Meaning: The quote by Lord Robertson emphasizes the need for NATO countries to enhance their military capabilities in order to maintain the relevance and effectiveness of the organization. This quote reflects the challenges and concerns regarding the readiness and mobility of the troops within the NATO alliance. Lord Robertson, a British politician and diplomat who served as the 10th Secretary General of NATO from 1999 to 2003, expressed these views during his tenure, highlighting the critical importance of ensuring that NATO remains a credible and responsive force in the face of evolving security threats.

NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, was established in 1949 as a collective defense alliance aimed at safeguarding the security and territorial integrity of its member states. Over the years, the organization has evolved to address a wide range of security challenges, including conventional and unconventional threats, as well as the need for rapid response to emerging crises. However, as global security dynamics continue to shift, NATO faces the imperative to adapt and modernize its military capabilities to effectively address new and evolving threats.

The first part of the quote, "if the NATO countries don't make more of their troops usable," underscores the significance of ensuring that member countries maintain well-equipped and trained military forces that are capable of effectively contributing to NATO's collective defense and crisis response efforts. This involves not only having sufficient troop numbers but also ensuring that these forces possess the necessary skills, training, and equipment to operate effectively in various operational scenarios.

Furthermore, the quote emphasizes the importance of enhancing the mobility and rapid deployment of troops to areas where they are needed most. This is articulated in the phrase, "don't get the equipment to get them fast where the action is," indicating the necessity for efficient and timely movement of forces to respond to crises and security challenges. Rapid deployment capabilities are crucial for NATO's ability to deter potential aggressors, support partner nations, and conduct effective crisis management operations.

The quote's final assertion, "then the organization will suffer and will increasingly become irrelevant," underscores the potential consequences of inadequate military readiness and responsiveness. In an era of complex and dynamic security threats, the relevance and credibility of NATO hinge on its ability to demonstrate collective strength, agility, and effectiveness in addressing security challenges. Failure to meet these imperatives could undermine the organization's ability to fulfill its core mission and adapt to emerging security dynamics, potentially diminishing its influence and impact on the global stage.

In conclusion, Lord Robertson's quote encapsulates the imperative for NATO member countries to enhance their military capabilities, including troop readiness and rapid deployment capabilities, to ensure the relevance and effectiveness of the organization in addressing contemporary security challenges. As NATO continues to navigate a complex and fast-changing security environment, the need for robust and agile military capabilities remains paramount for the alliance to uphold its core principles and effectively safeguard the security of its member states.