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{{Short description|High-readiness NATO rapid deployment force}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Infobox military unit
{{Infobox military unit
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| type = Multi-national force
| type = Multi-national force
| role = [[Rapid deployment force]]
| role = [[Rapid deployment force]]
| size = 40,000 (300,000 planned)
| size = 500,000<ref>https://www.uniindia.com/news/world/nato-puts-over-500-000-soldiers-on-high-alert/3245013.html {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}</ref>
| command_structure = [[Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe]]
| command_structure = [[Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe]]
| garrison = [[Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum|JFC Brunssum]], Netherlands<br />[[Allied Joint Force Command Naples|JFC Naples]], Italy (annual rotation)
| garrison = [[Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum|JFC Brunssum]], Netherlands<br />[[Allied Joint Force Command Naples|JFC Naples]], Italy (annual rotation)
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}}
}}


The '''NATO Response Force''' ('''NRF''') is a high-readiness force comprising land, air, sea and [[special forces]] units capable of being deployed quickly.<ref>{{cite web |title=NATO Response Force/Very High Readiness Joint Task Force: Fact Sheet |url=http://aco.nato.int/page349011837.aspx |website=NATO |date=9 March 2015 |access-date=13 May 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414014221/http://www.aco.nato.int/page349011837.aspx |archive-date=14 April 2015}}</ref> Until February 2022, when NATO activated it in response to [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine|Russia's invasion of Ukraine]],<ref name= needForNrf >JAMES KITFIELD [https://breakingdefense.com/2022/03/russias-invasion-of-ukraine-has-created-natos-watershed-moment/ (11 March 2022) Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has created NATO’s watershed moment] as explained by [[Martin Dempsey]], [[Ben Hodges]], and [[Joseph Ralston]]. "Putin will not stop in Ukraine if he will not be stopped [now]" —the president of Estonia.</ref> units assigned to the NRF had only been used to assist with [[Emergency management|disaster relief]] and security at high-profile security events.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=John|first=Deni|date=2020-10-14|title=Disband the NATO Response Force|url=https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/content-series/nato20-2020/disband-the-nato-response-force/|access-date=2022-02-26|website=[[Atlantic Council]]|language=en-US}}</ref> On 25 February 2022 after a NATO meeting, the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) was activated for the defense of members of the alliance, for the first time.<ref name= 1stActDeployment /><ref name= vhrjtf />
The '''NATO Response Force''' ('''NRF''') is a high-readiness [[NATO]] [[rapid deployment force]] comprising [[Army|land]], [[Navy|sea]], [[Air force|air]], and [[special forces]] units capable of being deployed quickly within short notice.<ref>{{cite web |title=NATO Response Force/Very High Readiness Joint Task Force: Fact Sheet |url=http://aco.nato.int/page349011837.aspx |website=NATO |date=9 March 2015 |access-date=13 May 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414014221/http://www.aco.nato.int/page349011837.aspx |archive-date=14 April 2015}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last= |date=22 February 2022 |title=NATO Response Force |url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_49755.htm |access-date=25 February 2022 |website=NATO |language=en}}</ref> The NRF currently comprises more than 500,000 troops.<ref name=":2" /> Its forces include units from several non-NATO member partners, including [[Ukraine]] (since 2014),<ref>{{cite web |date=2014 |title=Developing constructive partnership between Ukraine and NATO |url=http://mfa.gov.ua/en/about-ukraine/euroatlantic-cooperation/ukraine-nato |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150124043010/http://mfa.gov.ua/en/about-ukraine/euroatlantic-cooperation/ukraine-nato |archive-date=24 January 2015 |access-date=13 May 2015 |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine}}</ref> and [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]] (since 2015).<ref>{{cite news |date=21 August 2015 |title=NATO Secretary General to Visit Georgia Next Week |work=Civil Georgia |location=Tbilisi, Georgia |url=http://civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=28515 |access-date=21 August 2015}}</ref>


The NRF was formed in June 2003 per endorsements at the [[2002 Prague summit]]. Units assigned to the NRF were only used for [[Emergency management|disaster relief]] and [[security]] until February 2022, when it was activated for the first time in response to the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]].<ref name="needForNrf">{{Cite web |last=Kitfield |first=James |date=2022-03-12 |title=Russia's invasion of Ukraine has created NATO's watershed moment |url=https://breakingdefense.com/2022/03/russias-invasion-of-ukraine-has-created-natos-watershed-moment/ |access-date=2023-04-27 |website=Breaking Defense |language=en-US}}</ref>
⚫
Rotating forces through the NRF requires nations to meet the demanding standards needed for collective defence and expeditionary operations. As the standards are very high, participation in the NRF is preceded by a six-month NATO exercise program in order to integrate and standardize the various national contingents. Generally, nations carry out a pre-training period in preparation for the NATO exercises of between 6–18 months. Once activated, Reconnaissance Teams deploy within 5 days. This is the first of a number of deployment phases that lead to the deployment of the entire HQ Joint Task Force and Immediate Reaction Forces within 30 days.

