Dutch Grapple with Equipment RESET/RECAP Needs

Damaged Bushmaster

Politicians are often very happy to commit to the press conferences and international benefits that come from international military deployments, but paying for the real cost is another matter. Equipment used on the front lines of military operations tends to be used more often than equipment in peacetime. It also tends to accumulate more wear and tear, due to a combination of rugged conditions and battle damage. Inevitably, the question arises: How will the associated repair work and associated need for replacement equipment be paid for – without eroding a military’s budget, and hence its ability to recruit, train, and properly equip its people?

The US Army’s RESET programs stem from that imperative, as does Congress’ approach of using wartime supplemental budgets. The British are also being forced to grapple with this problem, but have not yet outlined a consistent approach. In The Netherlands, a leaked recommendation from Commander of the Armed Forces Dick Berlijn recently declared that their army cannot sustain the present operations in Uruzgan, Afghanistan.

The Dutch Lower House of Parliament recently forced the cabinet to earmark an extra EUR 100 million to address equipment wear-and-tear, but the need for a longer term resolution remains. Dutch CDA MP Raymond Knops adds one more factor…