NATO Joint Forces (NATO). NATO's highest authorities

In accordance with NATO guidelines, the bulk of the bloc's combined armed forces must be prepared to perform a wide range of tasks - from conducting military operations within the framework of Art. 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty “On Collective Defense” before participating in operations to resolve crisis situations. They include national and multinational military formations and command and control bodies capable of conducting active military operations for a long time, including in theaters remote from Europe. Such formations, according to NATO classification, are called Deployable Forces.

According to the estimates of the Allied Forces command of the alliance, currently the formations, units and subunits of the ground forces of the participating countries with a total number of about 1.5 million people (including marine formations) have the ability to conduct operations in remote theaters of operations. Moreover, a significant part of them are American military personnel (over 990 thousand people, of which about 30 thousand are stationed in Europe).

In turn, the European countries of the alliance, in accordance with their obligations, are ready to form, within 60 to 90 days, nine multinational army rapid deployment corps (AK BR, NATO Rapid Deployable Corps), which will become the basis of the ground component of NATO's universal forces. These include: Combined Army Corps (OAK) BR, Eurocorps BR, German-Dutch, Spanish, Italian, French, Turkish, German-Danish-Polish and Greek AK BR.

In peacetime, army rapid deployment corps includes only the multinational headquarters, formations that ensure its daily activities (Integral Units, communications units, logistics technical support and so on.). as well as control bodies of the divisional (brigade) level (Organic Units), subordinate to the headquarters and responsible for organizing the combat training of units and subunits of the corresponding type of troops allocated for transfer to the corps.

According to accepted approaches, rapidly deployable army corps are formed on the basis of the so-called framework model, which was used when creating NATO's OAK Rapid Reaction Force (RRF) at one time. This model assumes that one of the participating countries takes responsibility for organizing the management and comprehensive support of a multinational formation, allocates the majority of combat formations (units and subunits) to its composition and, thus, becomes the founding state of the corps. Accordingly, key command posts and more than 60% of positions in the corps headquarters are given to representatives of the armed forces of this state. The remaining leadership and staff positions are distributed among other countries of the bloc, taking into account their contribution to the formation of the combat strength of the association.

The framework model has proven itself to be the most flexible and effective, since only the founding state is permanent here, it is possible to increase the number of participants in the association, and the combat composition of the corps can change depending on the tasks being solved. In addition, in the process of preparing and conducting crisis resolution operations, it is possible to strengthen associations of this type by including in their composition units of states that are not members of the North Atlantic Alliance.

The deployment of the AK BR is carried out by decision of the NATO Council on the basis of multinational corps headquarters and national formations, units and subunits. At the same time, the formation may include up to five combined arms formations of the division and (or) brigade level, in peacetime allocated for transfer to the operational subordination of the corps headquarters (Affiliated Combat Units) in accordance with interstate agreements within the alliance.

These agreements are concluded in order to ensure the possibility of involving formations of the participating countries in multinational operational and combat training activities, as well as as part of the formation in the operations of the bloc.

In addition, taking into account technical agreements signed by the leadership of the country - the founder of the corps and the NATO command, combat and logistics support units (units, divisions) intended for transfer to the operational subordination of the corps headquarters (Dedicated to HQ Units) will be transferred to the AK BR and included in the list of forces of universal use of the bloc, which is updated annually in accordance with the statements of the participating countries.

The typical composition of a NATO Allied Army Corps deployed for operations under Art. 5 of the Washington Treaty “On Collective Defense” includes the following formations, units and subunits:

Multinational Headquarters;
Air Operations Coordination Center;
Up to 5 combined arms divisions or brigades;
Artillery Brigade
Anti-aircraft missile brigade
Army Aviation Brigade
Battalion (brigade) RCBZ
Engineer-sapper brigade;
Communications team;
Reconnaissance battalion (brigade);
Military Police Battalion;
Logistics brigade;
Medical team;
UAV Squadron;
Special Operations Forces Group;
Civil-Military Cooperation Group;
Psychological Operations Group.

However, in a real situation, the combat strength of the NATO Rapid Deployment Corps will be formed on a modular basis based on the volume and nature of the upcoming tasks.

Taking into account the existing interstate agreements on the allocation of formations and units of the ground forces of the alliance countries to the AK BR, agreements have been concluded for some national formations on the possible transfer of them to operational subordination to different army corps headquarters, which provides the NATO command with additional opportunities to maneuver forces and means during operational planning . Thus, the Danish motorized infantry division has been allocated for transfer to operational subordination to the headquarters of the joint and German-Danish-Polish army rapid deployment corps.

NATO leadership in peacetime Special attention pays attention to maintaining constant combat readiness and improving the control systems of these corps. In accordance with established requirements, multinational headquarters of the BR AQ must be able to:

establish and maintain interaction with civil organizations (international, non-governmental, local commercial, medical and industrial), authorities, security and law enforcement agencies;
organize the necessary support for non-military organizations during their humanitarian assistance operations;
function effectively in any situation, including during the conduct of high-intensity military operations in the interests of solving a wide range of military tasks of the alliance, and also act as the headquarters of the ground component of an interservice group of troops (forces);
carry out staff functions related to the organization of the actions of artillery, engineering troops, communications troops, aviation, forces and means of logistics and medical support, and military police;
ensure management of the deployment and use of expeditionary groupings of ground forces in any part of the world in various natural and climatic conditions;
integrate into a unified interspecies reconnaissance, tracking and target designation system ISTAR;
provide in real scale time (RMV) (or close to RMV) assessment of the composition, condition and location of one’s troops (forces);
use data and exchange information within the framework of a “single picture of the operational situation” through subordinate units (including those located outside of combat vehicles);
process and comprehensively analyze obtained intelligence data;
deploy and ensure stable synchronous operation of a tactical-level command post (brigade-division), main and reserve command post, rear command post (TCP) of the army corps, while ensuring the deployment of an advanced (operational) headquarters group as part of the command and control body of the inter-service NATO group; \
carry out operational management of formations (units, subunits) of various types of armed forces, branches of military forces and services;
independently move field launchers using standard vehicles;
provide the necessary level of chemical warfare protection and protection against improvised explosive devices for all personnel and military equipment;
act without replenishing supplies for at least 10 days.

In the interests of bringing army corps headquarters into compliance with the above requirements, uniform standards have been established for them in terms of organizational structure, forces and resources allocated to strengthen the headquarters in a crisis situation or in wartime.

The number of personnel at the AK BR headquarters in peacetime ranges from 170 to 450 military personnel. It is planned to increase its number in a crisis situation (in wartime) by 1.5-2 times.

In accordance with NATO standards, for the purpose of an organized transition to a reinforced (combat) mode of operation, the operational composition of the headquarters of the AK BR in peacetime is distributed among groups and control points. To control the formation in various operations, a main command post (OKP, Main Command Post), a reserve command post (ZKP, Alternate CP), and a corps TPU (Rear CP) can be deployed. In addition, the headquarters of the AK BR provides for the possibility of deploying other - smaller in composition - control points designed to solve individual tasks (for example, managing the process of deploying a corps on a theater of operations).

The main command post is deployed for the purpose of planning an operation, including organizing reconnaissance, collecting and processing intelligence information, engaging the enemy with fire, combat and logistics support, and participating in information operations; management of connections, parts (divisions) of the association; organizing and conducting events within the framework of military-civil interaction, including with international and non-governmental organizations during crisis resolution operations;

The leadership of the main command post is, as a rule, carried out by the chief of staff of the corps.

