The Trump administration has decided to decrease US troops stationed in Germany. Currently, Germany has approximately 34,000 troops are currently stationed. The United States President, Donald Trump has been criticizing Germany on various issues. Top of the list is less expenditure on defence. Moreover, NATO\’s recommendation of defence spending is 2% of total GDP.
The US military presence in Germany dates back to the end of world war two. When US forces were stationed there on front lines of the cold war to deter USSR from the attack on NATO members. Although defence analysts were expecting to reposition of US troops size the timing of reduction is unexpected.
Republicans are against troops withdrawal
According to CNN, about two dozen Republicans are pushing back on the White House plan to draw down US troops. Rep. Mac Thornberry, the top Republican on the panel, plus 21 other Republicans on the committee urgedTrump not to significantly reduce the number of US forces in Germany. \”We strongly believe that NATO allies, such as Germany, should do more to contribute to our joint defence efforts.
\”Moreover, at the same time, we also know that the forward stationing of American troops since the end of World War II has helped to prevent another world war and, most importantly, has helped make America safer,\” the lawmakers wrote.
The Russian threat continues
\”In Europe, the threats posed by Russia have not lessened, and we believe that signs of a weakened US commitment to NATO will encourage further Russian aggression and opportunism. In addition, the overall limit on troops would prevent us from conducting the exercises that are necessary for the training and readiness of our forces and those of our allies,\” they added.
Germany is taking advantage of US
Similarly, President Trump has defended the decision. Claiming the troops repositioning is due to less than 2% of GDP by Germany. \”We spend a lot of money on Germany, they take advantage of us on trade and they take advantage of the military. So we\’re reducing the force,\” he told reporters at the White House. \”They\’re there to protect Europe. They\’re there to protect Germany, and Germany is supposed to pay for it,\” Trump added. \”We don\’t want to be responsible anymore.
Decreasing the number of troops
Approximately 11,900 US troops, a mix of Army and Air Force units, will be removed from Germany. To meet Trump\’s mandated cap of 25,000 US forces in Germany.
