Evaluating the Enhanced Forward Presence After Five Years

Abstract

Counterterrorism and counterinsurgency have altered the make-up and doctrinal practices of many Allied militaries. As a result, and also because the US has reduced its European military presence since the Cold War, defence planners have had to develop innovative solutions for deterring potential adversaries who have spent the ‘Global War on Terrorism’ recapitalising their own militaries for conventional operations. One such adaptation was the Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) – a set of four multinational, battalion-sized Battlegroups created by NATO to bolster deterrence and defence against Russia. Alexander Lanoszka and Michael A Hunzeker evaluate this military adaptation against the vulnerabilities and challenges highlighted by observers around the time of its inception. Although measuring deterrence success remains elusive, the eFP has not experienced many of the anticipated difficulties thanks to the efforts made by participating countries.◼