The NRF comprises up to 40,000 troops<ref>{{Cite web|last=|date=22 February 2022|title=NATO Response Force|url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_49755.htm|access-date=25 February 2022|website=NATO|language=en}}</ref> and includes units from several countries that do not belong to NATO: non-member partners, [[Finland]], which first contributed forces in 2008;<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_44727.htm|title=Strategic Airlift Capability moves to implementation|agency=NATO|date=1 October 2008|access-date=13 May 2015}}</ref> [[Sweden]], 2013;<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/news_104086.htm|title=Sweden to join NATO Response Force and exercise Steadfast Jazz|date=14 October 2013|publisher=NATO|access-date=14 October 2013}}</ref> [[Ukraine]], 2014;<ref>{{cite web|date=2014|title=Developing constructive partnership between Ukraine and NATO|url=http://mfa.gov.ua/en/about-ukraine/euroatlantic-cooperation/ukraine-nato|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150124043010/http://mfa.gov.ua/en/about-ukraine/euroatlantic-cooperation/ukraine-nato|archive-date=24 January 2015|access-date=13 May 2015|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine}}</ref> and [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]], 2015.<ref>{{cite news|date=21 August 2015|title=NATO Secretary General to Visit Georgia Next Week|work=Civil Georgia|location=Tbilisi, Georgia|url=http://civil.ge/eng/article.php?id=28515|access-date=21 August 2015}}</ref>

⚫
The NRF trains for various tasks, including:
⚫
* providing immediate collective defence of Alliance members in the event of an Article V operation;
⚫
* [[crisis management]];
* acting as the initial force deployment as a precursor to deployment of a much larger force;
⚫
* [[Peacekeeping|peace support]];
⚫
* [[disaster relief]];
⚫
* protection of [[critical infrastructure]].


==Structure==
==Structure==
The NRF structure consists of four parts:
The NRF structure consists of four parts:


*{{anchor|C2e}}'''Command and Control element''': based on a deployable Joint Task Force HQ
*{{anchor|C2e}}'''Command and Control element''': Based on a deployable Joint Task Force HQ.
⚫
*{{anchor|VJTF}}'''Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF)''': High-readiness "spearhead force" that can deploy wherever needed at short notice.
⚫
*{{anchor|IFoFg}}'''Initial Follow On Forces Group (IFFG)''': High-readiness forces that can deploy following the VJTF in response to a crisis.
⚫
*{{anchor|ResponseForcesPool}}'''Response Forces Pool (RFP)''': A broad spectrum of military capabilities encompassing command and control, combat forces, and support units, drawn from the national forces of NATO members and non-member allies.


⚫
Rotating forces through the NRF requires nations to meet the demanding standards needed for collective defense and expeditionary operations. As its standards are very high, participation in the NRF is preceded by a six-month NATO exercise program to integrate and standardize the various national contingents. Generally, nations carry out a pre-training period in preparation for the NATO exercises, lasting between 6–18 months. Once activated, Reconnaissance Teams deploy within 5 days. This is the first of a number of deployment phases that lead to the deployment of the entire HQ Joint Task Force and Immediate Reaction Forces within 30 days.
⚫
*{{anchor|VJTF}}'''Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF)'''


⚫
The NRF trains for various tasks, including:
⚫
*{{anchor|IFoFg}}'''Initial Follow On Forces Group''': These are high-readiness forces that can deploy quickly following the VJTF, in response to a crisis
⚫
* providing immediate collective defence of Alliance members in the event of an [[NATO Article 5|Article V]] operation

⚫
* [[crisis management]]
⚫
*{{anchor|ResponseForcesPool}}'''Response Forces Pool''': NATO retains a broad spectrum of military capabilities encompassing command and control, combat and support units through the Responses Forces Pool (RFP). The forces are drawn from the much wider pool of Allied or Partners National deployable forces.
* acting as the [[Rapid deployment force|initial force deployment]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 June 2022 |title=Rapid Deployable Corps |url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_50088.htm |access-date=30 June 2022 |website=NATO}}</ref> as a precursor to deployment of a much larger force
⚫
* [[Peacekeeping|peace support]]
⚫
* [[disaster relief]]
⚫
* protection of [[critical infrastructure]]


