As many as 8,500 US troops have been put on heightened alert for a possible deployment to Eastern Europe as Russian troops mass on Ukraine's border, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said Monday.US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin issued the prepare to deploy orders at the direction of President Joe Biden.
Kirby said that the bulk of US troops placed on heightened alert was intended to bolster NATO's quick response force, but said Austin also wanted to be postured to be ready for any other contingencies as well.
„The United States has taken steps to heighten the readiness of its forces at home and abroad, so they are prepared to respond to a range of contingencies, including support to the NATO response force if it is activated“, Kirby said.
He noted the NATO Response Force "comprises around 40,000 multinational troops."
