US trims European troop footprint amid push for greater allied defense
The Pentagon will reduce US forces in Europe from four Brigade Combat Teams to three, achieving the lowest European footprint since before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The move is framed as a force posture review aimed at pressuring European allies to shoulder more defense responsibility, following the cancellation of a planned 4,000-troop rotation to Poland and a review of deployments in Germany. Final force dispositions will depend on strategic needs and allies’ contributions, but critics warn the shift could undermine NATO deterrence in a tense security environment.