US Military's Response to an Attack from an Ally: Procedures and Contingencies

The United States military is prepared for a wide variety of scenarios, including the possibility of an ally attacking their forces. This response is crucial for maintaining stability and deterrence in an ever-changing global landscape. While specific procedures differ based on the nature and extent of the attack, general protocols and contingency plans ensure that any hostile action is met with a swift and decisive response.

Contingency Planning and Procedures

When an ally attacks, the situation is complex and multifaceted. The most likely scenario involves a country like Germany potentially targeting US bases in Europe, especially as it seeks to push a more unified Europe against the United States. In this case, the response depends on the level of support from other European Union countries and the proximity of US assets.

Immediate response is relative and often takes time due to the logistics involved. For instance, if an attack occurs near Syria, a response from US forces stationed in Turkey could take around 90 minutes. Identification, arming, fueling, and briefing of pilots are all necessary before any action can be taken. If the attack is from a location further away, such as off the coast of Libya or Tunisia, the process could take several hours.

US assets in close proximity, whether military or non-military, would be directed to observe and report the situation without engaging unless absolutely necessary. Contact with the aggressor would be attempted before any military action is taken, reflecting the values of diplomacy and caution embedded in military protocols.

Procedures for Different Scenarios

At the deepest levels of the Pentagon, extensive contingency plans are in place for virtually every possible scenario. These plans are designed to deal with the full spectrum of threats and challenges, from small-scale incursions to large-scale assaults. While not all scenarios are digitized, the most likely and impactful ones have detailed plans in place.

If an attack were to occur in a distant region such as the Mediterranean involving a country like Bhutan, the appropriate response would be determined based on the severity and impact of the attack. Such an attack, while unlikely, is not entirely impossible and the corresponding plan resides within the military's extensive contingency planning framework.

Force Response and Deterrence

A response from the United States to an attack from any country, including an ally, would be swift and targeted to ensure the aggressor understands the consequences. Key strategic locations would likely be targeted with overwhelming force, and areas near the sea would be occupied to serve as a deterrent against future attacks. The primary objective would be to make it abundantly clear that such actions would not be tolerated and that the attacker would face severe repercussions.

In the case of a chemical or biological attack, early detection is paramount. Advanced technology and surveillance systems would detect such threats well before any damage is done. Once an attacker is identified, an overwhelming retaliatory response would be launched, ensuring that the aggressor faces severe consequences.

The United States has a policy of responding to attacks with equivalent or greater force, particularly if the attack involves Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs). While WMDs are not casually used, the threat of their use is a powerful deterrent. The US military operates under strict protocols to ensure that any response is both proportional and effective, minimizing collateral damage and maximizing the desired outcome.

In conclusion, the United States military is rigorously prepared for a wide array of scenarios, ensuring that any attack, even from an ally, is met with a swift and decisive response. Contingency plans, protocols, and deterrence measures are all in place to protect national security and maintain global stability.