Pentagon Review to Present U.S. Troop Options for Europe by November 6

The Pentagon is conducting a review of U.S. troop deployments in Europe and will present at least four sets of options to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth by November 6. According to a document seen by Reuters, the review is moving ahead of its December completion deadline. The process includes a key decision briefing between the top U.S. general in Europe and Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby scheduled by September 18. The review evaluates U.S. basing decisions and examines access, basing, and overflight rights, as well as space, cyber, and intelligence infrastructure.

Pentagon officials state the review aims to provide a spectrum of options to transition toward a model where allies take the lead in their own conventional defense. Elbridge Colby recently reaffirmed that Europe remains a fundamental interest for the United States, even as Washington prioritizes Asia and the Western Hemisphere. He praised the progress European allies have made in assuming more responsibility for their own defense and for the support of Ukraine.

However, some NATO allies have expressed skepticism. Reports indicate concerns that the review could lead to large scale cuts of the approximately 80,000 U.S. forces in Europe. Some allies fear they may be penalized for what President Donald Trump perceives as inadequate support for the U.S. Israeli war against Iran, specifically regarding basing and overflight access. While NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte noted that most Europeans have been helpful, a Pentagon official noted that President Trump has been clearly frustrated with the behavior of certain allies.