NATO's Force Projection: Where's the Lift?
Abstract
The study examines force projection, a capability central to current and projected NATO and US concepts. For selected countries, the paper looks at positions and motivations concerning the alliance and assesses the impact on current and future force projection capabilities. The countries are Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and the US. Factors considered include trends in each state's military, with a focus on aspects intended or likely to enhance force projection. Specific attention is paid to strategic lift. The economic strength, reflected in ODP, is used, as an indicator of each nation's potential for ma:ing improvements to its military. Each nation's defense budget, including trends and projections, are used to show specific intent and the importance of the military to the government and the public. Public support for the military, NATO and international involvement are reviewed to give some understanding of constraints placed upon governments. A limited look at past involvement by each state's military in international efforts is made to provide insight into force projection prospects. The paper has an extensive bibliography of Internet sites, governmental materials, and interviewees. The paper concludes that a mismatch between current strategic policy, both US and NATO, and force projection capabilities has resulted in a shortfall in NATO's strategic lift and provides recommendations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA353845
Entities
People
- Phillip J. Gick
Organizations
- United States Army War College