Today the Secretary of Defense announced an update to the status of our U.S. European Command Force Posture review as a part of the department’s continued efforts to implement the National Defense Strategy.  Following the decision from the President in early June to reduce our force footprint in Germany, the Secretary provided direction to the Department to develop options for repositioning our forces throughout Europe using five core principles:

• Enhance deterrence of Russia
• Strengthen NATO
• Reassure allies
• Improve U.S. strategic flexibility and EUCOM operational flexibility
• Take care of our Service members and their families in the process

In total, approximately 11,900 military personnel will be repositioned from Germany, with nearly 5,600 repositioned within other NATO countries and 6,400 returning to the United States to address readiness and prepare for rotational deployments.

The plan will consolidate headquarters to strengthen operational efficiency, will reposition some forces to the United States to focus on readiness, and place rotational forces in the Black Sea region on NATO’s southeastern flank.  These force posture changes meet the Secretary’s above core principles while adapting our force posture to address national security concerns in today’s environment. In addition, these changes will prioritize service members and their families as they relocate throughout the process.

Read Secretary Esper's opening statement at the U.S. European Command Force Posture Policy press conference.

Watch the full press briefing below (Click here for the full transcript):