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US Cuts Army Brigade Presence in Europe From Four to Three Units

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Roman Kohanets
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Soldiers of the US 173rd Airborne Brigade prepare to participate in a parade in the city center during the Iron Sword multinational military exercises on November 23, 2016, in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Soldiers of the US 173rd Airborne Brigade prepare to participate in a parade in the city center during the Iron Sword multinational military exercises on November 23, 2016, in Vilnius, Lithuania. (Source: Getty Images)

The Pentagon has reduced the number of US combat brigades stationed in Europe from four to three, returning the American military presence on the continent to its 2021 level.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell announced the change in a statement posted on the social media platform X on May 20. The reduction has caused a temporary delay in the deployment of US troops to Poland.

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The Pentagon described the decision as the result of a "comprehensive, multi-level analysis" of the American military presence in Europe. A final decision on the deployment of these and other forces will follow further review of US strategic and operational requirements, along with an assessment of allies' ability to independently defend the continent.

Washington emphasized that the brigade cut aligns with the Trump administration's "America First" agenda and is intended to push NATO members to assume primary responsibility for the conventional defense of Europe. Poland was singled out as an "exemplary ally."

"Poland has shown both the ability and resolve to defend itself. Other NATO allies should follow suit," the Pentagon declared.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke with Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz about the change. The Pentagon pledged to maintain a strong military presence in Poland.

A previous report on May 14 noted that the US Army had canceled a planned nine-month rotation of more than 4,000 troops to Poland. The deployment was expected to include the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division, known as the “Black Jack” Brigade.

Some US personnel had already arrived in Poland, while equipment was still in transit when the broader move was halted. At the time, Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and his deputy, Cezary Tomczyk, denied that the reports affected Poland, describing the adjustment as related to the US presence in Germany.

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