If we succeed in only one , we will have gone only half the distance in trying to prevent a larger Balkan War. As part of a UN mission, the US has 525 troops in Able Sentry II deployed along the eastern half of the border between Serbia and Macedonia. The Nordic Battalion patrols the western half. The United States has nine permanently deployed outposts on the disputed border. Relations with the UN commanders are generally smooth except for US reluctance to interpose itself between Serb and Macedonian forces in some locations.
Evacuation plans seem feasible and are constantly exer- cised.
US observers indicate that current troop strength and armaments are adequate for the current mission. They do fear mission creep and Americanization of the operation if US force levels are increased. They say the greatest risk to American forces is conflict stemming from activity along the border with Serb forces who are poorly trained. Current US force levels are adequate for the first three purposes, but perhaps not the fourth. A stronger force with some local reinforcement capability would provide greater deterrence, since it might delay the need to evacuate immediately.