==History==
==History==
[[File:Spanish soldier with G-36C rifle on a NATO FTX in Cincu, Romania (May 2021).webp|thumb|Spanish NRF soldier during a NATO FTX in Romania, May 2021.]]
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=== Creation and early years ===
=== Creation and early years ===
The NRF concept was first endorsed with a declaration of NATO's Heads of State at the [[2002 Prague summit|Prague Summit]] on 22 November 2002 and approved by NATO Defence Ministers in June 2003.<ref name="transformation8">{{cite journal|last=Kugler|first=Richard|date=2007|title=The NATO Response Force 2002–2006: Innovation by the Atlantic Alliance|journal=Case Studies in Defense Transformation|location=Washington, DC|publisher=National Defense University, Center for Technology and National Security Policy|page=8}}</ref> Dual headquarters were created in [[Naples]], Italy and [[Brunssum]], Netherlands; command rotates annually between them.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NRF Rotation 2022 |url=https://jfcbs.nato.int/page5725819/nrf-rotation-2016.aspx |access-date=2022-02-26 |website=NATO Joint Force Command Brunssum |language=en}}</ref> In 2004 and 2005, NRF units were activated for a small number of civilian missions, including to provide security at the [[2004 Summer Olympics]] in Athens<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Brianas|first=Jason|date=December 2004|title=NATO, Greece and the 2004 Summer Olympics|url=https://www.hsdl.org/?view&did=450920|journal=Master's Thesis|publisher=[[Naval Postgraduate School]]}}</ref> and the [[Afghan presidential election, 2004|Afghan presidential elections]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=NATO To Provide Troops For Afghan Election|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/1054003.html|access-date=2022-02-26|website=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty|language=en}}</ref> as well as to provide humanitarian assistance in the United States after [[Hurricane Katrina]] and in Pakistan after the [[2005 Kashmir earthquake]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Jopling |first=Michael |title=NATO and civil protection: special report |publisher=[[NATO Parliamentary Assembly]] |year=2006}}</ref> Due to equipment shortages, unfulfilled troop comitments and falling political support among member countries, the size of the NRF was cut in half in 2007 and not used again until 2022.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last1=Ringsmose |first1=Jens |last2=Rynning |first2=Sten |date=2017-09-02 |title=The NATO Response Force: A qualified failure no more? |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13523260.2017.1350020 |journal=Contemporary Security Policy |language=en |volume=38 |issue=3 |pages=443–456 |doi=10.1080/13523260.2017.1350020 |s2cid=158836713 |issn=1352-3260}}</ref> During the [[2014 Wales summit]] following the [[Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation|Crimean crisis]], NATO leaders agreed to reorganize the NRF's core troops into a "spearhead force" known as a "Very High Readiness Joint Task Force" (VJTF) designed to be able to deploy at 48 hours notice, although the actual level of readiness was generally several weeks. It was also for the first time linked explicitly to NATO's [[Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty|Article 5 obligations]].<ref name=":0" /> Altogether, it amounted to around 30,000 troops.<ref>{{cite press release|date=2015-02-06|orig-year=First published 2015-02-05|title=Defence Ministers agree to strengthen NATO's defences, establish Spearhead Force|website=nato.int|location=Brussels, BE|publisher=North Atlantic Treaty Organization|url=http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_117188.htm|access-date=2015-02-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206143725/http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_117188.htm|archive-date=2015-02-06|url-status=live}}</ref>
The NRF concept was first endorsed with a declaration of NATO's Heads of State at the [[2002 Prague summit|Prague Summit]] on 22 November 2002 and approved by NATO Defence Ministers in June 2003.<ref name="transformation8">{{cite journal|last=Kugler|first=Richard|date=2007|title=The NATO Response Force 2002–2006: Innovation by the Atlantic Alliance|journal=Case Studies in Defense Transformation|location=Washington, DC|publisher=National Defense University, Center for Technology and National Security Policy|page=8}}</ref> Dual headquarters were created in [[Naples]], Italy and [[Brunssum]], Netherlands; command rotates annually between them.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NRF Rotation 2022 |url=https://jfcbs.nato.int/page5725819/nrf-rotation-2016.aspx |access-date=2022-02-26 |website=NATO Joint Force Command Brunssum |language=en}}</ref> In 2004 and 2005, NRF units were activated for a small number of civilian missions, including to provide security at the [[2004 Summer Olympics]] in Athens<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Brianas|first=Jason|date=December 2004|title=NATO, Greece and the 2004 Summer Olympics|url=https://www.hsdl.org/?view&did=450920|journal=Master's Thesis|publisher=[[Naval Postgraduate School]]}}</ref> and the [[Afghan presidential election, 2004|Afghan presidential elections]],<ref>{{Cite news|title=NATO To Provide Troops For Afghan Election|url=https://www.rferl.org/a/1054003.html|access-date=2022-02-26|newspaper=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty|language=en}}</ref> as well as to provide humanitarian assistance in the United States after [[Hurricane Katrina]] and in Pakistan after the [[2005 Kashmir earthquake]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Jopling |first=Michael |title=NATO and civil protection: special report |publisher=[[NATO Parliamentary Assembly]] |year=2006}}</ref> Due to equipment shortages, unfulfilled troop commitments and falling political support among member countries, the size of the NRF was cut in half in 2007 and not used again until 2022.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last1=Ringsmose |first1=Jens |last2=Rynning |first2=Sten |date=2017-09-02 |title=The NATO Response Force: A qualified failure no more? |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13523260.2017.1350020 |journal=Contemporary Security Policy |language=en |volume=38 |issue=3 |pages=443–456 |doi=10.1080/13523260.2017.1350020 |s2cid=158836713 |issn=1352-3260}}</ref> During the [[2014 Wales summit]] following the [[annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation]], NATO leaders agreed to reorganize the NRF's core troops into a "spearhead force" known as a "Very High Readiness Joint Task Force" (VJTF) designed to be able to deploy at 48 hours notice, although the actual level of readiness was generally several weeks. It was also for the first time linked explicitly to NATO's [[Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty|Article 5 obligations]].<ref name=":0" /> Altogether, it amounted to around 30,000 troops.<ref>{{cite press release|date=2015-02-06|orig-year=First published 2015-02-05|title=Defence Ministers agree to strengthen NATO's defences, establish Spearhead Force|website=nato.int|location=Brussels, BE|publisher=North Atlantic Treaty Organization|url=http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_117188.htm|access-date=2015-02-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206143725/http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_117188.htm|archive-date=2015-02-06|url-status=live}}</ref>


