Approximately 3,000 service members are set to be deployed to Romania, Poland, and Germany, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby has said.
The deployment is on a temporary basis and has been agreed following consultations with its European allies, noted Kirby.
It is in response to the Russian military build-up around Ukraine’s border and increasing tensions in eastern Europe, reported Jim Garamone.
Kirby said: “The current situation demands that we reinforce the deterrent and defensive posture on Nato’s eastern flank.
“President [Joe] Biden has been clear that the United States will respond to the growing threat to Europe’s security and stability. Our commitment to Nato Article Five and collective defence remains ironclad.”
The troops will not engage in any ‘fights in Ukraine’, but will deter aggression, and reassure and defend Nato allies.
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By GlobalDataA 1,000-member Army Stryker squadron from Germany will soon deploy to Romania to join the existing 900 US service members present in the country.
In addition, approximately 2,000 troops from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, will move to Europe in the coming days.
Kirby said: “The 82nd Airborne Division is deploying components of an infantry brigade combat team and key enablers to Poland, and the 18th Airborne Corps is moving a joint-task-force-capable headquarters to Germany.”
In January, Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin III gave prepare-to-deploy orders to 8,500 service members. These members are not part of this movement.
In addition to the US, France announced that it is also sending units to Romania. Other European countries such as Spain, Denmark, the UK, and the Netherlands are in discussions with allies to deploy forces.
Kirby added: “These movements are unmistakable signals to the world that we stand ready to reassure our Nato allies to deter and defend against any aggression.”
Earlier this month, the US Army awarded a $518m task order to General Dynamics Information Technology.