The reserve command post is in constant readiness to perform the functions of the main command post in the event of its sudden failure. For these purposes, the operational staff of the ZKP monitors the situation in the area of the operation around the clock in real (close to real) time, and also backs up all the information available on the OKP.

In terms of its capabilities and structure, the reserve command post for organizing automated workstations and communications is identical to the main command post, and the operational personnel are appointed according to the combat crew from the same departments (sections, groups, centers, etc.) of the headquarters of the AK BR as the operational personnel for completing OKP. It is planned to strengthen the operational staff of the ZKP by attracting unoccupied personnel from other control points, as well as from the surviving OKP personnel who are out of action.

One of the tasks of the ZKP is to organize the protection, protection and defense of the rear area under the leadership of the deputy corps commander. In addition, this control center can replace the rear control center when the latter fails.

The corps rear command post is deployed to perform the following tasks: use, maintain and, if necessary, expand the existing communications system within the boundaries of the integrated rear area for the purpose of continuous control of subordinate multinational and national formations logistics support; organizing and maintaining interaction with the main and reserve command posts of the corps, combat formations (units) of the association, logistics agencies of the host country, contract supply companies, as well as international, governmental and non-governmental organizations (agencies) on issues of comprehensive logistics support for the actions of the AK BR; managing the process of meeting, placing and preparing for upcoming actions military formations arriving in the area of operation; coordination of traffic flows with human and material resources within the boundaries of the united rear area; coordination of measures to restore the combat effectiveness of military formations in the joint rear area; implementation of military-civil interaction and coordination of supply of logistical resources from non-military sources; minimizing interference in the activities of the AKBR civil structures of the host country; taking measures to ensure the security of key points (lines) of transport communications in order to guarantee movement through the combined rear area of combat formations (units, subunits); monitoring and assessing the situation (including the mood of the local population) within the boundaries of the united rear area; ensuring the passage of military columns during the rotation of units (units).

The rear control center of the AK BR is deployed, as a rule, in close proximity to transport communications hubs (ports, airfields, railway stations).

Based on the standard set of TPU field equipment, the PU of the forward echelon of the rear corps (PU PET, RSC FW Element) can be deployed. This launcher is deployed to the area of the operation at the initial stage of deployment of the AK BR, and subsequently a full-fledged corps TPU is deployed on its base. In addition, the launcher of the forward echelon of the rear of the corps can be separated from the rear control point of the AK BR to control the forward echelon of the rear and the rear group operating in an independent direction, as well as in cases requiring the deployment of a separate rear control point.

The deployment of field command posts of the AK BR in the area of the corps' operation is planned to be carried out after the completion of the main measures to replenish its personnel, provide additional material resources to national formations, units and subunits, and transfer them to operational subordination to the commander of the formation. The complete deployment of AK BR control points in the area of the operation from the moment the corps commander receives the directive (order) may take from 20 to 30 days.

The placement of control points on the ground is carried out in accordance with the nature of the upcoming tasks, the combat capabilities of the enemy, and the physical and geographical conditions of the theater of operations. The main criteria when a corps commander determines the location of a particular launcher are ensuring a high level of survivability of the control system and the effective use of available forces and means.

The movement of control points is carried out according to the decision of the chief of staff of the corps. Depending on the situation, the frequency of changing the location of the control center may vary.

Currently, the operational staff of the headquarters of the BR army corps, in accordance with rotation schedules, is staffed by the joint command of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, as well as the command of the ground component of the NATO Priority Activation Forces (PLF). At the same time, the allocation of combat and support units to the ISAF group and the ground component of the alliance's military forces for the rotation period is carried out primarily at the expense of the founding state of the AK BR, whose headquarters, according to the rotation schedule, is currently in charge of ISAF (the ground component of the alliance's military forces).

Headquarters Joint Army Rapid Reaction Corps(Innsworth, 4 km northeast of Gloucester, UK) was formed on the basis of the command of the ground component of the alliance's rapid reaction forces, which was created in 1992 on the initiative of the British side.

With the transition of the bloc's Allied Forces to a new structure, the organization of the headquarters and the combat composition of the formation underwent virtually no changes, with the exception that the multinational airmobile division "Center" was disbanded.

Control bodies based on the command of the ground component of the NATO Rapid Deployment Forces were involved in peacekeeping missions under the overall leadership of the Supreme Commander of the Alliance in Europe in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1995) and Kosovo (1999). In both cases, after the signing of the corresponding ceasefire agreement, the headquarters of the RRF organized the entry and deployment of a group of multinational peacekeeping forces in the conflict area and supervised their actions during the operation.

Subsequently, the authority to manage peacekeeping groups was transferred on rotation to other command bodies of the NATO or WEU forces. From January to July 2006, the OAK BR headquarters led the sixth rotation of the land component of the alliance's SPZ, and from July to December 2009, the 13th rotation. From May 2006 to January 2007 and in 2011, the OAK BR headquarters formed the basis of the unified command of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. From January to December 2013, the corps headquarters will exercise overall leadership of the ground component of the alliance's primary deployment forces.

In agreement with the NATO leadership, as part of the reduction of the British military presence in Germany, the relocation of the OAK BR headquarters from Germany (Rheindalen) to the UK ended in June 2010.

The tasks of servicing this headquarters are assigned to the 1st Signal Brigade of the British Army. Currently, here (a military town on the northern outskirts of Stafford) there is only a headquarters and support battalion, as well as the 22nd communications regiment of this brigade. By 2014, it is planned to redeploy the 7th and 13th Signal Regiments of the 1st Signal Brigade to the UK from Germany.

Headquarters Eurocorps BR (Strasbourg, France) formed on the basis of the headquarters of the WEU Eurocorps, which, in turn, was created in 1993.

Initially, three states took part in the formation of this association (France, Germany and Belgium). In 1994, Spain joined the treaty, and in 1996, Luxembourg. In 1999, these five states decided to transform the association into the AK BR and approved the concept of “five founding states plus n... countries participating in the operation.” This approach to the formation of the Eurocorps for rapid deployment allows for flexibility in the use of the association according to the plans of both the EU and NATO. Subsequently, Poland, Greece, Italy, Romania, the USA, Turkey and Austria joined the founding countries.

According to the established procedure, a rotation of generals and officers holding key positions in the command and staff structures of the corps is carried out every two years. These include the corps commander, his deputy, the chief of staff, his two deputies, as well as the head of the press center. Representatives of those countries that make the greatest contribution to the formation of the Eurocorps BR are appointed to these positions (allocated to its composition by division).

In peacetime, the multinational command and support battalion and the logistics brigade are operationally subordinate to the corps headquarters, whose units are stationed on the territory of a military camp located in the southern part of Strasbourg. In addition, the headquarters of the BR Eurocorps is subordinate to a Franco-German motorized infantry brigade, whose units are located in the Federal Republic of Germany and France.

In accordance with interstate agreements, parts and units of the Franco-German MPBR underwent reorganization in 2010. In particular, 291 infantry infantry battalions of the German Army were introduced into the combat composition of the infantry brigade. At the same time, the command of the French Armed Forces redeployed the 3rd Hussar Armored Cavalry Regiment (BRKP) from N. p. Immendingen (Germany) in n. Metz (France).

Since 2012, the combat strength of the Franco-German infantry brigade includes: from the French Armed Forces - 110 infantry brigade (northern outskirts of Donaueschingen, Germany) and the 3rd Hussar brigade (Metz, France); from the German Armed Forces - 291 MPB (southern outskirts of Strasbourg), 292 MPB (northern outskirts of Donaueschingen), 295 adn and 550th engineer company (2 km northeast of Immendingen).

