Internal Pentagon documents show that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will be presented with at least four options for U.S. troop levels in Europe by November 6. The deadline for these proposals arrives ahead of the official completion of a six-month military review scheduled for December. The evaluation, which began in June, is analyzing the future of approximately 80,000 U.S. troops currently stationed across the continent.
The review process follows statements from the Trump administration indicating an intent to reduce military commitments in Europe. Officials have cited frustrations regarding the level of support some NATO allies provided during the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. Specifically, the administration noted instances where nations delayed or denied overflight and basing permissions for American aircraft. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that while he acknowledged the U.S. position, a majority of European allies had provided meaningful assistance.
According to the "Terms of Reference" document, the review uses specific criteria to assess future basing decisions. A key meeting is scheduled for September 18 between the top U.S. general in Europe and Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon's policy chief. This briefing will frame the formal options delivered to Hegseth. The review also includes a questionnaire sent to allies—due by Friday—which asks about restrictions on U.S. access, basing, and overflight (ABO), as well as their stance on transatlantic defense cooperation.
The scale of the potential shift is significant for international defense planning. Beyond the 80,000 personnel, the review encompasses critical "intelligence architectures," cyber infrastructure, and space assets that facilitate global U.S. power projection. A senior Pentagon official stated that the administration is transitioning toward providing "limited support with allies in the lead." This shift could require European governments to increase their own defense spending to fill gaps in the NATO Force Model, potentially leading to tax adjustments or budget reallocations within those countries to meet the spending pledges monitored by the Pentagon review.
The precedent established by this review links military basing directly to an ally's cooperation in unrelated regional conflicts, such as the war against Iran. This suggests that future U.S. troop presence may be contingent on a country's willingness to grant overflight and basing rights during specific U.S. operations. The immediate next steps include the Friday deadline for allied questionnaires and the September 18 briefing for policy chief Elbridge Colby. The final set of options is expected to reach Secretary Hegseth by November 6, with the full review concluding in December.