U.S. Secretary of State Says Europe Troop Adjustments Not Punitive

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Friday that ongoing adjustments to U.S. military deployments in Europe are not punitive. He spoke after meetings with NATO foreign ministers in Helsingborg, Sweden. Rubio said the United States must meet global commitments and regularly reviews where troops are stationed.

He described the process as pre-existing and said it would continue in collaboration with allies.

The Pentagon announced on May 1 that it would withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany. Earlier this month, it canceled the planned deployment of roughly 4,000 service members from the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team to Poland. On Thursday, officials announced that an additional 5,000 troops would be sent to Poland.

It remains unclear whether these forces will come from the Germany withdrawal, the previously canceled Poland deployment, or other units.

Lawmakers on the House and Senate Armed Services Committees have expressed concern over limited information about the changes. Committee Chairman Mike Rogers said there had been no statutory consultation with Congress. On Tuesday, the Pentagon announced it would reduce the number of Brigade Combat Teams in Europe from four to three.

Assistant to the Secretary of War for Public Affairs Sean Parnell said the department would determine final force placements based on strategic requirements and allied contributions.