FORT CAMPBELL, KY (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Army announced this morning that the 101st Airborne Division will return home from Europe as scheduled, but without being replaced, ending a series of deployments to Romania and nearby countries that began in 2022.

“As part of the Secretary of War’s deliberate process to ensure a balanced U.S. military force posture, the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division will re­deploy as scheduled to their Kentucky-based home unit without replacement,” a press release from US Army Europe and Africa stated.

“This is not an American withdrawal from Europe or a signal of lessened commitment to NATO and Article 5. Rather this is a positive sign of increased European capability and responsibility. Our NATO allies are meeting President Trump’s call to take primary responsibility for the conventional defense of Europe. This force posture adjustment will not change the security environment in Europe,” the release said.

“The U.S. maintains a robust presence throughout the European Theater, and maintains the ability to array forces and capabilities to meet objectives in the Theater and support U.S. priorities, including President Trump’s commitment to defend NATO allies.”

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The Romanian defense ministry said the move was expected. “The resizing of U.S. forces is an effect of the new priorities of the presidential administration, announced as early as February,” according to a statement from the Romanian defense ministry reported by Stars and Stripes.

The U.S. began rotating a brigade to Romania in the aftermath of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The increased troop presence in Romania and other parts of the eastern flank was intended to reassure allies unsettled by Russian aggression in Europe and deter Moscow from potentially making a move on NATO territory, Stars and Stripes reported.

Since then, the 101st Airborne Division has rotated several units, some for multiple deployments, through Europe, including the division Headquarters, 1st BCT Bastogne, 3rd BCT Rakkasans and 2nd MBCT Strike, according to Clarksville Now archives.

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