Biden authorizes the deployment of 3,000 reservists to Europe

President Biden authorized the Pentagon to deploy 3,000 reservists to Europe to bolster security on NATO's eastern flank in the wake of increased instability caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Through an executive order, Biden authorized the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security to prepare the troops to be deployed to Europe "for the effective conduct of Operation Atlantic Resolve in and around the United States European Command area of responsibility."

"Contingency operation"

In a statement, the DOE stated that this operation "will be designated as a contingency operation." At a press conference, Army Lt. Gen. Douglas A. Sims II, director of operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, explained that "this new designation benefits troops and families with increases in authorities, entitlements and access to the reserve component forces and personnel." Sims further insisted that "this [executive order] reaffirms the unwavering support and commitment to defend NATO's eastern flank in the wake of Russia's illegal and unprovoked war against Ukraine."

Captain Bill Speaks, spokesman for EUCOM, emphasized this idea of support: "These authorities will ensure long-term resilience in Eucom's continued heightened level of presence and operations. This will not change current force-posture levels in Europe."