President Joe Biden has issued an executive order authorizing the activation of reservists by the Pentagon to support the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The order designates the military support provided to Ukraine under Operation Atlantic Resolve since 2014 as a “contingency operation.” Operation Atlantic Resolve was launched in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
President Biden stated in a message to Congress that the augmentation of the active Armed Forces of the United States is necessary for the effective conduct of Operation Atlantic Resolve within the United States European Command’s area of responsibility. The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security, concerning the Coast Guard, have been authorized to call any units or individuals not assigned to a unit into active duty.
The total number of members called to active duty at any one time will not exceed 3,000, with no more than 450 members from the Individual Ready Reserve. The decision to activate reservists comes as the Department of Defense’s support requirements have grown alongside the level of presence and operations in the U.S. European Command’s area of operations.
The declaration of Operation Atlantic Resolve as a contingency operation unlocks additional capabilities and authorities, allowing for better support and sustainment of forces. It provides reservists with the same benefits as their active-duty counterparts and enhances the Pentagon’s ability to track spending associated with the contingency.
President Biden’s executive order follows his participation in a NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, where NATO members reaffirmed their support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. During the summit, President Biden emphasized that the United States has provided the most assistance and incurred significant costs in supporting Ukraine, with over $78 billion in government aid, including more than $43 billion in military aid, since January 2022, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy.
