The Pentagon’s internal review of U.S. troop levels in Europe will present Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth with at least four deployment scenarios by November 6, ahead of a December deadline. The review, launched in June, aims to reassess the roughly 80,000 U.S. forces stationed across Europe, amid concerns from NATO allies that it could lead to significant cuts.
A newly disclosed Pentagon document outlines the review’s criteria, including U.S. access, basing, and overflight rights—known as ABO—across allied nations. The document also expands the definition of ABO to include space, cyber, and intelligence infrastructure supporting U.S. global operations. Senior Pentagon officials emphasize the review’s intent to evaluate allies’ contributions, including their progress toward NATO spending pledges and crisis force commitments.
NATO allies remain skeptical, with some privately arguing the review’s outcome is predetermined. The Pentagon insists the process remains open-ended, though it acknowledges frustration over allies’ perceived lack of support for U.S. priorities, including the war in Iran. A Pentagon official stated the review seeks to provide a full spectrum of options, from current force levels to potential reductions.