For most of its existence, the lack of enthusiasm of NATO's member states for the NRF resulted in chronic equipment and personnel shortages. It was sometimes branded a wasteful failure<ref name=":1" /> and an insignificant force next to NATO's more established units. Nevertheless, some military scholars argue that it played a significant role in modernizing European militaries as their troops rotated through it.<ref name=":0" />
For most of its existence, the lack of enthusiasm of NATO's member states for the NRF resulted in chronic equipment and personnel shortages. It was sometimes branded a wasteful failure<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=John |first=Deni |date=2020-10-14 |title=Disband the NATO Response Force |url=https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/content-series/nato20-2020/disband-the-nato-response-force/ |access-date=2022-02-26 |website=[[Atlantic Council]] |language=en-US}}</ref> and an insignificant force next to NATO's more established units. Nevertheless, some military scholars argue that it played a significant role in modernizing European militaries as their troops rotated through it.<ref name=":0" />


=== Russo-Ukrainian War===
=== 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine ===
⚫
As [[Prelude to the Russian invasion of Ukraine|Russian troops built up around Ukraine]] in early 2022, various units attached to the NRF were alerted or deployed. On 11 February 2022, a U.S. Army brigade combat team of about 4,700 troops from the [[82nd Airborne Division]] was ordered to Poland, while a [[Stryker]] squadron (battalion-sized cavalry unit) was sent from [[Vilseck]]'s Rose Barracks to Romania.<ref name="doornboos"> Caitlin Doornboos [https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2022-02-11/ukraine-russia-invasion-american-citizens-evacuations-nato-4983606.html (11 Feb 2022) Another 3,000 U.S. troops to deploy to Poland as White House says Russia could invade Ukraine within the week ]</ref> On 11 February 2022 [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35A]] squadrons of the [[388th Fighter Wing|388th]] and [[419th Fighter Wing]]s deployed from the U.S. to patrol NATO's eastern flank.<ref name= 388th419th >Rachel S. Cohen [https://www.defensenews.com/news/your-air-force/2023/03/31/the-us-air-force-sent-f-35s-to-defend-nato-heres-what-it-learned/ (31 Mar 2023) The US Air Force sent F-35s to defend NATO. Here’s what it learned.]</ref>
{{further|2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine|2021–2022 Russo-Ukrainian crisis}}
⚫
As Russian troops built up around Ukraine in early 2022, various units attached to the NRF were alerted or deployed. On 11 February 2022, a U.S. Army brigade combat team of about 4,700 troops from the [[82nd Airborne Division]] was ordered to Poland, while a [[Stryker]] squadron (battalion-sized cavalry unit) was sent from Vilseck's Rose Barracks to Romania.<ref name="doornboos"> Caitlin Doornboos [https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2022-02-11/ukraine-russia-invasion-american-citizens-evacuations-nato-4983606.html (11 Feb 2022) Another 3,000 U.S. troops to deploy to Poland as White House says Russia could invade Ukraine within the week ]</ref>


