Ready Forces

U.S. European Command’s mission is to maintain Ready Forces to conduct a full range of operations. Forces are assigned to, trained and equipped by service-specific headquarters or joint and multinational trainers when participating in joint operations or joint exercises.

U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR), U.S. Marine Forces Europe (MARFOREUR), U.S. Naval Forces Europe (NAVEUR), U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE), and Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR) provide the forces for all military-to-military engagements with partner nations, provide a deterrence function in the region, and serve as deployable units for contingency operations.

As a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the United States is obligated to provide troops to contingency operations. Having Ready Forces in Europe allows a closer relationship between EUCOM and partner nations. It has the ability to train with and when necessary instruct partner nation militaries to build regional partner capacity in various types of missions – from combat and counterinsurgency operations to cyber security and logistics.

EUCOM often works with the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) coalition partners to prepare units to deploy to Afghanistan, like the MARFOREUR-led Georgia Deployment Program (GDP-ISAF). Training partner nation forces allows them to step up deployments and share the burden in conflicts that require extensive manpower.

Ready Forces are also involved in peace operations throughout the region. Alongside other NATO troops, they help maintain a safe, secure environment and citizens’ freedom of movement, regardless of ethnic origin. Additionally, EUCOM forces provide humanitarian assistance, improving infrastructure and responding during disasters.