{"id":73040,"date":"2020-07-31T10:13:59","date_gmt":"2020-07-31T10:13:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/armytimes\/uncategorized\/2020\/07\/31\/afrcom-ordered-to-plan-move-out-of-germany-latest-pullout-from-key-european-ally\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T13:55:52","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T13:55:52","slug":"afrcom-ordered-to-plan-move-out-of-germany-latest-pullout-from-key-european-ally","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/armytimes\/news\/pentagon-congress\/2020\/07\/31\/afrcom-ordered-to-plan-move-out-of-germany-latest-pullout-from-key-european-ally\/","title":{"rendered":"AFRICOM ordered to plan move out of Germany, latest pullout from key European ally"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

U.S. Africa Command<\/a> has been ordered to make plans to move out of its headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, its commander announced in an early morning media release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cU.S. Africa Command has been told to plan to move,\u201d AFRICOM commander Army Gen. Stephen Townsend said in the release. \u201cWhile it will likely take several months to develop options, consider locations, and come to a decision, the command has started the process. We will ensure we continue to support our host nation and African partners and our families and forces throughout.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s the latest move by President Donald Trump to pull U.S. troops and resources from a key European ally. On July 29, Defense Secretary Mark Esper announced that nearly 12,000 U.S. troops will pull out of Germany<\/a> as soon as is feasible. There are currently 36,000 there. As part of that plan, Esper announced that two headquarters elements \u2014 U.S. European Command and Special Operations Command Europe \u2014 would out of Stuttgart to Mons, Belgium, according to U.S. European Command boss Air Force Gen. Tod Wolters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the July 29 press conference announcing those decisions, it was hinted that AFRICOM could move out of Germany as well. Early this morning, Townsend confirmed he has been ordered to make plans to do so. The command could move elsewhere in Europe or even to America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn response to the President\u2019s direction, efforts are now underway to develop plans and options to relocate AFRICOM headquarters and forces from Germany,\u201d according to the release. \u201cThe command will look first at options elsewhere in Europe, but also will consider options in the United States.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are currently 1,200 military personnel assigned to AFRICOM headquarters, Air Force Col. Christopher Karns, a spokesman, told Military Times. That\u2019s out of 1,350 allocated billets, he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The release does not mention the fate of U.S. Special Operations Command Africa, the Theater Special Operations Command headquarters also located in Stuttgart. However, Karns told Military Times that \u201coptions for relocation will also be developed for Special operations Command Africa. Like AFRICOM, the Command will prioritize options in Europe but also consider places in the United States.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The command stood up in 2008 \u201cto protect and advance U.S. national interests in Africa and develop capable, professional partner nation military forces there and has been headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, since its inception,\u201d according to the release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is important our African partners understand our commitment to them remains strong,\u201d said Townsend. \u201cU.S. Africa Command will continue to work with our African and other partners to address mutual interests.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\t