Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges,  commander of U.S. Army Europe, has called for the utilization of rotational forces of heavy armored and aviation brigades as well as storage units at strategic sites to support deterrence missions in Europe.
The Army said Wednesday Hodges said the U.S. and its European allies seek to focus on the points of emphasis in support of efforts to deter Russia’s aggressive activities.
The U.S. government proposed to invest $3.4 billion in fiscal year 2017 for the European Reassurance Initiative and the Army will look to stockpile equipment in Germany, Netherlands and Belgium in the next three years for contingency.
“We’re working hard to re-establish the necessary level of capability to ensure deterrence,” said Hodges.
The service branch also looks to send the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division to Europe in January for a nine-month rotation while the 10th Mountain Division’s Combat Aviation Brigade will be sent to the region in March to expand the Army’s presence.