The practical involvement of the command and staff structures and units of the BR Eurocorps was carried out during peacekeeping operations conducted under NATO leadership in the Balkans: Joint Forge (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Joint Guardian (Kosovo). In the period from June 1998 to June 2000, separate headquarters units of the BR Eurocorps constantly functioned as part of the SFOR management bodies. The experience gained was subsequently used during the peacekeeping operation in Kosovo, where the headquarters of the association for six months led the actions of the KFOR group of about 45,000 troops. From August 2004 to January 2005, the BR Eurocorps headquarters led the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. At the same time, the basis of the grouping of these forces was the Franco-German motorized infantry brigade. From July to December 2006, the corps headquarters headed the ground component of the SPZ-7, and from July to December 2010, it was entrusted with the leadership of the ground component of the NATO SPZ of the 15th rotation. In 2012, corps headquarters officers served as part of the ISAF unified command in Afghanistan.

Headquarters German-Dutch AK BR (Munster, Germany) formed on the basis of the headquarters of the 1st German-Dutch AK, which was created in accordance with bilateral agreements in 1995.

Subsequently, during the reorganization of the NATO Allied Forces, ten more states joined this agreement, sending their officers to the headquarters of the association and declaring their readiness to allocate national military contingents to the corps, if necessary.

In peacetime, the German-Dutch command and support battalion, the western part of Munster, Germany and the German-Dutch communications battalion are operationally subordinate to the corps headquarters. information systems(5 km northeast of the village of Groenlo, the Netherlands).

The headquarters of the German-Dutch AK BR, after its approval as the headquarters of the NATO High Readiness Forces, from February to July 2003 and in the second half of 2009, led the ISAF group in Afghanistan, and from January to June 2005 and 2008 - the ground component of the SDR block. In 2013, it is planned to send a headquarters task force to Afghanistan to work as part of the ISAF OK.

Headquarters Spanish AK BR(Betera, 20 km north of Valencia) was formed in early 2000 on the basis of the command of the maneuver forces of the Spanish Army.

In addition to Spanish military personnel, the corps headquarters is staffed by representatives of 12 member countries of the bloc.

The tasks of servicing the corps headquarters are assigned to the headquarters battalion and communications brigade of the Spanish ground forces, located on the territory of the Betera military town, which is located next to the AK headquarters.

The corps headquarters led the ground component of the priority deployment forces of SPZ-5 (July-December 2005) and SPZ-12 (January-June 2009). In 2012, headquarters officers, together with military personnel from the headquarters of the Eurocorps BR, served as part of the OK ISAF in Afghanistan.

Headquarters Italian AK BR(Milan, Italy) was formed in 2001 on the basis of the command of the national rapid reaction forces (formerly the command of the 3rd AK of the Italian ground forces).

The headquarters of the association includes representatives of the ground forces of 15 NATO countries.

In peacetime, the command and support regiment (Milan) and the 1st communications regiment (Milan) from the Italian Army communications brigade are operationally subordinate to the corps headquarters.

From July to December 2004, the headquarters of the Italian AK BR led the ground component of the NATO SDR, and from August 2005 to April 2006, the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. From January to June 2011, the corps headquarters was entrusted with leadership of the ground component of SPZ-2011/1. In January 2013, a headquarters task force was sent to Afghanistan as part of the rotation of OK ISAF officers.

Headquarters Turkish AK BR(Istanbul) was formed in September 2002 on the basis of the headquarters of the 3rd AK of the Turkish ground forces. The headquarters of the association is staffed by representatives of the military forces of 11 participating countries. In peacetime, the corps includes combat-ready units of the Turkish Army. Based on the Turkish-Romanian agreements of 2011, if necessary, 282 infantry brigades of the 2nd Trachik infantry division of the NE of Romania can be transferred to its composition. In the future, it is possible to include formations, units and units of other alliance countries.

The functions of servicing the corps headquarters are assigned to the headquarters group (stationed in the same place as the headquarters of the AK BR) and the 3rd communications regiment of the Turkish Army.

From August to February 2002 and from February to July 2005, the headquarters of the Turkish AK BR led the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, from October 2003 to July 2004, from January to June 2007 and from July to December 2011 - the land component of the NATO SDR.

Headquarters French AK BR(Lille, France), the last of all the headquarters of the AK BR, was created in July 2005 on the basis of the operational command of the French Army, and was certified as a command and control body for the ground forces of the NATO High Readiness Forces in July 2007. The main staff of the headquarters (up to 85%) is represented by military personnel of the national armed forces.

Since the creation of the AKBR, the 6th control and support regiment of the control and communications brigade of the operational command of the French ground forces has been operationally subordinate to the corps headquarters. Since the beginning of 2010, the tasks of servicing the corps headquarters have been assigned to the control and communications brigade of the national ground forces, stationed on the territory of the military town of Douai (the southwestern part of the settlement of the same name).

The corps headquarters from July to December 2008 oversaw the ground component of SPZ-11, and from July to December 2010, the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. According to the alliance's plans, from January to December 2014, it will be entrusted with the leadership of the land component of the SPZ-2014.

Headquarters German-Danish-Polish AK BR(Szczecin, Poland) was formed in 1999 on the basis of the Polish divisional command in Szczecin with the inclusion of the operational staff of the NATO SALT command in Schleswig-Holstein, Jutland and on the island. Funen (Rendsburg). In April 2004, the multinational headquarters of the corps was replenished with officers from the Armed Forces of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. In January 2005, Slovakia became the seventh participating country, and in October of the same year, the Czech Republic sent officers to the headquarters.

At the end of 2005, after a comprehensive inspection, the headquarters of the German-Danish-Polish AK BR was recognized as ready to lead an association as part of the forces of universal use of reduced readiness.

In November 2006, the headquarters included officers of the US Armed Forces, in July 2008 - Romania and August 2009 - Slovenia,

In peacetime, the operational subordination of the corps headquarters includes the headquarters company of the Polish Army, which is stationed in a military camp with the headquarters of the AK, and units of the German-Polish logistics brigade located in Poland (100th communications battalion, 104th support battalion and 102nd 1st security battalion (all Polish Army), as well as the 610th communications battalion of the German Army.

Corps Headquarters provided leadership to ISAF in Afghanistan in the first half of 2010.

Headquarters Greek AK BR(Thessaloniki, Greece) was formed in July 2005 on the basis of the headquarters of the 3rd AK of the Greek Armed Forces.

The headquarters of the association includes representatives of the military forces of nine NATO member countries. In accordance with the interstate agreements reached, formations and units of the Army of Italy and Spain may be allocated to the corps.

In peacetime, the 490th communications battalion and the support battalion of the Greek Army, located on the territory of the same military camp as the corps headquarters, are operationally subordinate to the corps headquarters. From January to December 2012, the corps headquarters manages the ground component of SPZ-2012.

Thus, since the beginning of the 2000s, the North Atlantic Alliance has created and tested in practice a flexible mechanism for the formation of operational-tactical formations of multinational ground forces. At the same time, the modular approach makes it possible to staff the combat strength of the corps, taking into account the nature and scale of the upcoming actions, and the use of the principle of “multinationality” is aimed at demonstrating the unity of the participating countries in defending coalition interests.

