As we stand on the threshold of a new year, our dedication and support for our deployed troops remain unwavering. Today, on this final R.E.D. Friday of 2023, we stand united in solidarity, Remembering Everyone Deployed, especially those serving in Europe, lending their strength to NATO amid the ongoing challenges.
In early 2022, a call to action saw 20,000 brave men and women answering the urgency to bolster NATO’s defenses as Russia encroached upon Ukraine’s sovereignty. Fast forward to the cusp of 2024, and our troops continue their steadfast presence in Europe. Brigade combat teams stationed in Romania and Poland alongside plans to fortify the Navy’s foothold in Rota, Spain, illustrate our ongoing commitment to global security.
According to Army Maj. Charlie Dietz, the current security climate dictates the imperative to maintain our forces in Europe. The absence of a separate operation designation assimilates these intensified deployments into Operation Atlantic Resolve. This overarching initiative has been dispatching rotations into Europe since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Dietz’s insights underline the strategic decisions taken over the past two years to amplify our military presence and capabilities. This elevation encompasses heightened participation in NATO exercises and collaborative operations with a spectrum of allies and partners. Notably, there are no imminent plans for a surge in reinforcements, as our assessments affirm the appropriateness of our deployed forces.
Moreover, alongside partnering with allies in the Baltics, Poland, and Hungary, our troops have established a vital long-term assistance command in Germany. This pivotal center orchestrates the synchronization of training rotations, fortifying the capabilities of Ukrainian troops.
As we look towards 2024, let us carry forth the spirit of unity and unwavering support for our deployed heroes. Their dedication echoes beyond borders, standing as a testament to the enduring values we uphold. Today, let us wear red, not only in solidarity but in profound gratitude for those who stand tall in service, embodying resilience and courage in defense of freedom and peace.