On 16 February 2022, 8,500 troops in some of the units that make up the U.S. contribution to the NRF were put on alert for possible rotational deployment to EUCOM's area of responsibility.<ref name="garamone">Jim Garamone [https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/2936806/nato-leader-says-alliance-is-hoping-for-best-preparing-for-worst/ (16 Feb 2022) NATO Leader Says Alliance Is Hoping for Best, Preparing for Worst ]</ref><ref name="hollings">Alex Hollings [https://www.sandboxx.us/blog/5-minute-summary-whats-going-on-in-ukraine/ (14 February 2022) 5-MINUTE SUMMARY: WHAT’S GOING ON IN UKRAINE?]</ref> As of 25 February 2022 seven thousand soldiers of the 8500-troop tranche, including the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team/3rd Infantry Division ([[3rd Infantry Division (United States) |1st ABCT/3rd ID]] —4700 troops, plus support units) deployed to Germany, initially.<ref name= myers >Meghann Myers [https://www.defensenews.com/news/pentagon-congress/2022/02/25/thousands-of-us-troops-deploying-for-first-ever-nato-response-force-activation-amid-russia-attack/ (25 February 2022) Thousands of US troops deploying for first-ever NATO Response Force activation amid Russia attack]</ref> For the first time in decades, three US heavy brigades are deploying to EUCOM concurrently —(from the 1ABCT/3rd ID, the 1ABCT/1st ID, and an IBCT/82nd AB, all to be deployed as needed for the situation).<ref name= dickstein >Corey Dickstein [https://www.stripes.com/branches/army/2022-03-02/fort-stewart-army-soldiers-europe-deployment-russia-ukraine-5204164.html (2 Mar 2022) Fort Stewart soldiers deploying to Europe will draw heavy weapons from Army’s stockpile on the Continent for first time]</ref> Two forward-deployed headquarters, one from [[V Corps (United States)]], and the capability for one from [[XVIII Airborne Corps]] are now positioned in Poznan, Poland,<ref name="kolasheski">{{cite web|title=Kolasheski tapped to lead newly reactivated Fifth Corps|url=https://www.ausa.org/news/kolasheski-tapped-lead-newly-reactivated-v-corps|access-date=19 May 2020|website=ausa.org|date=12 May 2020 }}</ref><ref name= addVCorpsHQTroops >Rachel Nostrant [https://www.armytimes.com/news/2022/03/04/v-corps-soldiers-headed-to-europe-amid-ukraine-invasion/ (4 Mar 2022) V Corps soldiers headed to Europe amid Ukraine invasion] additional V Corps HQ troops, to handle the additional nations, Bulgaria and Hungary, as well as the ongoing 4th SFAB and 2nd Cav Regiment assignments</ref> and Wiesbaden, Germany<ref name="kurilla">Jim Garamone [https://www.army.mil/article/253968/more_us_troops_to_deploy_to_europe_guardsmen_reassigned_out_of_ukraine (14 Feb 2022) More US troops to deploy to Europe, Guardsmen reassigned out of Ukraine] XVIII Airborne Corps HQ, led by LTG Kurilla </ref> respectively, should any further need arise for a proportionate response to a threat to the member states of NATO.<ref name="sytas">Andreas Sytas [https://www.yahoo.com/news/russia-likely-launch-limited-military-193244733.html (16 Feb 2022) Russia 'likely' to launch 'limited' military attack against Ukraine, says Estonian intelligence] </ref>
On 16 February 2022, 8,500 troops in some of the units that make up the U.S. contribution to the NRF were put on alert for possible rotational deployment to EUCOM's area of responsibility.<ref name="garamone">Jim Garamone [https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/2936806/nato-leader-says-alliance-is-hoping-for-best-preparing-for-worst/ (16 Feb 2022) NATO Leader Says Alliance Is Hoping for Best, Preparing for Worst ]</ref><ref name="hollings">Alex Hollings [https://www.sandboxx.us/blog/5-minute-summary-whats-going-on-in-ukraine/ (14 February 2022) 5-MINUTE SUMMARY: WHAT’S GOING ON IN UKRAINE?]</ref> By 25 February 2022, 7,000 troops from this force, including the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, [[3rd Infantry Division (United States)|3rd Infantry Division]] — 4700 troops, plus support units), were deployed to Germany.<ref name= myers >Meghann Myers [https://www.defensenews.com/news/pentagon-congress/2022/02/25/thousands-of-us-troops-deploying-for-first-ever-nato-response-force-activation-amid-russia-attack/ (25 February 2022) Thousands of US troops deploying for first-ever NATO Response Force activation amid Russia attack]</ref> This marked the first time in decades that three U.S. heavy brigades deployed to EUCOM concurrently (the 1st Brigade of the 3rd ID, the 1st Brigade, 1st ID, and an Initial Brigade Combat Team of the [[82nd Airborne Division]], all to be deployed as needed for the situation).<ref name= dickstein >Corey Dickstein [https://www.stripes.com/branches/army/2022-03-02/fort-stewart-army-soldiers-europe-deployment-russia-ukraine-5204164.html (2 Mar 2022) Fort Stewart soldiers deploying to Europe will draw heavy weapons from Army’s stockpile on the Continent for first time]</ref> Two forward-deployed headquarters, one from [[V Corps (United States)]], and the capability for one from [[XVIII Airborne Corps]], were positioned in Poznan, Poland,<ref name="kolasheski">{{cite web|title=Kolasheski tapped to lead newly reactivated Fifth Corps|url=https://www.ausa.org/news/kolasheski-tapped-lead-newly-reactivated-v-corps|access-date=19 May 2020|website=ausa.org|date=12 May 2020 }}</ref><ref name= addVCorpsHQTroops >Rachel Nostrant [https://www.armytimes.com/news/2022/03/04/v-corps-soldiers-headed-to-europe-amid-ukraine-invasion/ (4 Mar 2022) V Corps soldiers headed to Europe amid Ukraine invasion] additional V Corps HQ troops, to handle the additional nations, Bulgaria and Hungary, as well as the ongoing 4th SFAB and 2nd Cav Regiment assignments</ref> and Wiesbaden, Germany<ref name="kurilla">Jim Garamone [https://www.army.mil/article/253968/more_us_troops_to_deploy_to_europe_guardsmen_reassigned_out_of_ukraine (14 Feb 2022) More US troops to deploy to Europe, Guardsmen reassigned out of Ukraine] XVIII Airborne Corps HQ, led by LTG Kurilla </ref> respectively, should any further need arise for a proportionate response to a threat to the member states of NATO.<ref name="sytas">Andreas Sytas [https://www.yahoo.com/news/russia-likely-launch-limited-military-193244733.html (16 Feb 2022) Russia 'likely' to launch 'limited' military attack against Ukraine, says Estonian intelligence] </ref>


