Particle.news
Download on the App Store
51 ARTICLES
·
3d ago

U.S. Ends 101st Airborne Brigade Rotation in Romania Without Replacement

Washington casts the shift as part of a global posture review that pivots resources toward the Indo‑Pacific, with greater conventional defense expected from European allies.

A NATO official played down the significance of the announcement
Image
Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and the Romanian 2nd Infantry Division held a joint award ceremony on March 8, 2023, in Buzau, Romania. (US Army photo by Staff Sgt. Malcolm Cohens-Ashley, 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs.)
Soldiers with the 101st Airborne Division will not be replaced when their unit returns home.

Overview

  • The U.S. Army Europe and Africa confirmed the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne is returning to Kentucky and will not be replaced, affecting elements previously spread across Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Slovakia, including Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base.
  • Romania’s defense ministry said roughly 1,000 U.S. troops will remain, down from about 1,700 earlier this year, and noted that Deveselu’s missile defense site and an air combat group at Mihail Kogălniceanu continue operating.
  • U.S. and NATO officials emphasized this is not a withdrawal or reduced commitment, stressing that American force levels in Europe are still higher than before Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
  • Sen. Roger Wicker and Rep. Mike Rogers criticized the decision and the process, warning of deterrence risks following recent Russian airspace violations and saying Congress was not consulted.
  • NATO was notified in advance, and officials link the move to the Pentagon’s ongoing Global Force Posture Review and a broader U.S. priority shift, with allies watching for any further posture changes.