WASHINGTON — House Armed Services Committee Republicans confronted Army leaders today over plans to redeploy 2,000 U.S. troops from Poland, with Rep. Mark Green saying the move sends the wrong signal to NATO partners.
The reduction cuts the U.S. military footprint in Poland by 20 percent, lowering total presence to 8,000 personnel. The move follows a broader realignment that cut the Pentagon's European Command budget by 3 percent for fiscal 2026.
Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George defended the decision, citing a strategic shift to allocate resources against emerging threats in the Indo-Pacific region as the administration prioritizes defense assets against challenges from China.
The decision threatens contracts for defense industry giants. Lockheed Martin, a major supplier of F-16 fighter jets and HIMARS rocket systems to Poland, could see future sales jeopardized if U.S. military presence diminishes. Poland has committed more than $15 billion to U.S. defense procurement in the past four years.
Any perceived weakening of the U.S. commitment could prompt Poland to diversify its defense suppliers, potentially turning to South Korean or European firms.
The troop reduction creates a power vacuum that benefits Russian strategic interests. Poland has consistently advocated for robust U.S. military presence as a deterrent against Russian aggression, especially along its eastern border. The withdrawal weakens NATO's eastern flank and raises concerns among Baltic states that also rely on strong U.S. deterrence.
Sen. Ted Cruz, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, criticized the move as detrimental to national security.
Poland's conservative government, a staunch U.S. ally, relies on security cooperation to maintain domestic support. A perceived abandonment by Washington could destabilize the region and embolden populist movements critical of NATO.
