RAP & OAR
Assurance Measures & Commitment to European Security
Readiness Action Plan (PDF 124 KB)
At NATO’s Wales Summit in September 2014, Allied leaders approved a Readiness Action Plan (RAP) to ensure the Alliance is ready to respond swiftly and firmly to new security challenges. The plan provides a comprehensive package of measures to respond to the changes in the security environment in and near Europe. It responds to the challenges posed by Russia as well as the risks emanating from the southern neighbourhood, Middle East and North Africa. These measures are defensive, proportionate, and fully in line with NATO’s international obligations.
The Readiness Action Plan contains two pillars:
Assurance Measures – enhanced presence of NATO forces on the territory of eastern Allies, on a rotational basis.
Adaptation Measures – changes to the Alliance’s long-term military posture and capabilities.
Operation Atlantic Resolve is a demonstration of the United States’ continued commitment to the collective security of NATO and dedication to the enduring peace and stability in the region, in light of the Russian intervention in Ukraine specifically.
U.S. commitment to the security of every NATO ally is resolute and uniform. In meeting our global security commitments, the United States must have strong, committed and capable allies, which is why we have fought, exercised and trained with our European allies for the past 70 years. The U.S.-European strategic partnership is built on a foundation of shared values, experiences and vision.
The U.S. took several immediate steps to demonstrate solidarity with our NATO allies, such as augmenting the air, ground and naval presence in the region, and enhancing previously scheduled exercises.
Russia’s aggressive actions have already led many to call for reinforcing NATO’s readiness through Article 5-related planning training and adjustments to force posture.
Operation Atlantic Resolve will remain in place as long as the need exists to reassure our allies and deter Russia from regional hegemony.