RAPID DEPLOYMENT FORCES

We are systematically enhancing our ability to respond rapidly to non-NATO

contingencies wherever required by our commitments or when our vital

interests are threatened.

The rapid deployment forces we are assembling will be extraordinarily

flexible: They could range in size from a few ships or air squadrons to

formations as large as 100,000 men, together with their support. Our forces

will be prepared for rapid deployment to any region of strategic

significance.

Among the specific initiatives we are taking to help us respond to crises

outside of Europe are:

The development of a new fleet of large cargo aircraft with

intercontinental range; the design and procurement of a force of Maritime

Prepositioning Ships that will carry heavy equipment and supplies for three

Marine Corps brigades; the procurement of fast sealift ships to move large

quantities of men and material quickly from the U.S. to overseas areas of

deployment; increasing training and exercise activities to ensure that our

forces will be well prepared to deploy and operate in distant areas.

In addition, our European allies have agreed on the importance of providing

support to U.S. deployments to Southwest Asia.