The review, which could last up to six months, “will examine America's force posture and basing in Europe” and will include consultations with the U.S. Congress.
“It’s a review that some countries will fail, and others will pass with flying colors.”
The Defense Secretary lambasted NATO allies who refused to allow the U.S. access to joint bases for offensive strikes and conflict-related activities during the Iran war.
The fallout of the Iran war has splintered relations between U.S. President Donald Trump and several of his once-strong European allies, including U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
NATO allies who “go on about the rules-based international order and middle powers banding together, still seem to think the era of free-riding is here,” he claimed. “For too long, NATO has been a paper tiger, and a one-way street. No more.”
Following Hegseth’s address, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte acknowledged there is a “broad agreement among allies on the need to step up” and said the U.S.’ position, on this front, was “completely acceptable."
“There has been an unhealthy co-dependence in the NATO Force Model on U.S. forces,” said NATO's top commander, U.S. Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich, in early June.
Republican lawmakers on the Armed Services Committee expressed concern that the move could send "the wrong signal to [Russian President] Vladimir Putin."
Later that same month, the Pentagon announced it had “reduced the total number of Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs) assigned to Europe from four to three,” returning the levels of BCTs in Europe to what they were in 2021. BCTs are “stand-alone and self-sufficient tactical units that train and deploy together on a rotating basis,” according to the U.S. Central Command.
It’s unclear if the upcoming review of U.S. military forces in Europe will lead to the further withdrawal of troops.
Trump has leveled repeated criticisms at NATO and has even threatened to pull the U.S. out of the alliance—a move experts say would be troublesome for several reasons.
When King Charles III delivered a speech to U.S. Congress during his state visit in April, he defended the importance of NATO and its promise of mutual defense.
Hence then, the article about hegseth announces review of u s troops in europe and scolds nato allies amid rift was published today ( ) and is available on Time ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Hegseth Announces Review of U.S. Troops in Europe and Scolds NATO Allies Amid Rift )
Also on site :