U.S. Cancels Planned Deployments of Armored Brigade to Eastern Europe and Missile Battalion to Germany

U.S. military deployments to Europe this week and ordered the removal of other personnel from the continent, according to two defense officials. A memo signed by Hegseth abruptly halted the scheduled deployment of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, which was expected to rotate through Poland, the Baltic states and Romania.

U.S. The memo also cancelled the future deployment to Germany of the 3rd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, which specializes in firing long-range rockets and missiles. A command in Europe overseeing long-range rocket and missile capabilities has been directed to be removed from the continent.

The 3rd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment was expected to deploy to Germany later this year and be stationed in Germany in the years ahead. There are roughly 4,700 soldiers in the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team whose deployment to Europe has been cancelled. There are over 500 soldiers in the 3rd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment.

U.S. troops in Europe overall, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. The announcement of the intent to withdraw troops raised eyebrows on Capitol Hill.

The Republican chairmen of the House and Senate Armed Services committees said they were “very concerned” by the decision. U.S. forces in support of Operation Epic Fury,” Sen.

Roger Wicker and Rep. Mike Rogers said in a joint statement on May 2 after the planned reduction of troops in Germany was first announced. U.S. military could not have under 76,000 troops permanently stationed or deployed to Europe for more than 45 days without providing a series of notifications and certifications to Congress about strategy.

“As far as I know, we weren’t notified about it,” said Democratic Sen. Shaheen, who sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee. “It is, I think, very short sighted,” she added.

U.S. Troops following criticism by President Donald Trump about support from European allies. The cancellation of scheduled rotations and deployments could be a way to work around the logistical challenges of quickly withdrawing forces who are permanently stationed in Germany, particularly those whose families are also stationed there, while still bringing numbers down.

Prepared talking points obtained by Cnn said the decision will “help restore readiness” and send a clear signal that Germany and other allies must take over primary responsibility for Europe’s defense.

U.S. and its allies in Europe. The Defense Department declined to comment on the deployment cancellations. S.