No confirmed U.S. troop-reduction plan in Europe review

The U.S. Department of Defense was conducting a review of its overseas military footprint, with the process described as six months long and expected to conclude in early November. Reporting on the review said reductions in U.S. forces based in or rotating through Europe were under consideration; it did not establish a final decision.

Key details

• The reporting estimated that about 80,000 U.S. troops were in Europe: roughly 65,000 on longer tours with dependents and 15,000 serving on rotations without dependents.
• It described rotational deployments as recurring nine-month assignments intended to reinforce the U.S. presence among NATO’s eastern allies.
• It reported that a rotational infantry brigade deployment involving about 4,000 troops in Romania and southeastern Europe had ended.
• It also reported that a proposed cancellation of a rotational armored brigade deployment to Poland and northeastern Europe was reversed.

The review was described as a six-month process expected to conclude in early November.

Why it matters

The review could affect the number of U.S. service members and families living in Europe, as well as the locations where U.S. forces maintain a presence. The reporting also raised potential relocation and facilities costs, without providing a quantified estimate.