Free Republic

The European Union is moving to lift barriers to the rapid deployment of the 28 nations’ armies to confront aggressors within Europe or abroad. Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc, unveiling the plan Friday, said that “we need to be able to react effectively to internal and external crisis situations.” The aim is to upgrade infrastructure like bridges, roads and runways that can’t handle heavy military equipment and cut customs and administrative red tape, which cause delays, higher costs and leave Europe vulnerable to attack. …

The "seabasing" capability being developed for the Marine Corps will enable the service to deploy 15,000 troops anywhere in the world in as little as 10 to 12 days, according to the commandant of the Marine Corps. "And when you are able to respond that fast, it is going to change the calculus of the battlefield," Gen. Michael W. Hagee explained during an interview with the Pentagon Channel. The concept, expected to be in full swing within the next 10 to 15 years, involves pre-positioning ships with critical wartime assets. In the event of an operation, the Marines would fly...

Bollinger/Incat is offering the Pentagon a versatile, high-tech ship that “transform” U.S. maritime capabilities—in more ways than one. The 21st century has proven that the United States must be prepared to fight asymmetric wars around the globe--often two or more simultaneously. To effectively fight such conflicts, rapid deployment is absolutely essential. Unfortunately, the Pentagon’s ability to rapidly deploy forces to trouble spots around the globe is lacking.