Pentagon Reviews U.S. Troop Levels in Europe for Hegseth

The Pentagon is conducting a comprehensive review of U.S. military deployments in Europe, preparing at least four detailed options for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth by November 6. The review, which aims to assess the strategic consequences of different force levels, has raised concerns among NATO allies that Washington may significantly reduce its contingent of approximately 80,000 troops stationed on the continent.

The internal review, launched in June, is examining U.S. basing arrangements, access to allied territory, and the broader strategic posture of American forces in Europe. According to a Pentagon document outlining the review's terms of reference, the top U.S. commander in Europe is expected to participate in a key briefing with the Pentagon's policy chief, Elbridge Colby, by September 18. This session will be instrumental in shaping the options presented to Hegseth. Colby is also scheduled to discuss the review with NATO ambassadors in Brussels on Thursday.

A senior Pentagon official emphasized that the process is designed to generate a spectrum of options, not to predetermine an outcome. "We want to be able to talk through the pros and cons of a variety of different...