I Prayed have prayed
Heavenly Father, give wisdom to our military leaders in how best to preserve and protect our nation from threats both foreign and domestic.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

The top U.S. military commander in Europe warned … of a growing Russian threat and is calling for more troops, warships and aircraft, saying he’s “not comfortable yet with the deterrent posture” of the American troop presence.

FIND OUT HOW TO PRAY THROUGH THE NEWS WITH OUR LATEST PRAYER RESOURCE.

Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, both head of U.S. European Command and the NATO Supreme Allied Commander-Europe, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that it will take more armored units and U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers, carrier strike groups and amphibious strike groups to stay ahead of Russia’s growing and modernizing forces.

“I’m not comfortable yet with the deterrent posture that we have in Europe in support of the National Defense Strategy,” Scaparrotti told SASC Chair Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., adding: “Of concern is my intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capacity given that increasing and growing threat of Russia. I need more ISR.”

Scaparotti said he has requested two more destroyers for Naval Station Rota, Spain, where the U.S. Navy has four Arleigh Burke-class missile destroyers, which carry the Aegis weapon system. He said he needed better numbers and capabilities, “to stay head of, frankly, the modernization we see in Russia’s maritime forces.”

The guided-missile destroyer Donald Cook this week departed the Black Sea — one of two such deployments there since the Russian seizure of three Ukrainian vessels and arrest of 24 sailors in late November at the Kerch Strait.

Congress funded the European Deterrence Initiative at $6.3 billion last year, and the Trump administration is due to unveil its FY20 federal budget request next week….

On land, Scaparrotti said Tuesday he needed “greater capability … with my enablers,” and in the air, he was looking forward to the use of fifth-generation aircraft, as well as bombers, both to deter Russia and to be ready. “I’m looking forward to those being stationed permanently, in some numbers, in Europe as well,” he said.

Scaparrotti acknowledged strides over the last three years. There were three carrier-strike deployments — once to the High North for the first time in 20 years — and the U.S. has overcome logistical hurdles to move its forces around the continent.

“Three years ago, we were moving one brigade at a time, and challenged. A month ago, I moved four brigades — two armored, two [combat aviation brigades] — simultaneously. That’s progress,” he said….

Last year’s request for a full armored division, “would be a big ask,” as the Pentagon is trying to limit deployments, Cancian said, adding: “The administration does not want such a big force structure ask because it is constraining force expansion in order to fund modernization.” (Excerpt from Joe Gould article in Defense News)

 

The Informer March 7, 2019 Plain Text PDF Version

Comments (3) Print

Comments

Leave A Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Alan K. Veasey
March 7, 2019

O Lord, holy and true, overcome the death cult that says on the one hand increased defense spending is immoral and on the other hand we should ratchet up tensions with Russia who is preparing for war while we are not. This near sightedness and blindness, which results from your people neglecting you and your word as it says in 2nd Peter, can easily result in catastrophe. Send the latter rain O Holy One and straighten this out.

Betty
March 7, 2019

Lord God, I ask You for wisdom for President Trump, our military leaders and Congress for right decisions about military funding and deployment. Lord God, mulutply the resources to be more than enough for these military needs. And Lord God, let our military leaders know, pray, and teach Psalm 91, as they did in WWI and WWII. WE THAMK You for Your protection and provision, Lord God Almighty. In Jesus mighty name. Amen

Partner with Us

Intercessors for America is the trusted resource for millions of people across the United States committed to praying for our nation. If you have benefited from IFA's resources and community, please consider joining us as a monthly support partner. As a 501(c)3 organization, it's through your support that all this possible.

Dave Kubal
IFA President
Become a Monthly Partner

Share

Click below to share this with others

Log in to Join the Conversation

Log in to your IFA account to start a discussion, comment, pray, and interact with our community.