Germany to join Anglo-French rapid reaction force

Ananova ^ | Februari 11 2004

[knighthawk]

Germany is joining France and Britain in plans for a European rapid-reaction force that could be sent to trouble spots around the world.

Britain and France launched the initiative in November, aiming to set up highly mobile brigades that could be dispatched with 15 days' notice - part of Europe's efforts to build up its own military capabilities.

German government spokesman Hans-Hermann Langguth said the force would help improve "the ability of the European Union to prevent and cope with world crises," though he gave no details of the German involvement. He said the plan has been presented to other EU members.

The announcement came as the leaders of Germany, France and Britain prepared to meet next week in Berlin.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair and French President Jacques Chirac announced plans in November for a small rapid-reaction force of about 1,500 peacekeepers. Both took pains to assure Washington that their efforts to bolster Europe's military would not undermine the Nato alliance.

Langguth said the new force would be "created in full compatibility with Nato."

Last year, European defence ministers also agreed to establish a 60,000-strong force that could be deployed within 60 days if at UN request.

[knighthawk]

Europe-list

If people want on or off this list, please let me know.

[saluki_in_ohio]

How will the French troops react in this new force?

Methinks they will run away, rapidly....

[Mr. Lucky]

The European force will be able to react on only 15 days notice?

Wouldn't that have put them in Baghdad about 6 days AFTER the United States 1st Marine Division?

[The KG9 Kid]

"Now That You're Here, This Is The Rear"

--- Courtesy of the 1st MarDiv.

[knighthawk]

They also got new white flags. The new models are steamlined so they can be waived more quickly.

[ClearCase_guy]

First question the Germans asked: "Do you French folk have any streets maps for Paris?"
Second question: "If you English wanted to cut off an army at Dunkirk, how would you do it?"

[caisson71]

15 days? What crisis will wait 15 days after months of decision making?

[TheBigB]

So Germany now has the option of sending its troops anywhere it deems necessary.

Methinks that's been tried before. Didn't work out so well.

[CholeraJoe]

Europe already has a 911 quick reaction force. It's known as the 173rd Airborne brigade, US Army. It can deploy in hours not days.

[prairiebreeze]

Bump your post!

[Tacis]

Again, everything the Eurinals do is a call for bribes. Assume the French and Germans can put together a rapid deployment force. How they going to move it? The expenditures for air and sea transportation will clothe and feed many a Eurinal mistress over the next 20 years and result in darn little transportation.

[lilylangtree]

Chirac getting involved with Britain and Germany. Won't that upset the islamics that run the country? One would think that, after being stabbed in the back by France, Germany would be a little more concerned about making agreements with Chirac.

[river rat]

Bad, bad, bad.......now wouldn't that really %^&# off the troops arriving on the scene, after being sent off as "heroes"?

Loved it!

Semper Fi

[Hun in the sun]

So Germany now has the option of sending its troops anywhere it deems necessary. Methinks that's been tried before. Didn't work out so well. Don`t worry, thanx Our troops in Afghanistan are doing fine. If we stay at home, we are weasels... if we share our part, we are warmongers, the well known Huns. Could you pls clearly express what u r expecting from us? Hun

[Hun in the sun]

Damned notebook keyboard!! Sorry