In Light of Russian Threat, NATO Has “500,000 Troops at High Readiness”

(NationalUSNews.com) — In an article published on Sunday, July 21, NATO spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah discussed the state of military defense among their member countries. He added that while the organization does not encourage their members to enact compulsory military service, he does acknowledge that having armed forces capable of defense is vital to protecting their countries and their people. About one third of NATO member nations have some sort of mandatory military service in place already.

Several of the NATO member states that do not currently have compulsory military services are considering enacting or resurrecting such measures. In the light of the ongoing conflicts and military actions that are ongoing around the world, many are advocating for the need to enhance military training and increase equipment stockpiles in member countries. Even Germany, which has not prioritized their military in generations, has seen a shift in priorities. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius asserts that their nation must be ready for war by 2029.

Several NATO member states are considering reinstating mandatory military service. Countries that already practice conscription are working to increase their military intake, improve training of existing personnel and stockpile vital military equipment. About a third of NATO members currently have some form of compulsory military service. NATO continues to emphasize the importance of maintaining capable armed forces and projecting battle readiness.

NATO has faced many challenges in mobilizing military capabilities in their member states. The full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 exposed inadequate defense in key area. Ukraine has struggled to fight back even with equipment supplied by NATO members, including over $75 billion in military aid from the United States alone. At the recent NATO summit in Washington, D.C., all 32 NATO allies voiced their continued commitment to supporting Ukraine. However, elections are taking place around the world, and expensive and unpopular wars could lose candidates votes from citizens still struggling economically from the pandemic.

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