“According to the media, the US plans to cut approximately 200 positions in NATO structures”, — write: www.radiosvoboda.org
As part of the move, which the Trump administration has informed some European capitals, the US will cut about 200 positions in NATO structures that oversee and plan the alliance’s military and intelligence operations, according to the agency.
Among the structures that will be affected, the sources said, is NATO’s Joint Intelligence Center, based in Great Britain, and the Allied Special Operations Command in Brussels. Portugal’s STRIKFORNATO, which oversees some naval operations, will also be reduced, as will several other similar NATO structures, the sources said.
As The Washington Post writes with reference to unnamed American officials, this decision will reduce the participation of the United States in 30 centers of excellence of the alliance, which are engaged in the training of NATO forces in various elements of warfare.
According to the publication, the Pentagon does not intend to withdraw the personnel immediately, but will replace them as their service ends, which could take years. US participation in the centers does not end completely.
WP writes that this decision has been considered for several months, and one of the officials noted that it is not related to the escalation of threats by President Donald Trump to seize Greenland.
The changes are minor compared to the size of US forces stationed in Europe and do not necessarily signal a wider US withdrawal from the continent. About 80,000 military personnel are stationed in Europe, almost half of them in Germany.