The United States has decided to withdraw about 5,000 U.S. troops stationed in Germany, a move expected to be carried out over the next year as part of a broader review of force posture in Europe.
According to Yonhap News Agency and other reports on May 2, the Donald Trump administration made the decision on May 1 local time to pull 5,000 troops from Germany.
Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s chief spokesperson, told Yonhap that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the withdrawal of about 5,000 troops from Germany. Parnell said the decision followed a review of overall U.S. force posture in Europe and took into account theater requirements and local conditions.
The withdrawal is expected to be completed within six to 12 months. About 36,436 U.S. troops are currently stationed in Germany; if the plan proceeds, the total would fall to about 31,000, a reduction of roughly 14%.
Germany is the second-largest host of U.S. forces overseas after Japan. Yonhap reported that Germany is a key hub that hosts the headquarters of U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command and has played a central role in European security since World War II.
About 28,500 U.S. troops are stationed in South Korea, the third-largest overseas presence after Germany and Japan. They are deployed around Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek and in Daegu, Gunsan and Osan. The U.S. Forces Korea presence is assessed as a core capability for deterring North Korea and as part of an Indo-Pacific strategy that includes countering China and Russia.
The Pentagon told Yonhap it could not comment on any impact the Germany drawdown might have on U.S. forces in South Korea, citing potential posture adjustments. It added that U.S. Forces Korea remains focused on deterrence and readiness and that the U.S. commitment to South Korea’s defense is unchanged.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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