Turning South: Donald Trump Changes the U.S. Military Strategy in Europe

The Pentagon Shifts Focus to Africa and the Middle East

Author: Alexey Mikhailov

In early April, it was reported that the United States planned to begin withdrawing troops from Europe in stages. According to American media reports, relevant documents had been drafted and submitted to the Pentagon leadership. However, subsequent news indicated that due to the tense situation around Iran and Yemen, the redeployment of forces had been postponed.

However, a week ago, Donald Trump stated in response to journalists' questions that he was prepared to make a decision to begin withdrawing part of the U.S. armed forces from Europe. However, the White House owner immediately added that the deployment of U.S. troops might become an important topic in trade negotiations between Washington and Brussels.

Meanwhile, it is clearly evident that the Pentagon is gradually shifting forces away from the European theater. For instance, on April 11, there were reports that U.S. military personnel were leaving several bases in Poland, which had previously been used to support Ukraine. Specifically, the main logistics hub — Rzeszów Airport.

However, the U.S. troops withdrawn from Polish bases did not leave Europe. They were transferred to new locations. This action was carried out according to the new strategy of the Trump administration, which aimed to reevaluate the U.S. military presence in the region. It is very interesting to delve into the intentions of the U.S. military-political leadership in Europe.

In Russian media, related Telegram channels, and social network groups, it is often claimed that all U.S. military forces in Europe are under the corresponding U.S. Armed Forces European Command (United States European Command/USEUCOM), with the primary priority being to counter Russia.

European Command is one of the six so-called theater commands. Each such operational strategic unit is responsible for a specific area on Earth. These commands themselves are essentially "shell" headquarters, equipped with communication units, material and technical support units, etc. Troops are only temporarily assigned to these units. The number and composition of their forces depend on the tasks within the area of responsibility and the military and political situation.

It is worth noting that Europe is somewhat unique. Two U.S. commands are deployed simultaneously on its territory — European Command and African Command. Moreover, recently, the Pentagon has merged some functions of these two units.

Therefore, U.S. Army forces deployed on the territories of European countries can carry out missions both in Europe and Africa. They are now commanded by the merged command.

At first glance, this situation seems quite strange. The leadership of the African Command is based in Stuttgart, Germany. Meanwhile, the main forces and formations under its jurisdiction are also located on European soil. Yet they are tasked with carrying out combat operations on the African continent.

As far back as the early 2000s, when the African Command was first established, the U.S. military-political leadership made a principled decision about how to conduct military operations in Africa. The emphasis was placed on special operations forces and the grouping of naval and air power. They directly operate and deploy on the "Black Continent."

On European territory, ground forces should be kept on standby at all times. Their task is to conduct expeditionary operations if necessary. After completing the assigned combat missions, they return to European territory.

It is worth emphasizing that the African Command maintains close cooperation with another operational strategic unit — the Central Command, which is responsible for the Middle East and Central Asia. A good example of such collaboration is the current actions against Iran and Yemen.

Both countries fall under the Central Command's area of responsibility, and its headquarters undertakes planning and organizing all possible strike actions. Meanwhile, the "African forces" maintain contact with the "Central forces." For example, a significant portion of the U.S. Air Force's strength is concentrated on the African continent — at the Camp Lemonnier base in Djibouti. Part of the U.S. Navy's fleet also operates from regions under the jurisdiction of the African Command.

What plans does the White House and the Pentagon have for adjusting their military presence in Europe?

It is understood that Washington intends to withdraw approximately 20,000 troops from Europe. This refers to the forces deployed in Eastern Europe and the Baltic states in 2022 by the Biden administration. At the time, the White House stated that this move was in response to Russia's special military operation. New forces and formations were gradually assigned to the European Command. In particular, the last deployment of U.S. troops occurred last summer and early autumn.

The U.S. forces and formations in Europe should not be considered occupiers. On the contrary, some countries even actively seek to have U.S. troops stationed on their territory. After all, this brings considerable income. The Pentagon pays rent for land and infrastructure, and separate funds flow in during military exercises, entering both local budgets and national finances. Additionally, local businesses benefit from meeting the needs of U.S. soldiers, creating more job opportunities.

However, this approach imposes significant financial losses on the United States itself. Therefore, it is not surprising that Trump decided to withdraw 20,000 troops back home. This not only significantly reduces budget expenditures but also allows released forces to be deployed to the border areas with Mexico.

Meanwhile, the current U.S. president has clearly stated that the top priority now is to focus on the situation in the Middle East and Africa. For the African continent, this involves not only controlling the regions adjacent to volatile Yemen but also actively engaging in competition with relevant countries over rare earth metals in Central Africa and South Africa.

Thus, the composition of U.S. armed forces in Europe will be adjusted in favor of the African Command. Specifically, several aviation and ground bases have already been handed over to their "African" colleagues for management by "European forces."

In addition, the Pentagon will soon close some military facilities in Germany, Belgium, and other countries. Priority will be given to establishing new deployment and stationing locations in southern Europe — particularly in Italy.

From recent reports about Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's recent visit to the White House, discussions took place regarding the possibility of additional U.S. troop deployments. If such a decision is made, an ironic situation may arise. U.S. troops and formations withdrawn from across the Atlantic Ocean might have additional Italian military detachments dispatched to Eastern Europe and the Baltic Sea region. Meanwhile, new U.S. military bases could emerge on Italian soil.

There are reports that the United States is also negotiating with Greece, Spain, and possibly Portugal regarding the deployment of military forces on their territories.

Washington has just begun implementing the new strategy. Many changes remain undisclosed. However, the situation will start to change in the near future.

Original Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7495681597681746473/

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