In the event of a crisis, NATO must quickly assemble and deploy forces to defend its Allies – by land, sea or air. But pulling off this logistical feat requires practice.
Synopsis
In the event of a crisis, NATO must quickly assemble and deploy forces to defend its Allies by whatever means necessary – land, sea or air. But pulling off this logistical feat requires practice.
NATO Allies conduct a wide range of exercises to test their ability to rapidly deploy troops directly into combat. This year, US Marines and Romanian naval infantry deployed from the Baltic Sea as part of Exercise Baltic Operations 18; US and Polish airborne troops hit the battlefield as part of Exercise Swift Response 18; and US and German Army engineers constructed bridges to cross rivers during Exercise Saber Strike 18. The exercises took place in Poland, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia and Romania.
Footage includes amphibious assaults, airborne operations, ribbon bridge construction, and an interview with US Navy Captain Brian Finman.
Transcript
TEXT ON SCREEN WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO DEFEND NATO COUNTRIES?
TEXT ON SCREEN SPEED, STRENGTH AND FLEXIBILITY SOUNDBITE - (ENGLISH) Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General
“We need to be able to move forces quickly throughout Europe, when needed.”
TEXT ON SCREEN NATO ALLIES REGULARLY PRACTISE RAPID DEPLOYMENT
ENSURING THEY CAN SWIFTLY RESPOND TO CRISES WHEN NEEDED -SOUNDBITE- (ENGLISH) CAPT Brian Finman, US Navy
“The purpose is to test NATO’s ability to rapidly reinforce its flanks and to bring together combat power from multiple nations quickly in a way that is operationally effective.
And it’s important to do this annually because it’s a perishable skill. But more importantly, to reinforce the relationships that we build with other nations so that when we do come together, we not only understand each other’s tactics and procedures, but we understand each other.”
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