US to withdraw nearly 12,000 troops from Germany

July 30 ------ The United States will slash its military presence in Germany by 11,900 troops in what the Pentagon on Wednesday called a “strategic” repositioning, but President Donald Trump said was to punish Berlin for its weak defense spending. US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said that the Pentagon will be sending home about 6,400 of its military personnel in Germany, and move nearly 5,600 to other NATO countries, including Italy and Belgium.

Some could also be relocated to Poland and the Baltic countries if Washington can reach agreements with them, he said. The move, which will cost the US government several billion dollars, will cut the presence of US military personnel in Germany to around 24,000. Esper stressed that the action is part of his broader plan to reposition US military forces globally to better address the key threats from Russia and China. “The repositioning of our forces in Europe constitutes a major strategic and positive shift,” Esper said.

“These changes will unquestionably achieve the core principles of enhancing US and NATO deterrence of Russia; strengthening NATO; reassuring allies; and, improving US strategic flexibility,” he said. But at the White House, Trump told reporters that Germany has not paid its fair share for the defense of Europe. “We don’t want to be the suckers anymore…. We’re protecting Germany, so we’re reducing the force because they’re not paying the bills,” said the US leader.

– ‘Self-inflicted wound’ –

The German government was cautious in its reaction to the move, expected since June. “The federal government is taking note of this decision and will closely coordinate for a further implementation with the (German) federal states, the US government and within NATO,” the foreign and defense ministries said in a joint statement. “We have been and are proud to host US troops,” tweeted Germany’s ambassador to the United States, Emily Haber.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Esper’s announcement “underlines the continued commitment by the United States to NATO and to European security.” “As we face a more unpredictable world, we are stronger and safer when we stand together,” he said. But others criticized the strategic value and justification for the move. “This is a self-inflicted wound by President Trump against American interests,” said US Democratic Senator Jack Reed. The moves “lack a strategic rationale, weaken our allies’ confidence in the reliability of US defense commitments, and serve to embolden (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s efforts to divide the alliance,” he said.

Source: mb.com.ph