World News
Pentagon launches review to evaluate further U.S. troop reductions in Europe
Washington is asking NATO allies to assume primary responsibility for conventional defense as U.S. priorities pivot to the Indo-Pacific.
The short version
- The Pentagon has initiated a posture review that will decide the scale of additional U.S. force reductions in Europe, where roughly 80,000 troops remain deployed.
- U.S. officials are pressing European allies and Canada to take over conventional European defense, positioning American forces primarily as a backup.
- The Department of Defense is reviewing ally responses to a questionnaire regarding defense plans and requests for unrestricted access to European bases and airspace.
Key facts
- The United States has begun reducing its approximately 80,000 deployed troops in Europe and launched a defense review to establish further cuts.[Associated Press]
- Under Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby stated that future U.S. force levels depend on European allies and Canada assuming conventional defense duties, with the U.S. providing backup.[Associated Press]
- Colby commended defense efforts by Germany, Poland, and Scandinavian nations, but indicated Washington seeks greater commitments from countries such as the United Kingdom.[Associated Press]
- A Pentagon survey distributed to NATO members requests details on ally military plans and seeks unfettered access to European bases and airspace.[Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- The specific depth of future U.S. force reductions remains undecided pending the outcome of the posture review and responses to the Pentagon's questionnaire.[Associated Press]
- It is not public which specific NATO countries have submitted their responses to the Pentagon survey so far.[Associated Press]