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U.S. Cancels Poland Troop Rotation as Pentagon Reworks Europe Posture

The cancellation signals a broader shift toward a smaller U.S. footprint in Europe.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz review an honorary guard as they meet in Warsaw, Poland, February 14, 2025. REUTERS/Aleksandra Szmigiel/File Photo
BEMOWO PISKIE, POLAND - MAY 06: Soldiers of the U.S. Army 2nd Cavalry Regiment Stryker Brigade prepare to head out with their vehicles as they participate in the Amber Shock 26 portion of the Saber Strike 26 NATO military exercises on May 06, 2026 near Bemowo Piskie, Poland. The U.S. will possibly withdraw the 2nd Cavalry Regiment Stryker Brigade from its base in Vilseck, Germany, back to the U.S. following an announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump. Approximately 14,000 troops, including thousands of Americans, are participating in Saber Strike 26 in exercises across Poland and Lithuania. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
Troops from the US Army stand before they take part in live fire exercises during the multinational DEFENDER Europe 20 military exercises at the Drawsko Pomorskie training grounds on August 11, 2020, at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland.
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Overview

  • Army leaders told the House Armed Services Committee on Friday that the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team’s nine‑month rotation to Poland was canceled after U.S. European Command received force‑reduction orders.
  • Parts of the Texas brigade had already sent advance teams and shipped equipment to Europe, creating last‑minute reroutes and disrupting plans for soldiers and families.
  • A memo signed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also nixed a long‑range rocket battalion’s Germany rotation and directed removal of a fires command from Europe as part of cutting about 5,000 troops.
  • Lawmakers in both parties said they were not consulted and warned the shift could run afoul of a law that requires certifications before U.S. forces in Europe fall below 76,000 for extended periods.
  • NATO officials said a missed U.S. rotation does not alter the alliance’s defense plans, while Polish leaders sought assurances as overall U.S. numbers trend back toward pre‑2022 levels.