(Colonel S. Chaika, Foreign Military Review)

NATO, or the Organization of the North Atlantic Bloc, is a military-political alliance created in 1949 as a counterbalance to the growing danger posed by the Soviet Union, which pursued a policy of supporting communist movements in Europe. At first, the organization included 12 states - ten European ones, as well as the USA and Canada. NATO is now the largest alliance consisting of 28 countries.

Alliance formation

A few years after the end of the war, at the end of the 40s, the danger of new international conflicts arose - a coup took place in Czechoslovakia, and undemocratic regimes were established in Eastern European countries. The governments of Western European countries were concerned about the growing military power of the Land of the Soviets and its direct threats to Norway, Greece, and other states. In 1948, five countries Western Europe signed an Agreement of Intent to create a unified system to protect their sovereignty, which later became the basis for the formation of the North Atlantic Alliance.

The main goal of the organization was to ensure the security of its members and the political integration of European countries. Over the years of its existence, NATO has admitted new members several times. At the end of the 20th and beginning of the 21st century, after the collapse of the USSR and the Warsaw Pact, the North Atlantic bloc accepted several Eastern European countries and former republics USSR, which increased the number of troops of NATO countries.

"Containment" strategy

The duration of the treaty between NATO member countries at the time of its signing was determined to be twenty years, but its automatic extension was also provided for. The text of the treaty emphasized the obligation not to carry out actions contrary to the UN Charter and to promote international security. A strategy of “containment” was proclaimed, which was based on the concept of “shield and sword.” The basis of the policy of “containment” was supposed to be the military power of the union. One of the ideologists of this strategy emphasized that of the five regions in the world with the possibility of creating military power - the USA, Great Britain, the USSR, Japan and Germany - one is controlled by the communists. Therefore, the main goal of the policy of “containment” was to prevent the spread of the ideas of communism to other regions.

Shield and sword concept

The stated concept was based on the superiority of the United States in the possession of nuclear weapons. The response to aggression was the possible use of nuclear weapons of low destructive power. The “shield” meant European ground forces with strong support from aviation and naval forces, and the “sword” meant US strategic bombers with atomic weapons on board. According to this understanding, the following tasks were considered:

1. The United States was supposed to carry out strategic bombing.

2. Major naval operations were carried out by American and allied navies.

3. The number of NATO troops was ensured by mobilization in Europe.

4. The main short-range and air defense systems were also provided by European countries, led by Great Britain and France.

5. The remaining countries that are NATO members were to provide assistance in solving special problems.

Formation of the alliance armed forces

However, in 1950, North Korea attacked South Korea. This military conflict showed the inadequacy and limitations of the “containment” strategy. It was necessary to develop a new strategy that would be a continuation of the concept. It became the “forward defense” strategy, according to which it was decided to create the Joint Armed Forces of the bloc - coalition forces of NATO member states stationed in Europe under a single command. The development of the united forces of the bloc can be divided into four periods.

The NATO Council developed a “short” plan lasting four years. It was based on the possibility of using the military resources that NATO had at its disposal at that time: the number of troops was 12 divisions, about 400 aircraft, and a certain number of ships. The plan included the possibility of conflict in the near future and the withdrawal of troops to the borders of Western Europe and to Atlantic ports. At the same time, the development of “medium” and “long-term” plans was carried out. The first of them provided for maintaining the armed forces in a state of combat readiness, and in the event of a military conflict, containing enemy forces to the Rhine River. The second was designed to prepare for the probable " big war", which provided for the main military operations east of the Rhine.

"Massive retaliation" strategy

As a result of these decisions, within three years the number of NATO troops grew from four million in 1950 to 6.8 million. The number of regular US armed forces has also increased - from one and a half million people in two years it has grown 2.5 times. This period is characterized by a transition to a strategy of “massive retaliation.” The United States no longer had a monopoly on nuclear weapon, but they had superiority in delivery vehicles as well as numbers, which gave them some advantages in a likely war. This strategy involved waging a total war against the Soviet country. nuclear war. Therefore, the United States saw its task as strengthening strategic aviation to launch nuclear strikes deep behind enemy lines.

Doctrine of limited war

The beginning of the second period in the history of the development of the bloc’s armed forces can be considered the signing of the Paris Agreements of 1954. According to the doctrine of limited war, it was decided to provide European countries with short- and long-range missiles. The role of the united ground forces allies as one of the constituent parts of the NATO system. It was envisaged to create missile bases on the territory of European countries.

The total number of NATO troops was more than 90 divisions, over three thousand delivery vehicles for atomic weapons. In 1955, the OVR was created - a few months later the first meeting took place at top level, dedicated to the problems of detente. During these years, there was a certain warming of relations between the USA and the USSR, however, the arms race continued.

In 1960, NATO had more than five million troops. If we add to them reserve units, territorial formations and the national guard, then the total number of NATO troops amounted to over 9.5 million people, about five hundred installations of operational-tactical missiles and more than 25 thousand tanks, approximately 8 thousand aircraft, of which 25% were carriers of atomic weapons on board and two thousand warships.

Arms race

The third period was characterized by a new strategy of “flexible response” and the rearmament of the joint forces. In the 1960s, the international situation deteriorated again. The Berlin and Caribbean crises occurred, then there were the events of the Prague Spring. A five-year plan for the development of the armed forces was adopted, providing for the creation of a unified fund for communications systems and other measures.

In the 70s of the 20th century, the fourth period of development of the joint forces of the coalition began and the next concept of a “decapitation strike” was adopted, which set the primary task of destroying the enemy’s communication centers so that he did not have time to decide on a retaliatory strike. Based on this concept, production began newest generation cruise missiles, with high striking accuracy of specified targets. NATO troops in Europe, whose numbers increased every year, could not help but worry the Soviet Union. Therefore, he also began to modernize the delivery systems for atomic weapons. And then a new aggravation of relations began. However, with the coming to power of a new leadership in the Soviet Union, a radical turn in the country's international policy took place, and at the end of the 90s the Cold War was put to an end.

NATO Arms Reduction

As part of the reorganization of NATO forces, it was planned to create a NATO Response Force by 2006, the number of troops of which would be 21 thousand people representing the ground forces, air force and navy. These troops had to have all the necessary means to conduct operations of any intensity. The Rapid Reaction Force will consist of units of national armies, replacing each other every six months. The bulk of the military force was to be provided by Spain, France and Germany, as well as the United States. It was also necessary to improve the command structure for the types of armed forces, reducing the number of control bodies by 30%. If we look at the number of NATO troops in Europe over the years and compare these figures, we can see a significant reduction in the number of weapons that the alliance kept in Europe. The United States began to withdraw its troops from Europe, some of them were transferred home, and some were transferred to other regions.

NATO expansion

In the 90s, NATO consultations with partners under the Partnership for Peace programs began - both Russia and the Mediterranean Dialogue took part in it. As part of these programs, the organization decided to admit new members to the organization - former Eastern European states. In 1999, Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary joined NATO, as a result of which the bloc received 360 thousand troops, more than 500 military aircraft and helicopters, fifty warships, approximately 7.5 thousand tanks and other equipment.

The second wave of expansion added seven countries to the bloc - four Eastern European ones, as well as the former Baltic republics of the Soviet Union. As a result, the number of NATO troops in Eastern Europe increased by another 142 thousand people, 344 aircraft, more than one and a half thousand tanks and several dozen warships.

