U.S. Ground Forces and the Conventional Balance in Europe
Abstract
Deterrence of war in Europe or, if necessary, its successful prosecution- is a key goal of U.S. defense strategy. Achieving that goal depends in part on the balance of conventional forces between the United States and its allies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the Soviet Union and its Warsaw Pact allies. (Conventional forces include all military forces other than those employing nuclear weapons.) Assessments of the conventional balance of military forces in Europe depend on many highly uncertain assumptions. Adding to the uncertainty is the contribution of nuclear weapons, which are thought to deter both sides from starting a war. Uncertainties notwithstanding, the Warsaw Pact has more weapons than NATO, particularly more heavy weapons like tanks. NATO's conventional forces also suffer important vulnerabilities. Some analysts believe those vulnerabilities will be heightened after intermediate-range nuclear forces (INF) have been eliminated under the terms of the recently enacted treaty or if long-range nuclear weapons are reduced under future treaties. These concerns have led to proposals for improving NATO's conventional military capability. The improvements could cost tens of billions of dollars, a matter of concern in this period of fiscal restraint. Thus, it is important to understand how much such improvements would add to costs and capability, and to determine the status of the conventional balance offerees that these proposals seek to alter.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA474789
Entities
Organizations
- Congressional Budget Office