Pentagon launches formal review of US force posture in Europe

Published Jul 29, 06:37 PM UTC

The Pentagon has formally initiated a review of U.S. military force posture and basing across Europe, as announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a NATO defense ministerial in June 2026. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby confirmed the review's launch on social media, stating it aims to accelerate NATO's transition toward Europe taking primary responsibility for its conventional defense. The review follows repeated calls by Trump administration officials for European allies to assume greater burden-sharing. No troop reductions or unit movements have been announced yet. The review is expected to take up to six months and will include input from U.S. European Command, Congress, and allied consultations. It is designed to align U.S. force posture with the 2025 National Security Strategy and the 2026 National Defense Strategy, with a focus on strategic rigor and geopolitical realities.