Breedlove: Changes Enhance Eucom’s Readiness, Mission Posture

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 2015 – A military infrastructure consolidation announced today at the Pentagon will create efficiencies that enable the United States to maintain a persistent and capable presence in Europe, the commander of U.S. European Command said today.

In a statement released in conjunction with this morning’s announcement, Air Force Gen. Philip M. Breedlove said the actions are part of a continued Defense Department effort to match infrastructure with operational requirements and military force structure.

Changes Reflect Results of Thorough Review

“Due to past and ongoing force reductions, a changing security environment, advances in technology, and the ongoing tough fiscal climate, the U.S. undertook a thorough review of the infrastructure requirements necessary to support U.S. forces in and around Europe,” Breedlove said. “The adjustments and resulting efficiencies will help ensure the U.S. can maintain a persistent and capable presence in Europe.”

The U.S. military presence in Europe and the relationships built there over the last 70 years give the United States strategic access critical to meeting its NATO commitments and responding to threats to its allies and partners, Breedlove said. The changes will enhance Eucom's operational readiness and mission posture, he added.

Commitment to NATO, Forward Presence in Europe

“The United States remains strongly committed to NATO and our forward presence of military forces in Europe,” the general said. “We have invested heavily in our European infrastructure in the last several years in order to ensure that we are ready and able to defend U.S. interests and meet our security commitments to our allies and partners now and in the future.

“At the same time,” he continued, “in the context of a challenging fiscal environment, we must seek greater efficiencies with respect to our presence in Europe and ensure we are focusing resources where they can have the greatest effect. [The European infrastructure consolidation] will enable the DoD to focus funds to maintain our operational capabilities across the European region to meet today's threats and prepare for tomorrow's challenges.”