Military activities outside the Middle East

The media is so focused on events in the Middle East that U.S. military activities in the rest of the world too often are ignored. As a result, many Americans are oblivious to new or developing threats. While the U.S. public is unaware of these threats, the military is constantly making plans on how to deal with potential conflicts. As the potential threats become more severe, actual training will take place to prepare our forces to face those threats. If needed those training exercises will include allied forces who may be called on to assist in any fight.

This situation is currently developing in the former Soviet satellite states in Eastern Europe. A training exercise meant to demonstrate the forces an attacker would face as well as train our allied forces in responses, coordination, communications and tactics. Aggressive actions by Russian forces and the threats of further military aggression are a primary motivator for these activities.

An exercise called Saber Strike has just begun and involves 4,000 NATO troops and 10,000 troops from Eastern European countries. It was begun with a U.S. led dragoon ride of 400 armored vehicles which will travel from Germany to the Czech Republic. From there the column will move on to Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. The U.S. 2nd Cavalry Regiment will participate in the 2200 km tactical road march under air cover. Also, the exercise will include coordination and participation by U.S. led naval forces.

The Russians are unhappy with the tactical exercise happening so close to their borders with such a large military force. The question we are left with is what reaction we will see from Russia. We can hope that the Russians will not use this as an excuse to increase tensions in Eastern Europe. During the Cold War confrontations between Soviet and NATO forces were settled with both sides stepping back to avoid violence. If the Russians will recognize that our intent is to protect our allies and not to threaten them, they will, hopefully, allow the situation to cool.

Jack Dragoni attended Boston College and served in the U.S. Army in Berlin and Vietnam. He lives in Chaffee, Missouri.