US Forces in Poland

             As the United States continues to deal with the crisis in Ukraine, tensions with Russia have continued to rise. Recently the United States has deployed forces to Poland and throughout the Baltic for joint military training operations. The plan is for US Forces to remain until the end of 2014. In addition to ground forces, the United States is also in the process of sending several fighter planes in an air defense capability for the region. The United States will also be providing supplies to Ukraine as they recover.

            Since the beginning of the crisis, approximately 200 troops and several F-16s have been deployed to the region. While they are deployed in support of Poland and the defense of the region, these units will work to strengthen the ties between the two nations as well as conduct advanced joint operations and maneuvers. NATO resources, in the form of surveillance aircraft and troops, have also been deployed to the region. The USS Donald Cook has been sent to the Black Sea to assist in the operations as well. Canada is also sending aircraft to Poland to help protect their assets.

F-16s at Lask Air Base, Poland

 

            The ability of the United States to generate, transport, sustain, and redeploy forces to Poland and the Baltic Region is possible due to the immense support capabilities of the United States. The United States was able to quickly deploy forces and supplies to the Baltic Region and Poland due to their close proximity to the region from their bases in Italy and Germany. The ability of the United States to transport and rapidly deploy forces was also aided by their close proximity and friendless with many nations in the region.

            In order to sustain its Forces, the United States will be able to work with Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania as they conduct their joint military operations. Currently the United States, NATO Forces, and international forces will be in the region through the end of 2014, where they will then redeploy back to their home bases. If other issues in the region should arise, the proximity of Poland to Ukraine will allow for a more rapid response from US Forces and NATO.

            The ability of the United States to rapidly deploy its forces in support of Poland and the Baltic region have and will help to build closer ties to the United States and hopefully discourage Russia from continuing operations in the area. As Russia continues to remain in Crimea and tensions rise, US Forces will be ready for their next mission, wherever that may be.