The U.S. Will Contribute Special Forces To NATO’s Rapid Reaction Force

After NATO Defence Ministers recently agreed on the size and scope of a new Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) to deter and counter Russia, effectively increasing its size from a 7,000 strong force to 30,000. The U.S. has decided to complement the force with an unknown amount of Special Forces, high end assets, and intelligence.

U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter made the announcement during a trip to Germany, in which he declared there would be a larger American response in light of Russia's ever increasing aggressive behavior.

“We do not seek a cold, let alone a hot war with Russia. We do not seek to make Russia an enemy,” Carter said in an address in Berlin. “But make no mistake: we will defend our allies, the rules-based international order, and the positive future it affords us all.” — Carter

Carter continued to announce that the contributions would include airlift and precision joint fire capabilities.

“We're making this commitment to the VJTF because the United States is deeply committed to the collective defense of Europe,” — Carter

The U.S. has also considered prepositioning an armored brigade sized element in Eastern Europe. Drawing a quick and angry reaction from Russia, which announced it would send additional troops, vehicles to its border with the Baltics, and along with building 40 new ICBMs.

The game of one-upping and balance is in play. The world is well into its second Cold War, but Carter seems to be hopeful “The United States will not let Russia drag us back to the past.”

This article will be updated as new information presents itself.

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