NATO-Russia relations

These events were perceived negatively in Russia, but the 2001 terrorist attack and the emergence of international terrorism once again brought the positions of Russia and NATO closer together. The Russian Federation has provided its airspace to the bloc's aircraft to carry out bombing strikes in Afghanistan. At the same time, Russia opposed the expansion of NATO to the east and the inclusion of the former USSR republics into its structure. Particularly strong contradictions arose between them in connection with Ukraine and Georgia. The prospects for relations between NATO and Russia today concern many, and people speak out on this issue various points vision. The number of NATO and Russian troops is almost comparable. No one seriously imagines a military confrontation between these forces, and in the future it is necessary to search for options for dialogue and compromise decisions.

NATO's participation in local conflicts

Since the 90s of the 20th century, NATO has been involved in several local conflicts. The first of these was Operation Desert Storm. When the Iraqi armed forces entered Kuwait in August 1990, a decision was made to deploy multinational forces there and a powerful force was created. The number of NATO troops in Operation Desert Storm amounted to more than two thousand aircraft with a supply of materiel, 20 strategic bombers, over 1,700 tactical aircraft and about 500 carrier-based aircraft. The entire aviation group was transferred to the command of the 9th Air Force of the US Air Force. After prolonged bombing, coalition ground forces defeated Iraq.

NATO peacekeeping operations

The North Atlantic bloc also participated in peacekeeping operations in the areas of the former Yugoslavia. With the approval of the UN Security Council in December 1995, alliance ground forces were introduced into Bosnia and Herzegovina to prevent military clashes between communities. Following the execution of an air operation codenamed "Determined Force", the war was ended by the Dayton Agreement. In 1998-1999 During the armed conflict in the southern region of Kosovo and Metohija, a peacekeeping contingent under NATO command was introduced, the number of troops amounted to 49.5 thousand people. In 2001, in the armed conflict in Macedonia, the active actions of the European Union and the North Atlantic bloc forced the parties to sign the Ohrid Agreement. NATO's major operations are also Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Libya.

New NATO concept

At the beginning of 2010, NATO adopted a new strategic concept, according to which the North Atlantic bloc should continue to solve three main tasks. This:

Today, the number of NATO troops in the world is, according to 2015 data, 1.5 million soldiers, of which 990 thousand are American troops. Joint rapid reaction units number 30 thousand people, they are supplemented by airborne and other special units. These can arrive at their destination in a short time - within 3-10 days.

Russia and the member states of the alliance conduct a constant political dialogue on the most important security issues. Working groups have been created in the NATO-Russia Council for cooperation in various areas. Despite their differences, both sides recognize the need to find common priorities in international security.

FOREIGN MILITARY REVIEW No. 5/2002, pp. 2-5

GENERAL MILITARY PROBLEMS

NATO COALITION COMMAND STRUCTURE

Lieutenant Colonel K. KASATKIN

The NATO leadership, in accordance with the program for reforming the command structure of the bloc's joint forces, continues to carry out a set of measures to reorganize the command and staff structures of the alliance. At present, the formation of coalition command and control bodies has been largely completed, as a result of which the number of commands and headquarters has been reduced by more than 3 times (from 65 to 20), mainly due to the abolition of units at the operational-tactical and tactical levels.

The new structure of NATO command and control bodies includes three levels of commands and headquarters of the bloc. The first level (strategic) is the strategic commands (SC) of NATO Allied Forces in the Atlantic and Europe; the second (operational-strategic) - regional commands (RC); third (operational) - subregional (SRK) and specific (OVVS, OVMS) commands.

All NATO command and control bodies are staffed according to a multinational principle, which has a number of characteristic features: the staffing of strategic-level command and control bodies is carried out by representatives of all countries of the alliance; regional and subregional commands and headquarters include representatives of at least five member states of the alliance; the quota of positions of participating countries in the headquarters of subregional commands is distributed as follows: at least 50 percent. positions are allocated for representatives of the state on whose territory the headquarters of the SRK is located, the rest are occupied by military personnel sent by countries most actively participating in the activities of a particular command or most closely cooperating with it in the military-technical field.

In accordance with the directive documents of the NATO Allied Forces, only strategic and regional commands have areas of responsibility. Sub-regional commands perform tasks within the boundaries of the corresponding regional command.

The dividing line between the strategic commands remained unchanged, with the exception of the area around the Canary Islands and the airspace above them, which, at the request of Spain, were included in the area of responsibility of the Allied Command in Europe (previously they were part of the area of responsibility of the Supreme Allied Command in the Atlantic).

The formation of the structure of NATO command and control bodies is carried out taking into account the concept of “multinational operational forces” (MNOS), which provides for the possibility of involving military contingents of countries outside the alliance in operations carried out by the North Atlantic Alliance.

To deploy command and control bodies for multinational groups of troops (forces) at NATO headquarters at various levels, operational groups are formed, which will become the basis for the deployment of MNF headquarters. Depending on the scale and nature of the upcoming operation, they are expected to be supplemented with reinforcement and support groups.

In accordance with the guidelines of the strategic concept of the North Atlantic Alliance, the commands and headquarters of the Allied Forces of the bloc must be able to simultaneously deploy two headquarters to manage large groups of troops (forces), and to control minor formations (one or two formations) - a number of small headquarters. The deployment of MNF headquarters is expected to be carried out mainly on the basis of subregional commands located near the area of conflict (crisis situation).

NATO's Strategic Commands in Europe and the Atlantic are headed by Supreme Commanders (representatives of the US Armed Forces), who manage the combined armed forces of the alliance through the corresponding headquarters of the strategic commands and are responsible for the overall management of the development of the bloc's armed forces, planning and implementation of all types of military activities in their areas of responsibility , and, if necessary, beyond them.

The commanders-in-chief of regional commands are entrusted with the task of directly controlling the groupings of troops (forces) transferred to their disposal. In addition to the issues of managing the activities of the bloc’s troops (forces), NATO commanders at all levels are entrusted with solving a number of fundamentally new tasks, which include the fight against international terrorism, countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and organizing operational and combat training activities within the framework of the PfP program.

Command bodies of NATO Allied Forces in Europe. The overall leadership of the united armed forces of the bloc in Europe is carried out by the Supreme Allied Commander of NATO (representative of the US Armed Forces) through the headquarters of the strategic command, which is located in Casteau (Belgium).

The area of responsibility of the NATO Allied Command in Europe includes the territories of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Turkey, Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary, the waters of the Northern, Irish, Norwegian, Baltic, Mediterranean, Ligurian, Tyrrhenian, Ionian, Adriatic, Aegean, Marble, Black and Azov seas, zones of the Baltic and Black Sea straits, the Strait of Gibraltar, the English Channel, the Canary Islands, coastal waters and the airspace above them.

At the headquarters of the NATO Allied Command in Europe there are nine departments: L - personnel, J2 - intelligence, J3 - operational, J4 - logistics support, J5 - current planning, J6 - communications and information systems, J7 - long-term planning and organization of combat training, J8 - budgetary and financial and J9 - military-civil activities.

Two regional commands are subordinate to NATO Strategic Command Europe: NATO Allied North and South. The headquarters of these commands have seven similar directorates (J3 and J7, as well as J5 and J9 combined).

To the regional command of the Allied Forces at NATO "North" the functions of the abolished NATO Allied Commands in the North-West European and Central European theater of operations were transferred. The headquarters of the RK Allied Forces North is located in Brunsum (Netherlands). Representatives of the German or British Armed Forces are appointed to the position of Commander-in-Chief (on a rotation basis). The area of responsibility of this command includes the territories, airspace and coastal waters of Great Britain, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Poland and the Czech Republic, the waters of the Northern, partly Norwegian and Baltic seas, as well as the Baltic Straits area.

