On May 29, a drone from Russia hit an apartment complex in Galati, Romania, marking the first incident where a Russian weapon has resulted in casualties within a NATO country. Romania has initiated emergency discussions under NATO Article 4. The Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, affirmed that the alliance is prepared to protect every part of allied territory. As the collective defense principle defined in Article 5 is currently being discussed among 32 NATO members, it is crucial for every American to grasp: if Article 5 is activated, which US states would face the immediate military responsibility? The US operates significant military installations in 12 states that would mobilize within hours of an Article 5 activation.
