Quote:
Originally Posted by Webstral
This is a fair point. However, a solution can be found. The US wants UK troops on the ground for the purpose of showing solidarity. Once both parties agree to the desirability of this, I think there are answers to the challenge of getting the requisite British formations to Saudi without badly weakening the BOAR.
One possibility is to mobilize British reserve units to take the place of the units going to Saudi near the beginning of the crisis. The timing ought to be staggered with the arrival of US formations taking the place of VII Corps so that the Soviets don't begin to get the idea that NATO is attempting a build-up in Europe using the situation in the Gulf as a screen.
Another possibility is for American formations to take the place of the British formations. The US would have to mobilize another National Guard division, and there would be transportation issues.
Another possibility is for one of the other NATO allies to call up reserves to replace the missing British formations. If one is creative, the exercise could serve other good purposes. For instance, Spain might deploy its division earmarked for NATO (though I don't know if this division was serving in that role at the time).
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Don't forget BAOR was stipped of almost all stores and ammunition in order to put 1st (UK) Armoured Division in the field. Troops were not a problem as reservists could easily be called up. Things for them to use were at a premium.