Popular Military

July 14, 2023

President Biden signed off on calling up 3,000 troops to active duty for “Operation Atlantic Resolve” on Thursday.

This recent decision follows the deployment of tens of thousands of troops to Europe last year after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The order authorizes Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and the Secretary of Homeland Security (who is in charge of the Coast Guard) to call up troops but does not specify any specific deployments.

“I hereby determine that it is necessary to augment the active Armed Forces of the United States for the effective conduct of Operation Atlantic Resolve in and around the United States European Command’s area of responsibility,” the President wrote.

When asked about the President’s authorization, Lt. Gen. Douglas Sims, the director of operations for the Joint Staff, told reporters:

“This reaffirms the unwavering support and commitment to the defense of NATO’s eastern flank in the wake of Russia’s illegal and unprovoked war on Ukraine.”

The decision to authorize Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) troops has raised concerns with the public as IRR troops no longer train or participate in anything military-related.

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