Pentagon reduces NATO brigade presence in Europe, delays deployment in Poland

The Pentagon on Tuesday local time announced a reduction in the number of Brigade Combat Teams BCTs stationed in Europe lowering the total from four to three and effectively returning US troop levels on the continent to their 2021 postureIn a post on X Assistant to the Secretary of War for Public Affairs and Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell released a statement which said the move followed a comprehensive multilayered process focused on US force posture in EuropeSTATEMENTThe Department of War has reduced the total number of Brigade Combat Teams BCTs assigned to Europe from four to three This returns us to the levels of BCTs in Europe in 2021 This decision was the result of a comprehensive multilayered process focused on UShellipmdash Sean Parnell SeanParnellASW May 19 2026The Department of War has reduced the total number of Brigade Combat Teams BCTs assigned to Europe from four to three This returns us to the levels of BCTs in Europe in 2021 the official statement saidThe statement added that the decision has resulted in a temporary delay of the deployment of US forces to Poland while emphasising that Poland remains a model US allyAccording to Fox News the affected formation is the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team 1st Cavalry Division which had been scheduled for a routine ninemonth NATO rotational deployment to Poland and other eastern flank positionsFox News further reported that approximately 10000 American troops are typically stationed in Poland the majority on rotational deployments lasting several monthsBecause the US military footprint in Poland relies heavily on these rotations the delayed deployment has reportedly generated concern among Polish officialsThe statement further added that future decisions regarding US troop deployments in Europe would depend on further analysis of US strategic and operational requirements as well as our allies own ability to contribute forces toward Europes defenseIt said that the review is intended to advance US President Donald Trumps America First agenda in Europe and other theaters while encouraging NATO allies to take primary responsibility for Europes conventional defenseThe Pentagon also confirmed that US War Secretary Pete Hegseth held talks with the Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Wladyslaw KosiniakKamysz regarding the issueThe Department will remain in close contact with our Polish counterparts as this analysis proceeds including to ensure that the United States retains a strong military presence in Poland the statement said adding that Poland has shown both the ability and resolve to defend itself Other NATO allies should follow suitAccording to Fox News Polish Deputy Defense Minister Pawel Zalewski said Warsaw intends to seek clarification from US officials during upcoming meetings in WashingtonWe will ask questions and I guess that we will get answers Zalewski told Fox News Digital ahead of discussions with Pentagon officials and members of CongressDespite concerns over the delayed deployment Polish officials have continued to emphasise their country as a model ally within NATO and expressed confidence that military cooperation with the United States will continue to expandThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever