WASHINGTON – The Department of War is reducing the number of U.S. brigade combat teams assigned to Europe from four to three, a decision that will temporarily delay a planned deployment of American forces to Poland. The announcement was made by the Assistant to the Secretary of War for Public Affairs.
The reduction draws down the number of brigades in the theater to levels not seen since 2021. According to the statement, the shift is the result of a “comprehensive, multilayered process” evaluating the U.S. military footprint in Europe.
Officials noted the ongoing force-posture analysis is designed to advance President Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda. The administration aims to incentivize and enable NATO allies to take “primary responsibility for Europe’s conventional defense” rather than relying as heavily on American troop presence.
War Secretary Hegseth spoke with Polish Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz earlier Tuesday to discuss the transition. The department emphasized that it will remain in close contact with Warsaw to ensure the United States retains a strong military presence in the country, describing Poland as a “model U.S. ally.”
“Poland has shown both the ability and resolve to defend itself,” the statement said. “Other NATO allies should follow suit.”
The final disposition of the affected brigades, as well as other American forces stationed across Europe, will depend on further analysis of U.S. strategic requirements and the willingness of individual allies to contribute to their own conventional defense.
The Department of War stated more information would be released “at the appropriate time, in the appropriate setting.”