After a NATO meeting on 25 February 2022, NATO Secretary-General [[Jens Stoltenberg]] stated that the NATO leadership had agreed to deploy part of the NRF to alliance members in Eastern Europe. Stoltenberg said that Very High Readiness Joint Task Force, currently led by France, would be among the units sent.<ref name= vhrjtf >{{cite web|date=25 February 2022|title=NATO Response Force is being activated, Stoltenberg reveals; its numbers can grow to 40,000|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/nato-response-force-is-being-activated-stoltenberg-reveals-its-numbers-can-grow-to-40000/ar-AAUjgJZ|access-date=25 February 2022|website=AP}}</ref> This was the first time the NRF had been activated.<ref name= 1stActDeployment >{{cite web|date=25 February 2022|title=Russian aggression "not limited to Ukraine": NATO Response Force deploys for first time|url=https://www.axios.com/nato-kremlin-russian-invasion-ukraine-0872be5e-b5e0-486b-b356-2985370e5148.html|access-date=25 February 2022|website=[[Axios_(website)|Axios]]|first=Oriana|last=Gonzales}}</ref> In light of the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]], the NATO Response Force can activate up to 40,000 troops.<ref name="cook">Lorne Cook [https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-europe-russia-vladimir-putin-71bf9d3687e1a04f11dfb895639a13ca (24 Feb 2022) NATO vows to defend its entire territory after Russia attack]</ref> Eight of NATO's thirty member nations (as of 24 February 2022) have triggered urgent consultations under Article 4 of the NATO [[North Atlantic Treaty|Washington Treaty]].<ref name="cook" /> In advance of the [[2022 Madrid summit]], Jens Stoltenberg announced the plan to increase the NRF size to more than 300,000 troops, which was approved during the summit.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 June 2022 |title=NATO to boost troops on high alert to over 300,000 - Stoltenberg |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/nato-massively-increase-high-readiness-forces-300000-stoltenberg-2022-06-27/ |access-date=28 June 2022 |website=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=30 June 2022 |title=Madrid Summit ends with far-reaching decisions to transform NATO |url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_197574.htm |access-date=30 June 2022 |website=NATO}}</ref>
After a NATO meeting on 25 February 2022, NATO Secretary-General [[Jens Stoltenberg]] stated that the NATO leadership had agreed to deploy part of the NRF to alliance members in Eastern Europe. Stoltenberg said that the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force, currently led by France, would be among the units sent.<ref name= vhrjtf >{{cite web|date=25 February 2022|title=NATO Response Force is being activated, Stoltenberg reveals; its numbers can grow to 40,000|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/nato-response-force-is-being-activated-stoltenberg-reveals-its-numbers-can-grow-to-40000/ar-AAUjgJZ|access-date=25 February 2022|website=AP}}</ref> This was the first time the NRF had been activated for a military mission.<ref name= 1stActDeployment >{{cite web|date=25 February 2022|title=Russian aggression "not limited to Ukraine": NATO Response Force deploys for first time|url=https://www.axios.com/nato-kremlin-russian-invasion-ukraine-0872be5e-b5e0-486b-b356-2985370e5148.html|access-date=25 February 2022|website=[[Axios_(website)|Axios]]|first=Oriana|last=Gonzales}}</ref> In light of the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]], the NATO Response Force can activate up to 40,000 troops.<ref name="cook">Lorne Cook [https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-europe-russia-vladimir-putin-71bf9d3687e1a04f11dfb895639a13ca (24 Feb 2022) NATO vows to defend its entire territory after Russia attack]</ref> Eight of NATO's thirty member nations have triggered urgent consultations under Article 4 of the NATO [[North Atlantic Treaty|Washington Treaty]].<ref name="cook" /> In advance of the [[2022 Madrid summit]], Jens Stoltenberg announced the plan to increase the NRF size to more than 300,000 troops, which was approved during the summit.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=27 June 2022 |title=NATO to boost troops on high alert to over 300,000 - Stoltenberg |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/nato-massively-increase-high-readiness-forces-300000-stoltenberg-2022-06-27/ |access-date=28 June 2022 |website=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=30 June 2022 |title=Madrid Summit ends with far-reaching decisions to transform NATO |url=https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_197574.htm |access-date=30 June 2022 |website=NATO}}</ref> This has since grown to over 500,000<ref>https://www.uniindia.com/news/world/nato-puts-over-500-000-soldiers-on-high-alert/3245013.html {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}</ref>


== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF)]]
* Anglo-French [[Combined Joint Expeditionary Force]]
* [[Eurocorps]]
* [[Eurocorps]]
* [[Franco-German Brigade]]
* [[Franco-German Brigade]]
* [[UK Joint Expeditionary Force]]
* [[Joint Expeditionary Force]]


== Notes ==
== Notes ==
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{{commonscat}}
{{commonscat}}
* [http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/topics_49755.htm?selectedLocale=en Official Article on NATO Response Force]
* [http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/topics_49755.htm?selectedLocale=en Official Article on NATO Response Force]
* [http://www.nato.int/docu/review/2006/issue3/english/art4.html critical NATO Review article]
* [http://www.nato.int/docu/review/2006/issue3/english/art4.html critical NATO Review article] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090807222603/http://www.nato.int/docu/review/2006/issue3/english/art4.html |date=7 August 2009 }}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20150124043010/http://mfa.gov.ua/en/about-ukraine/euroatlantic-cooperation/ukraine-nato Ukraine's MFA article]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20150124043010/http://mfa.gov.ua/en/about-ukraine/euroatlantic-cooperation/ukraine-nato Ukraine's MFA article]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060616035944/http://www.1gnc.de/history/history2005/nrf/LoRes%20NRF%20Mar05%20GBR.pdf NRF Factsheet]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060616035944/http://www.1gnc.de/history/history2005/nrf/LoRes%20NRF%20Mar05%20GBR.pdf NRF Factsheet]
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{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:NATO]]
[[Category:Military units and formations of NATO]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 2003]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 2003]]
[[Category:Rapid reaction force units and formations]]

