Austria, Sweden, Switzerland in NATO?

What if in, lets say 1979-1983 years those countries joined NATO? Would Soviets rage on this? Would this improve strategical NATO positions in Western Europe?
About Austria: Yes, its violation of Potsdam/Yalta, but Sovs violated Potsdam in 1961 when built Berlin Wall. Berlin supposed to be free city without restriction on the movement
 
Switzerland was probably already in the "too much trouble to conquer" column - would adding them to NATO really change the balance of power much? Also, given how much of a departure from official neutrality this would already be for them and for Sweden, would either of them agree to positioning of NATO bases on their territory even if they did join? If they didn't, then again, the Soviets don't really have too much more to worry about than they already did, and NATO already had a foothold in Norway.
 
Switzerland was probably already in the "too much trouble to conquer" column - would adding them to NATO really change the balance of power much? Also, given how much of a departure from official neutrality this would already be for them and for Sweden, would either of them agree to positioning of NATO bases on their territory even if they did join? If they didn't, then again, the Soviets don't really have too much more to worry about than they already did, and NATO already had a foothold in Norway.
Let's say Austria/Sweden changed Constitution, and allowed US Army to place personnel in countries territories.
There's around 50.000 US forces in Austria then, and another 75.000 in Sweden.
 
Last edited:
Switzerland would only join if Austria and Italy/France were rabidly Red and trying to invade. Alternatively, I could see the Swiss trying to develop nukes as a sort of Samson Option to reinforce their neutrality.
 
Let's say Austria/Sweden changed Constitution, and allowed US Army to place personnel in countries territories.
There's around 50.000 US forces in Austria then, and another 75.000 in Sweden.

Where's the US getting these 125,000 troops from?
 
I vaguely recall reading about both Sweden and Switzerland attempting to develop nuclear deterrances for their Neutrality, with I think the Swiss also considering pre-emptive strike capability on the Soviets.
 

Even the US Armed Forces of the Reagan Years weren't a bottom-less pit of manpower and resources. The US Army was stretched thin to get the 18 division active force. Those 125,000 troops would essentially deplete the global reserve.
 
I can't see these happening between 1979 - 1983 without earlier POD. Sweden might join if Finland goes red in 1940's. Switzerland probably only if France and/or Italy are communist nations but not sure if there is even NATO. At least it would be smaller. Austria is pretty tricky but perhaps if there is not Soviet occupation zone so it wouldn't get neutrality clause to its constitution.
 
Even the US Armed Forces of the Reagan Years weren't a bottom-less pit of manpower and resources. The US Army was stretched thin to get the 18 division active force. Those 125,000 troops would essentially deplete the global reserve.
There's only 350.000 in FRG, 40.000 in Korea, 5.000-10.000 in Japan/Norway/Italy
In 1979-83 US Army strength was around 1.500.000
 
Let's say Austria/Sweden changed Constitution, and allowed US Army to place personnel in countries territories.
There's around 50.000 US forces in Austria then, and another 75.000 in Sweden.
Why would USA, Austria and Sweden want US forces in Austria and Sweden what's the point?
 
In this TL Finland became red, and Austrians a bit more careful
They might join NATO and hold exercises with other NATO members. There will likely be a few US Forces Personel in these countries, but not neccesarily many. Perhaps Sweden could be joined by other Nordic NATO members in forming a task force united in it's goal of defending Scandinavia?
 
Top