The regional command of the Allied Forces of NATO "North" subordinates two branch commands (Allied Forces "North" and Allied Forces "North") and three subregional ones ("North", "North-East" and "Center").

In terms of their organizational structure, the headquarters of these commands are basically identical and correspond to the headquarters of the regional command.

At the same time, at the headquarters of subregional commands, in whose area of responsibility ground forces predominate, more positions are allocated for representatives of the ground forces; at the headquarters, which may be entrusted with directing the actions of troops (forces) in coastal areas, the number of naval officers has been increased.

Command of the Allied Air Forces at TO "North"(Ramstein, Germany) deployed at the base of the NATO Allied Command in the Central European Theater of Operations. A representative of the US Armed Forces is appointed to the position of commander, who is the assistant to the Commander-in-Chief of the ROK Allied Forces North on the use of air force groups of the bloc. In addition, he is entrusted with the functions of the air defense commander and the head of the regional system for controlling aerospace in the area of responsibility of the RK Allied Forces North and coordinating aviation actions with other commands. Subordinate to the commander are five air operations control centers (ACCO), deployed in Germany (the cities of Kalkar and Meschetten), Denmark (Finderud), Great Britain (High Wycombe) and Norway (Reitan).

OVMS Command at TO "North"(Northwood, UK) is headed by a representative of the British Armed Forces, who is also the commander of the regional command of NATO Allied Forces “East” of the strategic command of the Allied Forces of the bloc in the Atlantic, and the headquarters of these commands are a single body. The command carries out the tasks of managing naval groups in the area of responsibility of the regional command of NATO Allied Forces North.

Sub-regional command of the Allied Forces at TO "North"(Jotta, Norway), headed by a representative of the Norwegian Armed Forces, provides leadership to coalition groups of troops (forces) during combat operations in northern Europe. The same command is entrusted with the tasks of organizing air defense and protecting sea communications in the Northeast Atlantic.

Sub-regional command of the Allied Forces at the North-East(Karup, Denmark, headed by a representative of the Danish Armed Forces) is intended for command and control of troops (forces) during military operations in the Baltic Straits zone and on the approaches to them. In addition, the troops (forces) of the North-East SRK can be involved in solving problems jointly with groups of the sub-regional command of the NATO Allied Forces Center in Central Europe.

Subregional Command of Allied Forces at TO "Center"(Heidelberg, Germany, based on the principle of rotation, representatives of the Armed Forces Germany and the USA) is intended to guide the actions of coalition groups of troops (forces) in Central Europe.

The regional command of the NATO Allied Forces “South” (headquarters in Naples, Italy, representative of the US Armed Forces) was formed on the basis of the headquarters of the NATO Allied Command in the Southern Theater of Operations. Its area of responsibility includes the territories, airspace and coastal waters of Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Hungary, and the Mediterranean, Black and Azov Seas. This regional command is entrusted with the tasks of controlling the troops (forces) of the united armed forces of the bloc in the south of Europe through its subordinate branch commands (ALLIED and OVMS), as well as through four subregional ones (“South”, “South-East”, “South-Centre” and "South-West"). In terms of their structure and the tasks solved by their headquarters in peacetime and wartime, these commands are similar to the corresponding commands of the RK Allied Forces North.

Allied Air Defense Forces Command at TO "South"(Naples, Italy, representative of the US Armed Forces) manages the activities of the joint air forces within the area of responsibility of the entire regional command. The Commander of NATO Allied Forces “South” is the assistant to the Commander-in-Chief of the Republic of Kazakhstan Allied Forces “South” on the use of air force groups of the bloc. In addition, he is entrusted with the functions of air defense commander and head of the regional system for controlling aerospace in the area of responsibility of the RK Allied Forces South and coordinating aviation actions with other commands. The commander also has five air operations control centers deployed in Italy (Poggio Renatico), Turkey (Eskisehir), Greece (Larissa), Spain (Torrejon) and Portugal (Monsanto).

OVMS Command at TO "South"(Naples, Italy, representative of the Armed Forces of this country) performs tasks of managing naval groups in the area of responsibility of the regional command of the NATO Allied Forces “South”.

Sub-regional command of the Allied Forces at the Southeast "South-East"(Izmir, Turkey, representative of the armed forces of this country) is intended to organize the protection of maritime communications in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea, prevent possible aggression from Libya, Iraq, Iran and Syria, as well as to conduct peacekeeping operations in the Balkans and the Middle East.

Sub-regional command of the Allied Forces at the South-Center(Larissa, Greece, representative of the Armed Forces of this country) performs tasks to protect the interests of Western European states in the central part of the Mediterranean Sea, the Aegean Sea and the western part of the Black Sea. Since the Allied Forces Command Center "South-Center" is located in an area with an unstable situation, NATO military experts believe that it will actively participate in organizing peacekeeping operations in the Mediterranean region.

Sub-regional command of the Allied Forces at TO "South"(Verona, Italy, representative of the Armed Forces of this country) is responsible for organizing the protection of maritime communications in the central part of the Mediterranean Sea and peacekeeping operations in the Balkans.

Sub-regional command of the Allied Forces at the South-West(Madrid, Spain, representative of the Spanish Armed Forces) is responsible for the protection of maritime communications in the Western Mediterranean (Gibraltar). In addition, he is entrusted with the tasks of organizing and conducting peacekeeping operations in the Maghreb countries, preventing the activities of international extremist organizations in the western Mediterranean and mass migrations of the population.

Command and control bodies of NATO Allied Forces in the Atlantic. The overall leadership of the united armed forces of the bloc in the Atlantic is carried out by the Supreme Allied Commander of NATO (representative of the US Armed Forces) through the headquarters of the strategic command, which is located in Norfolk (USA). The command's area of responsibility includes the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland and Portugal, as well as the North Atlantic north of the Tropic of Cancer, excluding the territory of the Canary Islands and its airspace. Eastern border The area of responsibility runs along the coast of Africa, then north along the border of NATO's Allied Forces in Europe. The western limit of the area of responsibility is the East Coast of North America, excluding Cuba. The maritime border of the zone of responsibility with states that are not members of the alliance actually runs along the border of their national territorial waters. The northern border of the NATO Allied Forces Command area of responsibility in the Atlantic stretches to the North Pole.

At the headquarters of the NATO Allied Forces Committee on the Atlantic there are three departments: L - military policy and strategic planning, J2 - resources, J3 - communications and information systems.

The headquarters of the Allied Regional Commands Atlantic are located at the sites of the former Allied Commands, which are similar in organizational structure to the regional commands in Europe. At the same time, in everyday conditions, regional commands do not have strictly defined areas of responsibility. These zones are designated by NATO Supreme Commander Atlantic in the event of an escalation of the situation or a crisis situation in the region.

Regional Command of the Allied Forces in the East(Northwood, UK, representative of the British Armed Forces) supervises the activities of the bloc's troops (forces) in the north-eastern and eastern parts of the NATO Strategic Command area of responsibility in the Atlantic, including Iceland. As noted above, the Commander-in-Chief of the Allied Commander-in-Chief East is at the same time the Commander-in-Chief of the Allied Regional Command North of NATO Strategic Command Europe, and the headquarters of these commands are a single body.

Regional command of the Allied Forces in the West(Norfolk, USA, representative of the American Armed Forces) supervises the activities of the bloc's troops (forces) in the western part of the area of responsibility of the NATO Strategic Command in the Atlantic.

