Overview
- The Pentagon, which announced the move Friday through spokesman Sean Parnell, said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the pullout to be completed in six to twelve months after a force‑posture review.
- Germany hosts more than 36,000 U.S. troops and key hubs such as Ramstein Air Base and the U.S. European and Africa Commands, so the reduction still leaves a large footprint likely in the low‑ to mid‑30,000s.
- Reporting from senior defense officials says one brigade combat team will leave and a planned long‑range fires battalion deployment to Germany will be canceled.
- NATO said it is working with Washington to understand the details, and alliance spokeswoman Allison Hart urged Europe to keep boosting defense so deterrence does not slip.
- Top Republicans who lead the Armed Services Committees warned the drawdown risks sending the wrong signal to Russia, while President Trump said Saturday he intends to cut U.S. forces in Germany far beyond 5,000.