The Last Time We Reduced Troops in Europe, a War Broke Out
Former U.S. Army Europe commander Mark Hertling warns that reducing U.S. troop levels in Europe could repeat a past strategic error that preceded Russian aggression in Ukraine. He argues that the current decision lacks the careful planning and consultation that characterized previous force adjustments. Hertling believes a reduced military presence may embolden adversaries and weaken NATO deterrence.
- ▪Mark Hertling was commander of U.S. Army Europe in the early 2010s during a prior troop drawdown.
- ▪He warned that removing a tank brigade combat team would signal weakness to Russia, which later invaded Crimea and Donbas.
- ▪Hertling doubts the current troop reduction was based on a thorough strategic review like past adjustments.
- ▪He cites a warning from former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili that withdrawing capabilities would prompt Russian action.
- ▪The current plan involves cutting 5,000 U.S. troops from Europe, reportedly influenced by political tensions between Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
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The Last Time We Reduced Troops in Europe, a War Broke OutI still carry the burden of that strategic failure.Mark HertlingMay 02, 2026ShareA member of a U.S. Army tank crew sits in his M1 Abrams main battle tank as it participates in the U.S. Army Europe and Africa International Tank Challenge on February 11, 2025 at Grafenwoehr, Germany. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)ONE OF THE BIGGEST MISTAKES of my career wasn’t something I did. It was something I failed to prevent.I was commander of U.S. Army Europe in the early 2010s when U.S. forces were being drawn down in the European theater. I argued—forcefully, with member of Congress, the administration and the Department of Defense, and even my military commanders—that we shouldn’t do it.
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