Planning for the Future U.S. Army in Europe
Abstract
From 1950 to 1989, Europe was defined by two military alliances facing each other across several points of contact. The mission of the U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR) was clearly to deter an attack by the Warsaw Pact and to join with the rest of NATO to defeat such an attack should it occur. The Army was mostly, albeit not exclusively, focused on the Federal Republic of Germany. The threat was well-defined, and the purpose of Army force structuring was to wring ever more armor-killing potential from the available resources. Other possible Army missions in Europe took second place when they were considered at all. The changes in Europe that were first manifest in 1989, and continue at an accelerating pace today, have completely altered that familiar situation. The Warsaw Pact has disbanded, and the former Soviet Union is withdrawing its forces to within its own borders. The former Soviet Union itself is in a process of disintegration without a clearly defined end point. The role of the United States in Europe, and hence the mission of USAREUR, will undergo inevitable change. To some extent that change can be influenced by the United States, but much of it will be driven by events over which the United States has little influence, let alone control. However, the Army must still structure its forces. The Army will have several functions in Europe as long as forces are stationed there. It serves as the ground arm of the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) to meet the responsibilities of that command both within and outside the territory of NATO. It serves as the visible symbol of U.S. involvement in, and commitment to, European security and stability. It will also continue to serve as a deterrent to aggression against any member of NATO by countries or groups of countries that might pose a threat in the future. Consideration of the above functions determines the characteristics of the future USAREUR.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA260684
Entities
People
- Edgar Kleckley
- Robert D. Howe
Organizations
- RAND Corporation