NATO Restructures Commands, US Hands Over Key Roles

NATO announced on Tuesday a restructuring of its command structure, with the United States handing over leadership of two key operational commands to European allies while retaining the alliance's top military position. The changes, set to unfold incrementally over the coming years, aim to distribute responsibilities more evenly among member states.

Under the plan, the United Kingdom will assume command of Joint Force Command Norfolk, based in Virginia, and Italy will take over Joint Force Command Naples, both currently led by American officers. Germany and Poland will share leadership of Joint Force Command Brunssum in the Netherlands on a rotational basis. These three commands, which operate at the four-star level to guide NATO operations during crises and conflicts, will now all be headed by European officers. In exchange, the United States will assume control of NATO Maritime Command, previously under British leadership, and will continue to lead NATO's Land Command and Air Command.

The United States will maintain its longstanding role as Supreme Allied Commander Europe, a position currently held by U.S. Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich. This arrangement underscores...