TENSIONS DRIVE NATO TO CONDUCT LARGEST MILITARY EXERCISE IN DECADES


By bblouin
A U.S. Marine with Weapons Company, Black Sea Rotational Force, fires an M240B during a live-fire demonstration, March 30, 2015, as part of a military exercise.

The use of military exercises keeps forces ready. While conducting a military exercise is a routine part of being a force, some raise more eyebrows than others. During the Cold War, tensions rose between the Soviet Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) over the prospects of nuclear war. Now, those tensions are returning to Cold War-era highs due to continued aggression in Europe. As a result, the latest NATO military exercises planned in 2024 are going to be the largest we’ve seen in decades. Suggested read: Israeli Airstrike Kills 5 Iranian Advisers, Numbers Are Climbing

A NATO Military Exercise In 2024 Will Require Around 90,000 People

NATO military exercise news broke early in 2024 with a notable amount of personnel expected to be involved. Around 90,000 people will take place in the military exercise named Steadfast Defender 24—a series of exercises that will take place this year. In total, the military training exercises will take several months. Those participating will be working to prove defensive capabilities for the border in the event such military action becomes necessary with tensions rising to Cold War levels. With so many nations making up NATO and thousands of miles of border to protect, there are unique and diverse factors in play. Steadfast Defender 24 will help each military member better understand their role in keeping peace in Europe and the world. Even though NATO is doing everything it can to stay out of the conflict, it’s impossible for the organization not to have some association with the war. From January through May, the NATO joint military exercise will be going on. In the scenarios planned, NATO forces will be practicing defense.

Steadfast Defender 24 Is NATO Wargaming and Fortification

As we approach the two-year anniversary of Putin’s invasion, Steadfast Defender 24 is getting ready to start. But the military training exercise is going to serve as more than just a way for NATO to get ready through practice. Months before the invasion, tensions were already rising and NATO saw the need to increase security in the east. Since, there have been similar efforts from NATO members, this being no exception. Refortifying with more troops while practicing defensive capabilities isn’t just a great way to stay ready, as the war games help deter the attacking of a NATO member. Advanced aircraft, naval units, and much more are all part of the NATO military exercise and while it’s thought to end in May, even the U.K. is planning on sending personnel until June. Depending on the nature of Europe, it will be interesting to see whether or not they extend the training. Related read: The 29 U.S. Allies of NATO

Exercise Lionheart: The Largest NATO Military Exercise During the Cold War

NATO wargames are far from unprecedented. There have been several used as exercises for the military throughout the years. During the Cold War, there were even examples that not only rivaled Steadfast Defender 24 but surpassed it altogether. Exercise Lionheart is a classic example of large-scale NATO wargaming. It is the largest-ever British Army mobilization since World War II. Furthermore, it included a massive 131,565 UK personnel, combining regular, reserve, and territorial army forces. To facilitate the operation, the Minister of Defense (MOD) chartered civilian aircraft and ferries, conducting 290 flights and 150 sailings to transport 50,000 personnel, 14,000 vehicles, and trailers to Germany. The exercise also featured the participation of 13,000 Royal Air Force personnel, deploying Harriers, and the newly introduced Tornado aircraft. The opposing force comprised over 10,000 personnel from Germany, the Netherlands, the United States, and Commonwealth nations. It’s unfortunate that we need a military exercise of this nature in modern times. However, it’s better to stay ready than to be caught by surprise. Furthermore, if NATO wargaming can help prevent the spread of violence, more power to it. Read next: SEALs Launched From USS Lewis B Puller In Raid Pronounced Dead


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