Pentagon Reviews U.S. Troop Deployment Options in Europe

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon's review of U.S. troop deployments across Europe will produce at least four sets of options for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth by November 6, ahead of a broader December deadline for the review's completion, according to an internal Pentagon document seen by Reuters.

The six-month review, announced by Hegseth in June, is examining the roughly 80,000 U.S. troops currently stationed across Europe. NATO allies worry the review could lead to large-scale cuts to that presence, and some privately fear it could be used to penalize countries the Trump administration believes failed to adequately support the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, according to Reuters. These remain concerns raised by NATO officials rather than confirmed elements of Pentagon policy, and no decision on troop numbers has been announced.

Briefings and 'Terms of Reference'

The document, described by Reuters as the Pentagon's "Terms of Reference," lays out criteria for evaluating U.S. basing decisions across Europe. It calls for the top U.S. general in Europe to join a decision briefing with Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby by September 18, a session described in the document as central to shaping the options that will go to Hegseth. Colby is expected to brief NATO ambassadors on the review Thursday at the alliance's Brussels headquarters.

A senior Pentagon official told Reuters the review would "provide a spectrum of options from where we are to wherever" it leads, adding that generating a detailed range of choices reflected the seriousness of the process. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official said the administration was "transitioning to provide critical, more limited support with allies in the lead," and that Trump's frustration with some allies' behavior had created "at least some demand signal" for options that would show reduced U.S. force levels in Europe. The official did not say a reduction had been decided.

NATO Skepticism

Announcing the review in June, Hegseth criticized "free-riding" NATO allies and said it would ensure U.S. military "access, basing, and overflight are clearly delineated." Some European officials remain skeptical of the process, telling Reuters privately they suspect Washington's decision is largely already made, a characterization the Pentagon has not confirmed.