Alexus Grynkewich
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Pentagon weighs pulling up to 25,000 U.S. troops out of Europe in largest post-Cold War drawdown
The Pentagon is weighing a large-scale withdrawal of U.S. aircraft, ships, weapons and tens of thousands of military personnel from Europe, with one scenario envisioning roughly 25,000 troops removed — about a third of the 80,000-strong American contingent on the continent. Supreme Allied Commander Europe Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich is delivering his analysis to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on September 18, with a final recommendation due November 6. Lawmakers from both parties and European allies have warned the cuts could embolden Russia.