Berlaar (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Belgian Ministry of Defence will support an American Infantry Brigade within Berlaar barracks from February 22 to April 1, 2025, through NATO’s Operation Atlantic Resolve to enhance regional security against threats from the east.
From February 22 to April 1, 2025, Belgium’s Ministry of Defence will support an American Infantry Brigade. This is part of Operation Atlantic Resolve. The U.S. forces will stay at the Berlaar barracks during this time. They mentioned that this deployment helps NATO strengthen its eastern side.
Operation Atlantic Resolve began in 2014 after Russia took Crimea. It aims to show that NATO is united and ready to act. The presence of U.S. troops in Europe helps prevent possible attacks. According to Authorities, it shows commitment to protecting NATO allies. Having American soldiers in Belgium is important for keeping strong defence ties in Europe.
Why are U.S. troops deployed to Berlaar for NATO missions?
The rotation of the U.S. military is an aspect of the strategy of NATO to ensure that the region remains stable while enhancing the military might of its member states. While at the Berlaar barracks, the American Infantry Brigade will join in training and activities. These activities are meant to help NATO forces work better together. After this assignment ends, the American soldiers will leave Belgium on April 1, 2025.
“The American soldiers will therefore temporarily stay in the Berlaar barracks during this assignment. They will leave again after 1 April,”
Defence said.
Operation Atlantic Resolve sends U.S. troops and military equipment to Europe regularly. Authorities mentioned that this operation shows America’s commitment to NATO. It also helps improve military readiness and build strong relationships with NATO allies.
Operation Atlantic Resolve began in 2014 after Russia took action in Ukraine. It includes rotating U.S. forces to different countries in Europe. They mentioned that this helps strengthen NATO’s defence and ensures a strong presence on the eastern side of the alliance. These deployments keep troops ready and reassure NATO members of U.S. support against possible security threats.
This operation is a regular part of maintaining strong defence in Europe and promoting stability. It happens regularly, with U.S. troops being sent to different countries. Each deployment aims to improve cooperation among NATO forces and ensure that military units are ready to respond quickly in a crisis.
The Belgian Ministry of Defense sees it as a routine action. These exercises and deployments are part of NATO’s long-term strategy to protect its member countries. Defence mentioned that through these regular rotations, NATO maintains a significant and strong defensive presence, which is important for deterrence and readiness to act.
“Atlantic Resolve provides for regular deployments of US forces and equipment on European soil. This is done to demonstrate commitment to NATO, to increase readiness and to strengthen ties between allies and military partners.” “This is a routine operation,”
according to Defense.
What is the role of Belgium in the U.S. troop deployment for Operation Atlantic Resolve?
U.S. troops along with their gear are being sent to Europe in Operation Atlantic Resolve. They will travel through Belgium to reach their final destination. Belgium is important for moving U.S. forces and supplies across Europe. Two American ships will arrive at the port of Antwerp. These vessels are carrying millions of containers from 2,500 to 3,000 in number.
Authorities mentioned that the containers will have military vehicles, supplies, and other gear needed for the operation. Unloading the ships at the port is an important step. They mentioned that it will help ensure that all the equipment gets to where it needs to go quickly and efficiently.
After unloading the ships in Antwerp, military vehicles will carry the equipment to the Berlaar barracks in Belgium. Some U.S. soldiers will stay there for a short time. Around 60 American soldiers will be part of this operation. They will help move both the soldiers and their equipment in the area.
Once this part is done, the military vehicles will continue to their final destination outside of Belgium. The Ministry of Defense has not shared the exact location or details about the next steps.
“There will then be several movements in a convoy of military vehicles from Antwerp to Berlaar. Afterwards, the transports will continue to their final destination, outside Belgium,”
Defense says.
