Accession Number:

ADA561373

Title:

Strategic Implications of U.S. Troop Drawdown in Europe

Descriptive Note:

Strategy Research Project

Corporate Author:

ARMY WAR COLL CARLISLE BARRACKS PA

Personal Author(s):

• Lennon, Jr, Thomas

Report Date:

2012-03-15

Pagination or Media Count:

42.0

Abstract:

On 9 June 2011, the then-Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates, stated future U.S. political leaders may not consider the return on America s investment in NATO worth the cost. 1 Supporting this statement are the underlying concerns about Asian stability, and a poorly performing U.S. and global economy. In particular, the Department of Defense DoD is anticipating a budget reduction of 450-billion to 1.2-trillion over the next 10 years. Finally, the potential savings gained from the reduction of U.S. troops in Europe, and by reducing fiscal support to North Atlantic Treaty Organization NATO, which is between 65 percent and 70 percent of total investments, are compelling rationales for decreased involvement in Europe and NATO. However, abrupt decisions based on these legitimate drawbacks are shortsighted, and the advantages gained from second and third order effects of a European presence, in today s globalized and transnational world, cannot be understated. This paper acknowledges the need for a force drawdown, but argues that in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous VUCA global environment, the U.S. must maintain its strong military presence in Europe through increased support to NATO.

Descriptors:

• *FOREIGN POLICY
• *NATO
• ASIA
• DECISION MAKING
• ECONOMICS
• LEADERSHIP
• MILITARY PERSONNEL
• POLITICAL PARTIES

Subject Categories:

• Government and Political Science

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE