U.S. sending Troops to Poland and The Baltic States

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 07:42:30 -0400

Sending U.S. Troops to Poland and The Baltic States in response to Valdamir Putin's aggression toward the country of Ukraine. Political statement or deterrent? Your thoughts?

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Apr 23 at 2014 7:46 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 07:46:02 -0400

I heard that the unit deploying is the 173rd Airborne Bde from Vicenca, Italy; a very solid unit. I wish we knew more of the intent of the operation and what exactly the ROE will be; without that it's very difficult to form an opinion; but I am doubtful it will have any effect on Putin or his actions.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2014 10:05 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 10:05:57 -0400

SHENANIGANS!!! The POTUS is preparing to finish up with a 10+ yr war in Afghanistan, a war that he did not initiate. I doubt with our current issues at home Mr President does not want to start or be responsible for a new battle. Especially AFTER the Army has and continues to downsize. I doubt, despite any hardships that Russia might have endured that they downsized their forces at all. I believe it is a "show of force."

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2014 10:45 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 10:45:19 -0400

I think this is mostly to reassure our Baltic NATO allies more than anything else. A few companies of infantry isn't much offense, but it reassures our allies that we take their security seriously. All military movements have a political statement attached and in this case, to quote the article I linked: “Since Russian aggression in Ukraine, we have been constantly looking for ways
to reassure our allies and partners … of our commitment to Article 5,” Kirby
said, referring to the key element of the NATO alliance treaty that states an
attack on one of the 28 member countries will be considered an attack on all.

http://www.armytimes.com/article/20140422/NEWS08/304220055/4-Army-units-heading-Eastern-Europe

4 Army units heading to Eastern Europe

The U.S. military in Europe is sending four company-sized infantry units, a total of about 600 soldiers, to Eastern Europe, the latest effort to reassure NATO allies in light of Russian aggression i...