Latest revision as of 08:35, 13 September 2024

NATO Response Force
NRF emblem
Active2003–present
AllegianceNATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization
TypeMulti-national force
RoleRapid deployment force
Size500,000[1]
Part ofSupreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe
HeadquartersJFC Brunssum, Netherlands
JFC Naples, Italy (annual rotation)
WebsiteOfficial website

The NATO Response Force (NRF) is a high-readiness NATO rapid deployment force comprising land, sea, air, and special forces units capable of being deployed quickly within short notice.[2][3] The NRF currently comprises more than 500,000 troops.[4] Its forces include units from several non-NATO member partners, including Ukraine (since 2014),[5] and Georgia (since 2015).[6]

The NRF was formed in June 2003 per endorsements at the 2002 Prague summit. Units assigned to the NRF were only used for disaster relief and security until February 2022, when it was activated for the first time in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[7]

Structure

[edit]

The NRF structure consists of four parts:

  • Command and Control element: Based on a deployable Joint Task Force HQ.
  • Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF): High-readiness "spearhead force" that can deploy wherever needed at short notice.
  • Initial Follow On Forces Group (IFFG): High-readiness forces that can deploy following the VJTF in response to a crisis.
  • Response Forces Pool (RFP): A broad spectrum of military capabilities encompassing command and control, combat forces, and support units, drawn from the national forces of NATO members and non-member allies.

Rotating forces through the NRF requires nations to meet the demanding standards needed for collective defense and expeditionary operations. As its standards are very high, participation in the NRF is preceded by a six-month NATO exercise program to integrate and standardize the various national contingents. Generally, nations carry out a pre-training period in preparation for the NATO exercises, lasting between 6–18 months. Once activated, Reconnaissance Teams deploy within 5 days. This is the first of a number of deployment phases that lead to the deployment of the entire HQ Joint Task Force and Immediate Reaction Forces within 30 days.

The NRF trains for various tasks, including:

History

[edit]
Spanish NRF soldier during a NATO FTX in Romania, May 2021.

Creation and early years

[edit]

The NRF concept was first endorsed with a declaration of NATO's Heads of State at the Prague Summit on 22 November 2002 and approved by NATO Defence Ministers in June 2003.[9] Dual headquarters were created in Naples, Italy and Brunssum, Netherlands; command rotates annually between them.[10] In 2004 and 2005, NRF units were activated for a small number of civilian missions, including to provide security at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens[11] and the Afghan presidential elections,[12] as well as to provide humanitarian assistance in the United States after Hurricane Katrina and in Pakistan after the 2005 Kashmir earthquake.[13] Due to equipment shortages, unfulfilled troop commitments and falling political support among member countries, the size of the NRF was cut in half in 2007 and not used again until 2022.[14] During the 2014 Wales summit following the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation, NATO leaders agreed to reorganize the NRF's core troops into a "spearhead force" known as a "Very High Readiness Joint Task Force" (VJTF) designed to be able to deploy at 48 hours notice, although the actual level of readiness was generally several weeks. It was also for the first time linked explicitly to NATO's Article 5 obligations.[14] Altogether, it amounted to around 30,000 troops.[15]

For most of its existence, the lack of enthusiasm of NATO's member states for the NRF resulted in chronic equipment and personnel shortages. It was sometimes branded a wasteful failure[16] and an insignificant force next to NATO's more established units. Nevertheless, some military scholars argue that it played a significant role in modernizing European militaries as their troops rotated through it.[14]

Russo-Ukrainian War

[edit]

As Russian troops built up around Ukraine in early 2022, various units attached to the NRF were alerted or deployed. On 11 February 2022, a U.S. Army brigade combat team of about 4,700 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division was ordered to Poland, while a Stryker squadron (battalion-sized cavalry unit) was sent from Vilseck's Rose Barracks to Romania.[17] On 11 February 2022 F-35A squadrons of the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings deployed from the U.S. to patrol NATO's eastern flank.[18]

On 16 February 2022, 8,500 troops in some of the units that make up the U.S. contribution to the NRF were put on alert for possible rotational deployment to EUCOM's area of responsibility.[19][20] By 25 February 2022, 7,000 troops from this force, including the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division — 4700 troops, plus support units), were deployed to Germany.[21] This marked the first time in decades that three U.S. heavy brigades deployed to EUCOM concurrently (the 1st Brigade of the 3rd ID, the 1st Brigade, 1st ID, and an Initial Brigade Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division, all to be deployed as needed for the situation).[22] Two forward-deployed headquarters, one from V Corps (United States), and the capability for one from XVIII Airborne Corps, were positioned in Poznan, Poland,[23][24] and Wiesbaden, Germany[25] respectively, should any further need arise for a proportionate response to a threat to the member states of NATO.[26]

