The agency indicates that the US decisions reflect a growing split between the administration and European allies. President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized other NATO members for their lack of support for the war in Iran.
Troop rotations were to be canceled after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed a memo ordering the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff to move a combat brigade out of Europe. AP indicates that the choice of the unit was to be made by military commanders.
Confusion surrounding US soldiers in Poland
Pentagon spokesman Joel Valdez said that “the decision to withdraw troops is a comprehensive, multi-layered process” and argued that it was not an “unexpected, last-minute decision.”
However, American soldiers were to be surprised. An AP source said a meeting was called on Monday with 20 minutes' notice to discuss canceling the mission to Poland. Industry websites reported this matter on Wednesday.
— At that time, soldiers had already been sent to Poland, and some, still in the U.S., were informed just before departure not to travel to the airport, the American official said.
Another added that most of the unit's military equipment had already arrived in Europe.
Republicans also criticize the decision
According to American congressmen – both Democrats and Republicans – the confusion caused by the change in the deployment of troops in Poland sends a negative signal to US allies.
Republican Congressman Don Bacon called the decision “reprehensible.” — What we have just done to Poland is a shame for our country – he declared.
Another Republican congressman, Mike Rogers, said: “We are not happy with what is being said.”
NATO calms down
According to one of the NATO representatives quoted by the Washington Post, the Alliance is aware that “the United States is working to adjust its position in Europe.” However, changes to rotational forces “will not affect NATO's deterrence and defense plans” – adds the daily. According to a NATO representative, the presence of Canadian and German troops on the eastern flank of the Alliance is growing.
The Washington Post also adds that on May 1 at the US Army base Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood), US army commanders did not signal that their deployment in Poland was at risk. Instead, they told the soldiers that they were going on an important mission.
