The Navy defined forward deployment as the first requirement of its strategy.

Evidence

U.S. forces are deployed overseas to be in position to engage promptly a hostile threat to the security of U.S. interests or allies. These forward deployed forces are a commitment which reassures our allies and deters the potential aggressor. Additionally, these forces provide a capability for flexible and timely response to other crises and contingencies [i.e., wars]. — David Vine, Base Nation_ How U.S. Military Bases…, 93

Categorization

• DEFINE: Primary-source statement of what ‘forward posture’ is argued to accomplish: reassurance, deterrence, rapid response.