First published in Deník N.

US President Donald Trump has voiced intentions to withdraw more than 5,000 American troops from Germany. He has also hinted at scaling back forces in Spain and Italy. This prompts a key inquiry: how did US military personnel establish a presence in Europe originally? And why would their exit concern nations across the continent?

"We truly appreciate our American friends - they bring vitality to our town in countless ways and add vibrancy to daily life," shared Nadine Firmont from Landstuhl, Germany. This southwestern German locale hosts the biggest US military enclave outside America, as noted by the Guardian.

"Their departure would be a profound loss. It would sting deeply," she continued.

By late last year, around 68,000 active-duty US troops were permanently posted at bases throughout Europe. Including temporary deployments, the figure might climb to 100,000.

Over half of those permanent troops - about 36,400 - called Germany home.

US-German ties hanging in the balance

Around these bases, a vast ecosystem of employment has sprung up, tied directly to the American presence - from local German contractors and base staff to eateries, retailers, and services catering to US personnel. Landstuhl, for instance, features the largest US hospital beyond American soil.

Relations have evolved far beyond economics. Over decades, deep bonds - including lasting friendships and even marriages - have formed between locals and service members.

This mutual reliance now faces uncertainty.

Trump's stance follows remarks from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz regarding the conflict in Iran, alongside his ongoing critiques of Europe for not supporting US efforts in the Middle East and skimping on its own defense contributions.

Yet, any major troop reductions face hurdles from US legislation.

Congress mandates at least 76,000 troops in Europe for more than 45 days, absent certifications that it serves US national security and involves NATO consultations.

Locations and troop numbers

US forces in Europe encompass army, navy, marines, air force, special operations, and lately space operations units. They base mainly in Germany and Italy, prioritizing rapid crisis response and security partnerships in Europe and Africa.

Their strategic value shines through in details like the estimated 100 B61 gravity bombs - compact tactical nukes - placed in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, and Turkey. These nations cannot activate them sans US approval.

Spanning from Greenland's northwest to Turkey, over 40 US bases dot the region. Ramstein Air Base in Germany stands as the premier site, occupied since 1952.

Italy follows with over 12,000 troops, rooted post-World War II at sites in Vicenza, Aviano, Naples, and Sicily.

The UK hosts more than 10,000 by year-end, chiefly air force at three key bases.

Spain - 3,814 troops. Primarily naval and air facilities near the Strait of Gibraltar.
Poland - 369 permanent soldiers plus about 10,000 rotational troops via the European Deterrence Initiative to bolster NATO security. Access to four bases.
Romania - 153 permanent plus rotational forces.
Hungary - 77 troops. Focus on rotational training at Kecskemét and Pápa bases.

Origins in postwar containment of eastern threats

Today's US footprint traces to post-World War II era, as transatlantic bonds solidified.

America aided Europe's recovery via the Marshall Plan while curbing Soviet expansion.

Postwar peaks saw nearly 1.9 million US troops in Europe, dropping to 79,000 by 1949.