Army cancels brigade deployment to Poland after Pentagon orders force reduction

U.S. European Command to reduce forces. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and acting Chief of Staff Gen. Christopher LaNeve told the House Armed Services Committee on Friday that the decision originated with the defense secretary. Gen. LaNeve said he had consulted with Gen.

Alexus Grynkewich on the force structure and that the brigade would not deploy. U.S. troop levels in Europe will fall below the legal requirement of 76,000 if the Pentagon proceeds with its May 1 announcement to withdraw 5,000 soldiers from Germany.

Rogers said the committee would require the department to maintain statutory minimums and would impose consequences for any deviations. Rep. Joe Courtney questioned whether the move sends the wrong signal to European allies and Russia. Rep. Don Bacon said Polish officials were not informed in advance and expressed surprise at the lack of notification.

A Pentagon spokesman stated the decision followed a comprehensive review involving EUCOM leaders. U.S. troops in Europe has hovered around 80,000 in recent months after peaking near 100,000 following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.