Pentagon's NATO review to prepare troop options
A Pentagon review of US troop deployments in Europe will generate at least four potential options by November 6, well before the December deadline, according to a document seen by Reuters. NATO allies fear the six-month review, announced in June, could lead to substantial reductions in the approximately 80,000 US forces stationed across Europe.
The Pentagon's Terms of Reference for the review, not previously disclosed, outline the process and criteria used to evaluate US basing decisions in Europe. The top US general in Europe is set to participate in a briefing with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby by September 18, which will help determine the review's options.
NATO ambassadors are expected to discuss the review with Colby on Thursday during a Brussels meeting. While the review aims to provide a range of options from current force levels to possible reductions, some European officials remain skeptical, expressing concerns about the perceived US decision-making already in place.
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