterrence against Russia. A few weeks ago, the commander-in-chief had increased the “Notice-to-Move” deadline for the VJTF, the fastest reaction force. This means that the associated soldiers currently have to be ready for a transfer to a crisis area within a maximum of five days.
The Federal Ministry of Defense confirmed on Friday evening that the order also applies to German soldiers. “At the request of the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (Saceur), General Wolters, and in close coordination with the Allies, the Federal Government will increase the responsiveness of the Bundeswehr forces registered in the NATO Response Force,” it said.
The measure was not accompanied by any transfers, but only “preparatory measures were taken to reduce the time it takes to prepare for transfers in the event of the NATO Response Force (NRF) being activated”. An actual transfer of forces would require a political decision by the NATO Council.
The Ministry of Defense did not say how many German soldiers were affected by the decision. According to earlier information, around 13,700 soldiers were recently registered for NATO’s rapid deployment forces. However, this also included, for example, 750 forces for the VJTF and 2,850 so-called national support forces. The total size of the NRF was last given by NATO at around 40,000 soldiers.
The background to the NATO commander-in-chief’s decision are fears that Russia is considering an invasion of neighboring Ukraine and that the conflict could spread to NATO countries. Russia denies attack plans.