After a NATO meeting on 25 February 2022, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stated that the NATO leadership had agreed to deploy part of the NRF to alliance members in Eastern Europe. Stoltenberg said that the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force, currently led by France, would be among the units sent.[27] This was the first time the NRF had been activated for a military mission.[28] In light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the NATO Response Force can activate up to 40,000 troops.[29] Eight of NATO's thirty member nations have triggered urgent consultations under Article 4 of the NATO Washington Treaty.[29] In advance of the 2022 Madrid summit, Jens Stoltenberg announced the plan to increase the NRF size to more than 300,000 troops, which was approved during the summit.[4][30] This has since grown to over 500,000[31]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ https://www.uniindia.com/news/world/nato-puts-over-500-000-soldiers-on-high-alert/3245013.html [bare URL]
  2. ^ "NATO Response Force/Very High Readiness Joint Task Force: Fact Sheet". NATO. 9 March 2015. Archived from the original on 14 April 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  3. ^ "NATO Response Force". NATO. 22 February 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  4. ^ a b "NATO to boost troops on high alert to over 300,000 - Stoltenberg". Reuters. 27 June 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  5. ^ "Developing constructive partnership between Ukraine and NATO". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. 2014. Archived from the original on 24 January 2015. Retrieved 13 May 2015.
  6. ^ "NATO Secretary General to Visit Georgia Next Week". Civil Georgia. Tbilisi, Georgia. 21 August 2015. Retrieved 21 August 2015.
  7. ^ Kitfield, James (12 March 2022). "Russia's invasion of Ukraine has created NATO's watershed moment". Breaking Defense. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
  8. ^ "Rapid Deployable Corps". NATO. 22 June 2022. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  9. ^ Kugler, Richard (2007). "The NATO Response Force 2002–2006: Innovation by the Atlantic Alliance". Case Studies in Defense Transformation. Washington, DC: National Defense University, Center for Technology and National Security Policy: 8.
  10. ^ "NRF Rotation 2022". NATO Joint Force Command Brunssum. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  11. ^ Brianas, Jason (December 2004). "NATO, Greece and the 2004 Summer Olympics". Master's Thesis. Naval Postgraduate School.
  12. ^ "NATO To Provide Troops For Afghan Election". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  13. ^ Jopling, Michael (2006). NATO and civil protection: special report. NATO Parliamentary Assembly.
  14. ^ a b c Ringsmose, Jens; Rynning, Sten (2 September 2017). "The NATO Response Force: A qualified failure no more?". Contemporary Security Policy. 38 (3): 443–456. doi:10.1080/13523260.2017.1350020. ISSN 1352-3260. S2CID 158836713.
  15. ^ "Defence Ministers agree to strengthen NATO's defences, establish Spearhead Force". nato.int (Press release). Brussels, BE: North Atlantic Treaty Organization. 6 February 2015 [First published 2015-02-05]. Archived from the original on 6 February 2015. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  16. ^ John, Deni (14 October 2020). "Disband the NATO Response Force". Atlantic Council. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  17. ^ Caitlin Doornboos (11 Feb 2022) Another 3,000 U.S. troops to deploy to Poland as White House says Russia could invade Ukraine within the week
  18. ^ Rachel S. Cohen (31 Mar 2023) The US Air Force sent F-35s to defend NATO. Here’s what it learned.
  19. ^ Jim Garamone (16 Feb 2022) NATO Leader Says Alliance Is Hoping for Best, Preparing for Worst 
  20. ^ Alex Hollings (14 February 2022) 5-MINUTE SUMMARY: WHAT’S GOING ON IN UKRAINE?
  21. ^ Meghann Myers (25 February 2022) Thousands of US troops deploying for first-ever NATO Response Force activation amid Russia attack
  22. ^ Corey Dickstein (2 Mar 2022) Fort Stewart soldiers deploying to Europe will draw heavy weapons from Army’s stockpile on the Continent for first time
  23. ^ "Kolasheski tapped to lead newly reactivated Fifth Corps". ausa.org. 12 May 2020. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
  24. ^ Rachel Nostrant (4 Mar 2022) V Corps soldiers headed to Europe amid Ukraine invasion additional V Corps HQ troops, to handle the additional nations, Bulgaria and Hungary, as well as the ongoing 4th SFAB and 2nd Cav Regiment assignments
  25. ^ Jim Garamone (14 Feb 2022) More US troops to deploy to Europe, Guardsmen reassigned out of Ukraine XVIII Airborne Corps HQ, led by LTG Kurilla
  26. ^ Andreas Sytas (16 Feb 2022) Russia 'likely' to launch 'limited' military attack against Ukraine, says Estonian intelligence
  27. ^ "NATO Response Force is being activated, Stoltenberg reveals; its numbers can grow to 40,000". AP. 25 February 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  28. ^ Gonzales, Oriana (25 February 2022). "Russian aggression "not limited to Ukraine": NATO Response Force deploys for first time". Axios. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  29. ^ a b Lorne Cook (24 Feb 2022) NATO vows to defend its entire territory after Russia attack
  30. ^ "Madrid Summit ends with far-reaching decisions to transform NATO". NATO. 30 June 2022. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  31. ^ https://www.uniindia.com/news/world/nato-puts-over-500-000-soldiers-on-high-alert/3245013.html [bare URL]
[edit]
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