Rare Footage: NATO's 1954 Military Training Exercises

National Archives and Records Administration

ARC Identifier 2569561 / Local Identifier 111-TV-291

The Bigger Picture: NATO Exercises

This DVD copy has been created by Katie Filbert. It is a production of the Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Army, under the auspices of the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, and is a product of the U.S. Army Audiovisual Center, dating from approximately 1974 to May 15, 1984.

Ever since its establishment in April 1949, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has consistently demonstrated its effectiveness in promoting global peace. Its approach to maintaining tranquility is characterized by a deliberate and studious demeanor. Notably, it marks an unprecedented moment in history when Europe's once rival nations came together to form a cooperative alliance. NATO encompasses a diverse assembly of 14 different nations, boasting a combined army force of seven million strong. While NATO's buildup is now nearing completion, it's important to acknowledge the colossal effort invested during the year 1954. This was a year marked by a series of extensive training exercises held throughout Europe. The following is a visual retrospective of the NATO exercises in 1954.

Commencing in March with Exercise Medflex Able, set in the Mediterranean Sea near Gibraltar, these maneuvers were meticulously scheduled throughout the year. The zenith of these exercises came in September with Exercise Keystone, which held the distinction of being the largest maneuver of the year. NATO's own cameramen chronicled the events, which commenced near the Achilles Line in Northern Greece. This presentation also offers insights into the expansive ground exercise, Exercise Indian Summer, conducted within the U.S. zone of Germany. Participants included the 1st French Armored Division, the U.S. 1st and 4th Infantry Divisions, and the 2nd Cavalry Regiment. Notably, both sides in this exercise employed the American-built 280-millimeter atomic cannon.

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