"The current plan of the European Command is to relocate about 11.9 thousand troops from Germany, reducing (the number there. - RT ) from about 36 thousand to 24 thousand," he said during a press conference.
Esper added that about 5,600 troops will be stationed in NATO countries, and 6,400 will return to the United States and will be deployed in Europe on a rotational basis.
He clarified that at the same time 4,500 armored forces will return home, other units will be deployed on a rotational basis "in the east and in the Black Sea region." According to him, this is necessary to "strengthen containment" of Russia and ensure the security of the allies on the southeastern flank.
“There may be additional opportunities for accommodation in Poland and the Baltic countries,” RIA Novosti quotes the head of the Pentagon.
As previously stated in the American military department, the United States will withdraw 11.9 thousand troops from Germany, some of them will be sent to Italy and Belgium.