This article argues for strengthening the defenses of NATO states oppositie Russia and otherwise bolstering the front against Russia should they get all nostalgic for their lost empire, including:
Finally, the United States should look for opportunities to field alliance military assets on the territory of newer NATO member states. Low intensity basing options, such as relocating NATO headquarters and training facilities, rotating equipment and prepositioning fuel and ammunition stores could prove to be a cost-effective risk mitigation tool, discouraging instability and conflict on Europe's periphery by demonstrating a commitment to the region.
Hear, hear. I called for prepositioned stocks in eastern European NATO states, like our REFORGER stocks in Germany during the Cold War, as part of a more robust American presence in Europe:
In addition to maintaing sufficient forces deployed in Europe able to move east to reinforce the eastern European NATO frontline states, we should establish American, British, and German equipment depots for additional heavy brigades in southern Poland. If we can fly in troops to man these forces, in a return of forces to Poland (REFORPOL) concept, we'd enhance deterrence without forward deploying powerful NATO offensive units that would scare the Russians in reality instead of their faux fear of Georgians and Latvians. Those units could swing north or south or stay put once manned and fielded.
Right now, the newest NATO members are in a gray area of being able to call for alliance help in case of Russian aggression but with NATO having no planning and little capability to answer that call. That is not good for any NATO member.
And if you think that more robust defense preparations will cause Russian hostitlity and paranoia, don't worry--that ship sailed long ago. Russia stokes anti-Americanism for their own purposes completely detached from what we actually do.
Look, I doubt Russia would overtly attack to exploit that gap, since their military is going to be hollow for quite some time even if they start rearming now; but who knows what the future could bring? Better to have our alliance capable of offering a defense to every member.