Regional Command of the Allied Forces at the Southeast "South-East"(Lisbon, Portugal, representative of the Portuguese Armed Forces) supervises the activities of the bloc's troops (forces) in the south-eastern part of the area of responsibility of NATO Strategic Command in the Atlantic, including Portugal.

NATO Strike Fleet Command in the Atlantic(Norfolk, USA, representative of the American Armed Forces) is subordinated directly to the strategic command of NATO Allied Forces in the Atlantic, but if necessary, it is envisaged to transfer it to the operational subordination of the Supreme High Command of NATO Allied Forces in Europe.

NATO Joint Submarine Command in the Atlantic(Norfolk, USA, representative of the American Armed Forces) is subordinated directly to the NATO Strategic Command in the Atlantic. The headquarters of this command does not have international status and its staffing includes only positions for US Navy officers.

Subordinate to the Commander, Allied Submarine Force, NATO, is the bloc's combined submarine force in the Atlantic, which includes submarines from the US, British and other participating countries. The organization of the use of submarines in the interests of the alliance is entrusted to the commander of the submarine forces of the US Atlantic Fleet, who is at the same time the commander of the combined submarine forces in the area of responsibility of the NATO Allied Command West and in general in the area of responsibility of the NATO Allied Command in the Atlantic. The commander of the combined submarine forces is entrusted with the function of coordinating the use of multipurpose submarines so that they do not impede the performance of missions by strategic SSBNs.

The new organization of NATO command and control bodies, developed, according to Western European experts, “taking into account the assessment of the prospects for the development of the military-political and military-strategic situation in the Euro-Atlantic region, ensures the creation of a new European security system within the bloc. It is also designed to “connect” the armed forces of new members of the alliance to it without carrying out major reorganization measures.”

Material support closely related to other types of logistics support for troops (forces) - technical, transport and medical.

Technical support includes all types of maintenance and repair, supply of necessary materials to maintain weapon systems and armed forces facilities in combat-ready condition, as well as the development of plans and implementation of appropriate measures to maintain materiel in good condition and evacuate damaged equipment from the battlefield.

The main activities for technical support for troops(forces) are: maintenance, repair and modernization of weapons, military equipment and property; their collection, evacuation and restoration, as well as conservation and storage.

To solve these problems, the Alliance has created the necessary coalition and national governing bodies. The main coalition bodies responsible for organizing technical support include the NATO Armaments Advisory Council, the NATO Infrastructure Committee, the NATO Pipelines Committee, and the NATO International Joint Headquarters Logistics Directorate.

An important role in the technical support of the troops (forces) of the bloc is played by the NATO agency for the supply of spare parts, maintenance and repair. In peacetime, it is subordinate to the NATO Council; in wartime, it becomes directly subordinate to the NATO Allied Forces Committee in Europe. The agency is in charge of the NATO supply center (Luxembourg), designed to provide technical support to the troops (forces) of the regional command of the Allied Forces North, as well as the southern logistics base (Taranto, Italy), serving the troops (forces) of the regional command of the Allied Forces South "

In the logistics departments of the joint headquarters of all levels there are departments that solve the problems of technical support for troops (forces) in their zones (regions) of responsibility.

Technical support for NATO troops (forces) is carried out taking into account a number of principles, the main of which are: national responsibility for the technical support of troops (forces) transferred to the operational subordination of the commands of the bloc's Allied Forces; centralization of technical support (use of unified bodies for repair and restoration of equipment and equipment and their joint production); creation directly in the troops of a technical base for the repair and restoration of equipment.

NATO's system of maintenance and repair of military equipment includes: military, field and major (basic) repairs.

Military repair, which provides for preventive maintenance and minor repairs, is carried out directly in units by crews and specially trained teams.

Field repair involves the replacement or restoration of faulty components and assemblies that cannot be performed during military repairs. It is carried out in semi-permanent or stationary workshops by repair units and divisions of divisions or AK.

Major (basic) repairs, which provides for the complete restoration of all types of equipment, is carried out at repair plants and industrial enterprises located in the communications zone and the rear area of the combat zone.

Transport support includes planning, management and coordination of military transportation, preparation and distribution of vehicles, as well as the organization of interaction with the engineering troops, civilian organizations in the field of operation, maintenance and restoration of transport communications. IN

Military transportation in the interests of NATO's joint armed forces is of particular importance due to the need to transfer troops (forces) from the United States and Canada to Europe and supply them in European zones with material resources from outside.

According to management North Atlantic Co Yuza, in wartime, to ensure the transfer of troops (forces) and the activities of the military industry, extensive involvement of vehicles of civilian departments will be required. Taking into account this circumstance, as well as the physical and geographical conditions of the European continent, in particular the state of the communications network on it, the NATO command attaches particular importance to careful planning of transport support even in peacetime.

Highest coalition bodies alliance, in charge of issues of transport support in wartime, are: the planning committee for land transport in Europe, the committee for the use of civil aviation and the committee for ocean transport. These bodies coordinate the actions of national transport systems, control the distribution and use of forces and assets of civilian departments in the interests of the armed forces and the civilian sector.

During a period of threat, in order to assist transport services in providing transportation and receiving reinforcement troops (forces), three additional agencies can be created in NATO (for coordinating land transport in Central Europe, for coordinating transport transport in the Mediterranean Sea and for coordinating civil aviation flights) , and also formed a joint fleet of railway cars in Central Europe and an administration for the maritime transport of military cargo.

The issues of direct use of standard NATO Allied Forces vehicles in Europe are dealt with by the transport departments of the logistics departments of the corresponding headquarters and the traffic control centers created in wartime at the headquarters of the AK.

Within the European continent, land transport (mainly road and rail) plays a decisive role in the delivery of military cargo. The capabilities of regular road transport of formations and units of the armed forces of NATO countries as a whole provide tactical transfers of personnel, as well as the necessary supplies of materiel and equipment.

Inland waterways are important only for military transport within Central Europe and Polish territory.

Ocean (sea) transportation is considered the main of all methods of strategic transfer of troops (forces), reinforcements and cargo. For these purposes, it is planned to form a joint fleet of vehicles (up to 800 units).

The NATO Allied Command intends to actively use air transport to transport personnel, military equipment and cargo within the European continent. However, the capabilities of the existing group of military transport aviation are clearly insufficient to solve this problem in full. In this regard, in wartime, in the interests of the Allied Forces of the North Atlantic Alliance, the widespread use of aircraft from civilian departments is envisaged.

IN common system military transportation, the work of land, sea and air transport is closely interconnected, therefore the coalition transport bodies of the bloc carry out constant interaction among themselves and with national logistics structures. In this regard, NATO has developed general principles organization of military transportation, formation of groupings of united transport vehicles (a united fleet of transport ships and a united fleet of railway cars), plans for the work of transport of civilian departments during the threatened period and the initial period of the war.

Medical support for troops (forces) pursues the following goals: maintaining the combat effectiveness of personnel, providing medical care to the wounded and sick and ensuring their rapid return to duty. Responsibility for this type of logistical support is assigned to national medical services. In this case, close interaction between military medical services and civilian health authorities is expected.

Medical support in the NATO Allied Forces is divided into two types - medical support on the battlefield and medical care. The first is carried out by the regular medical units of associations, formations and hour-gays, the second - by the medical authorities of the field armies, the Army Corps, and the joint aviation and naval commands.

