Steadfast Jazz 2013: U.S. Lackluster Contribution Undermines U.S. Interests in Eastern Europe
Baku, November 2 (AZERTAC). On November 2-9, NATO will conduct a military training exercise called Steadfast Jazz. The exercise will be held in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. According to NATO, the primary purpose of the exercise is to train and certify the NATO Response Force.
Many NATO partners view Steadfast Jazz as one of the most important NATO training events in recent memory. It is also seen as an opportunity for the U.S. to demonstrate its commitment to transatlantic security now that 10,000 U.S. troops will leave their permanent bases in Europe. The U.S. decision to send only 200 troops to Steadfast Jazz sends the wrong message to allies and potential adversaries alike and ultimately undermines U.S. interests in the region.
Why Steadfast Jazz Matters
Steadfast Jazz 2013 will be the final, and one of the largest, components of a series of 18 exercises, parts of which have taken place across 14 countries. Steadfast Jazz is important for three main reasons:
Steadfast Jazz 2013 is one of the largest NATO joint exercises since the end of the Cold War and the largest live-fire exercise since 2006. It will include over 6,000 personnel from NATO members and non-NATO partners, such as Ukraine, Sweden, and Finland. In addition, the exercises are taking place in a region of Europe where there is a real fear of external aggression.
As its mission in Afghanistan comes to a close, NATO is at a crossroads. A recommitment toward collective defense of the member states should be the primary objective of NATO after its combat mission in Afghanistan ends. Steadfast Jazz will serve as a unifying force for the member states, orient the alliance toward the core purpose of collective defense, and test the military ability of the alliance to fulfill its Article 5 mission. As General Philip Breedlove, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, stated, Steadfast Jazz “marks the start of our increased emphasis on readiness and collective training as NATO’s focus shifts from being deployed to being ready.”
This is the first major NATO exercise since President Barack Obama announced the so-called Asian pivot and that the U.S. would significantly reduce its troop presence in Europe. Friend and adversary alike are reading the minimal contribution of the United States to the exercises as continued U.S. disengagement in transatlantic security.
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