The Pentagon wants to nearly pull off the 12,000 American soldiers in Germany– and thus far more than previously known. About 6400 soldiers should be brought in the United States, other 5600 are to be transferred to other Nato countries, such as Italy and Belgium, announced the Minister of defense Mark Esper on Wednesday in Washington. Thus, the "strategic flexibility" of the American armed will forces, so Esper in a video conference.
in Addition, the two high command for Europe (US Eucom) and Africa (US Africom) from Stuttgart will be deducted. While the European high command to move to the Belgian Mons, is a location for the African high command is still not known.
so Far, the American government had spoken of a withdrawal of around 10,000 of the roughly 36,000 soldiers in Germany.
Trump had announced the partial withdrawal of American troops from Germany in June and him with the from his point of view to low defence spending in Germany is justified. The Federal government in Berlin had not been informed before the announcement. Also Esper demanded on Wednesday an increase in defence expenditure in Germany. "I think Germany is the most prosperous country in Europe," he said.Germany could and should spend more on its defense. "It's definitely the Two-percent meet the goal. And I would think, even more than that.“
The partial withdrawal of American troops from Germany in accordance with the words of Esper "as quickly as possible" should be implemented. Some aspects could be implemented within weeks, for other changes, more time is needed. A precise time plan Esper is not presented on Wednesday.
resistance in Congress
the implementation of the planned and likely to be for logistical reasons, long –part of withdrawal is likely but not yet spoken the last word. In the American Congress has formed already Trumps the Republicans and the Democrats resistance. The Plan is seen especially critical, because he could play the defense Alliance Nato to weaken Russia in the hands. In the Senate and in the house of representatives there are therefore plans to prevent the part of the deduction on the law of the upcoming military budget. In addition, Trump in November, is a candidate for a second term. If he should lose the election, could make the new President plans to undo.
The American troops were in the time of the Cold war as a security guarantor for the Federal Republic of Germany. At that time, there were at times almost 250,000 American soldiers in Germany. After the fall of the Berlin wall, however, was reduced radically: In the year 2000 there were only 70.000 American soldiers, ten years later, 48,000, and today, only the 36,000 are left. Thus, Germany is still the second most important location for the Troops of the United States in the world, after Japan.
Date Of Update: 29 July 2020, 10:20
