The US War Department announcedPentagonYesterday, Friday, the United States announced that the United States would withdraw five thousand soldiers from Germany, a member of NATO, following a public disagreement between US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding the war. Iran.
This announcement represents the most concrete step taken by the US government to date to reduce its military presence in Europe, after months of complaints from Washington that… Europe It is not doing enough to take care of its security and to support the Americans in Iran.
Below are some key details about the US military presence in Europe.
How manyAmerican forces in Europe?
Information from the US Department of War Manpower Data Center indicates that about 68,000 US military personnel on active duty are permanently stationed in American bases Out of the country in Europe since December 2025. These numbers do not include forces deployed periodically on temporary missions or training.
Soldiers at US Army training facilities in Hohenfels, southern Germany, on April 30, 2026 (Reuters)
According to a report issued by CongressThe US Army is stationed at 31 permanent bases and 19 other military sites accessible to the US Department of War, as of March 2024.
How are American forces formed in Europe?
The US European Command oversees US military operations throughout Europe and coordinates with NATO members (NATO) through six commands representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Forces, in addition to the newly created Space Force.
The headquarters of these commands are located in Germany and Italy, and their tasks focus on responding to crises and enhancing security cooperation across Europe and Africa.
Washington is considering withdrawing about 5,000 of its forces in Germany amid disagreements over Iran… Berlin: The step is expected
The Pentagon announced on Friday that US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had ordered the withdrawal of about five thousand soldiers from Germany within a year
Where are these forces stationed in Europe?
American forces are stationed in more than 12 European countries. Germany, Italy and Britain have the largest number of soldiers. This list includes some of the largest units.
📌 Germany: The largest American military base in Europe is located at Ramstein Air Base near the city of Ramstein, where forces have been stationed since 1952. The US Army garrison in Bavaria is located in southern GermanyWith its headquarters in Grafenwoehr, it is a major training center for forces in Europe. According to information from the US Department of War’s Manpower Data Center, 36,436 soldiers were on active duty in Germany as of December 2025, distributed among five garrisons.
📌 Italy: US military personnel have been stationed in Italy since the end of World War II, and the American presence includes teams from the army, navy, and air force. Center data indicate that Italy It hosted 12,662 soldiers on active duty at the end of 2025, distributed on bases in Vicenza, Aviano, Naples and Sicily.
📌 Britain: The number of American forces reached UK 10,156 soldiers in December 2025, distributed over three bases, mainly hosting Air Force elements.
An American soldier walks in front of an armored vehicle during the Balkan Ranger-25 military exercise, in Kurin, Bulgaria (Reuters)
📌 Spain: The country hosts American Navy and Air Force bases near the Strait of Gibraltar. Manpower Data Center information indicates that 3,814 individuals have been permanently deployed in… Spain From December 2025.
📌Poland: hosts Poland 369 active-duty personnel are permanently stationed, in addition to about 10,000 members of rotating forces funded under the European Deterrence Initiative, according to information from the Center and the Congressional Research Service. These individuals are stationed at four bases that allow the United States temporary entry.
📌 Romania: Similar to Poland and the former communist bloc countries, it hosts Romania A rotating presence of American forces, in addition to 153 active-duty individuals stationed permanently, according to information from the Center and the Congressional Research Service. Bases that the United States has the capacity to use include the Mikhail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Campia Torzi and Divisello.
📌 Hungary: The United States conducts periodic deployments and training missions in Hungary. The center reported in December that the country hosted 77 individuals permanently stationed at two bases, Kishkemet and Baba Air Base.
