The US military is packing its bags. 5,000 soldiers leave Germany. As the Pentagon announced on Friday, the military is to withdraw within 6 to 12 months. A few days ago, Friedrich Merz criticized the war with Iran.
And Trump felt offended and reacted as he often does, impulsively. According to the US president, punishment should be imposed, i.e. the withdrawal of troops. But this action primarily harms the United States, because Europe – contrary to what the American president says – is important to the US from a strategic point of view.
On Friday, it was reported that the head of the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth, had decided to withdraw approximately 5,000 troops, while on Saturday US President Donald Trump stated that he intended to reduce this number by more than the previously announced 5,000.
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Vladimir Putin is probably happy. The US withdrawal is a signal of weakness. However, Europe will cope with the reduction of forces. Most NATO countries are significantly expanding their armies. In addition, the US unit being withdrawn is stationed in Vilseck, Bavaria, a secondary location. The main combat units are located at Ramstein Air Base. And 30 thousand soldiers remain in Germany.
Barack Obama has already shifted the focus to the Indo-Pacific region, towards China. However, it would be a mistake to treat Trump's hasty withdrawal as a strategic continuation. There is no grand plan behind it. It's an impulsive reaction that causes geopolitical damage.
Europe is a strategic outpost for the US. From here, the Americans direct operations in Africa, the Middle East and Eurasia. Germany serves as a logistics hub for American troops. This was most recently seen during the war with Iran. Hundreds of American planes delivered supplies through German territory.
Moreover, it is about the principle of pre-emptive defense. America cannot protect itself solely from Texas or Florida. Bases abroad enable the projection of one's military power far beyond one's own borders. Trump, however, seems to see little use in this. He once again proves his talent for dismantling US power.
Currently, there are between 35,000 and 37,000 stationed in Germany. American soldiers. In 2020, Trump announced the withdrawal of 9,500. of them, accusing Berlin of failing to fulfill its obligations towards NATO. Some of the troops were supposed to go to Poland, but these plans were not implemented at that time.
Will new American soldiers come to Poland?
Meanwhile, the deputy head of the Ministry of National Defense, Paweł Zalewski, announced that talks are underway to increase American capabilities in Poland. When asked on RMF FM whether American soldiers who were to be withdrawn from Germany would go to Poland, he replied that “we have to wait for the Pentagon's decision.”
He was also asked whether – in his opinion – the decision to withdraw some US troops from Germany “is only a first step”, which could later lead to the withdrawal of soldiers from Spain or Italy, he expressed hope that this is not the case. He argued that the presence of American soldiers in Europe is, firstly, important for the stability and security of Europe in the context of the threat from Russia, and secondly, Europe offers the Americans military bases that enable the projection of power on three continents. – I think it is a matter of common European and American interests to have American soldiers in Europe – he noted.
In his opinion, the most important thing now is the creation of “NATO 3.0” – a new formula for the alliance, in which Europe takes much more action and takes over conventional defense responsibilities towards Russia. He added that this requires increasing the military capabilities of European countries, and – in his opinion – “Poland is a leader in this process.”
— Today this is the most important thing. It is also important to convince the Americans to stay and maintain their military capabilities in Europe, he emphasized.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