According to NATO experts, the basis for effective medical support When there is a mass influx of wounded and affected people, medical triage is carried out. It consists in classifying the wounded and affected by the type of injury and its severity, determining the likelihood of survival of the wounded, assigning a priority for treatment, evacuation in order to provide medical care to a larger number of wounded and affected.

In the armed forces of most countries of the bloc, the wounded (damaged), depending on the degree of injury (defeat), are divided into four groups: the first - wounded (damaged), for the treatment of which and return to the unit requires minimal medical care (according to experts, their number can be up to 40 percent of the total number of wounded (damaged); second - wounded (damaged) in need of emergency medical care (about 20 percent); third - those for whom surgical care can be delayed (up to 20 percent); fourth - wounded (damaged), the provision of medical care for which requires a significant investment of time and effort (about 20 percent).
Taking into account the sorting into groups, subsequent treatment and evacuation of military personnel is organized.

When developing plans for medical support for troops, the NATO Allied Command proceeds from the fact that during combat operations, personnel losses can be expressed in the following figures: killed - 20 percent, missing - 10 percent, wounded - 70 percent. (sanitary losses from the total number of personnel out of commission). At the same time, according to forecasts, 30 percent. wounded can be returned to duty within 30 days.

The forces and means of the medical service of the ground forces are located in the areas of responsibility of NATO regional commands in four echelons. They include: battalion medical facilities, division medical services, AK medical services. forces and means of the medical service in the communications zone.

Recently, NATO has carried out significant activities to improve medical care for troops(strength). The main ones are aimed at expanding first aid capabilities, increasing the number of evacuation means, increasing the mobility of medical units and units, as well as improving the technical equipment of field medical institutions.

State of the NATO Joint Forces

The armed forces of NATO countries are divided into joint armed forces and troops that remain under national control. NATO's combined armed forces include part of the armed forces of member countries of the bloc's military organization, transferred, allocated and intended to be transferred under the operational leadership of coalition command and control bodies.

For the leadership of NATO's allied forces, joint commands and headquarters have been created in peacetime.

The bloc's coalition military strategy introduced a classification of troops (forces) included in the NATO Allied Forces according to their operational purpose, called the “three-component structure.” In accordance with it, the united armed forces of the bloc are divided into reaction forces, main defensive forces and reinforcement troops (forces).

The Reaction Force (RF) is the most combat-ready component of NATO's Allied Forces. They include formations of all types of armed forces of countries participating in the bloc's military organization. Designed to be used mainly in crisis situations and local military conflicts in order to resolve them. Moreover, they can be involved both in the alliance’s area of responsibility and beyond. The specific composition of the troops (forces) involved in the operation will depend on the developing military-political situation in the crisis area and the scale of the alliance’s military participation in it.

Depending on the degree of readiness for use, the response forces are divided into immediate reaction forces (IRF) and rapid deployment forces (RDF).

Immediate reaction forces are designed to resolve crisis situations not by force, but by demonstrating unity and readiness to defend collective interests by force of arms. They include: Mobile Ground Forces Command, Air Component, Maritime Component, AWACS-NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Command.

The command of the mobile ground forces includes 12 battalions: 2 from Germany, one each from the USA, Great Britain, Belgium, Canada, Hungary, Norway, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy and Poland, a company from Luxembourg and a platoon from Denmark.

The air component contains: ae TA - 17; ae VTA - 2; SAM batteries -14.

The naval component includes over 45 warships.

There are about 300 combat aircraft of the Air Force and Navy.

The AWACS-NATO AWACS and Aviation Control Command has 17 E-3A aircraft.

The Rapid Deployment Forces are intended to be involved in operations to forcefully resolve crisis situations, as well as to ensure the deployment of NATO's main defensive forces in the event of the threat of a large-scale war. Their involvement is expected if the scale of the crisis exceeds the capabilities of the immediate response forces to localize it. They include land, air and sea components.

The combat formations of the ground component of the RRF are represented by 8 divisions: 3 mechanized and 1 armored divisions of Great Britain; 1 US Armored Division; 7 tank division of Germany; 3 mechanized division; 1 mechanized division of Turkey; 2 motorized infantry division of Greece and the national RRF of Spain, consisting of three separate brigades (equivalent to one division). 5 separate brigades from the Armed Forces of Great Britain, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Italy.

The air component of NATO's rapid deployment forces includes 22 tactical aviation squadrons (about 500 combat aircraft) from the US Air Force, Germany, Great Britain, Turkey, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, 11 missile defense batteries (63 launchers) from the US Air Force and Denmark, as well as 2 squadrons (about 80 aircraft) of military transport aviation of the US Air Force, Germany, Great Britain and Turkey.

The naval component of the NATO Rapid Deployment Force includes aircraft carriers, nuclear attack submarines equipped with Tomahawk SLCMs, diesel submarines, frigate-class ships (destroyers), missile boats, escort and logistics ships, amphibious forces with a brigade Marine Corps on board, base aviation, Marine Corps aviation. In total - up to 110 warships and about 500 aircraft of the navies of the USA, Germany, Great Britain, Canada, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Spain, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Turkey.

The Main Defense Force (MDF) is the most significant part of the three-component structure of NATO's combined armed forces in terms of numbers and combat composition. They are designed to conduct large-scale operations during general or limited war in Europe and the Atlantic. In peacetime, they can be used together with the bloc’s response forces in the resolution of armed conflicts. They consist of regular and reserve formations of ground forces, air forces and naval forces of NATO countries, with the exception of France, Spain and Portugal, and are staffed with at least 65% personnel and 100% with military equipment.

The State Defense Forces are composed of: divisions - about 40, dept. brigades - over 95, air force and naval combat aircraft - up to 4300, warships - over 500.

The formations of the main defensive forces, in accordance with their main purpose, have lower categories of combat readiness than the formations of the reaction forces. At the same time, about 10% of divisions and 40% of individual brigades of the ground component of the main defensive forces are supposed to be kept in a high degree of combat readiness in everyday conditions (staffing level - at least 90%, readiness time for combat missions - up to 48 hours).

Reinforcement troops (forces) include regular and mobilized formations that were not included in the reaction forces and main defensive forces.

The ground component of the reinforcement forces is represented by regular formations of ground forces transferred to Europe from the USA and Canada, regular troops of France that were not included in the reaction forces, units and formations of ground forces of Spain and Portugal, as well as newly mobilized formations of the armed forces of the European bloc countries.

The reinforcement troops (forces) include: divisions - 20, brigades - over 45, combat aircraft of the Air Force and Navy - up to 1000, warships - about 200.

State of combat readiness of NATO Allied Forces. In accordance with NATO requirements, certain categories of combat readiness have been established for various components of the bloc's combined forces (reaction forces, state forces, reinforcement troops).

Formations and units allocated to the ground component of the reaction forces have the following combat readiness categories: mobile ground forces - A3, rapid deployment forces - A4. The readiness of the formations of the air component of the reaction forces corresponds to categories A1-A3. The ships of the united naval forces allocated to the permanent formations of the bloc have combat readiness categories A1, and those allocated to the naval component of the RRF - A2-A4.

Formations and units of the ground forces of the bloc's main defensive forces have combat readiness categories A4-B7, formations of the joint air force - categories A2-B9, and warships of the joint naval forces - B5 and B6.

In the troops (forces), strengthening the formation of ground forces are in categories of combat readiness B5-C8, formations and units of the united air forces have categories A2-C9, and ships of the united naval forces, depending on the time required for their transition from basing areas or conducting combat training to areas for combat purposes have combat readiness categories B8-C9.