The United States plans to expand its presence within NATO’s Joint Support and Enabling Command by assigning more personnel over the next three to five years.
It expects the larger participation to support the organization as it refines the Reinforcement and Sustainment Network, a critical component of JSEC designed to accelerate the deployment of forces and equipment to NATO areas of operation.
“JSEC’s main tool right now is the series of roads, rails and interconnected waterways, the air, ground and sea lines of communication connecting from North America all the way to the eastern border of NATO,” said Col. Phillip Borders, the U.S. senior national representative at JSEC.
Currently, the U.S. has 20 personnel assigned to the JSEC. According to the U.S. Army, the expansion aims to meet NATO’s need for enhanced deterrence capabilities amid the growing tensions in the military alliance’s eastern territory. NATO has increased its military presence in the region in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which threatens the security, peace and stability of allied countries.
Borders said the expansion plan, which will take several years to implement, involves providing adequate housing and schooling options for military families and investing in training and equipment to prepare personnel for new responsibilities.