Lieutenant General Ben Hodges: The suspension of troop deployments in Poland "was a surprise to everyone in the U.S. European Command"

The former commander of the U.S. ground forces in Europe, Lieutenant General (Ret.) Ben Hodges, commented on the Pentagon's decision to suspend the deployment of the 2nd Armored Brigade in Poland, describing it as "unexpected" and lacking adequate strategic communication.

In an interview for TVP World, Hodges emphasized that this decision surprised the U.S. European Command and the U.S. Army in Europe, raising questions about the coordination and strategy behind it. He mentioned that preparations for deployment had begun months in advance, and the equipment and soldiers were already in motion. The sudden suspension of the deployment could affect military planning and the credibility of NATO forces in the region. Hodges warned that the absence of an armored brigade, a significant military capability, necessitates the rapid finding of alternatives.

The decision was communicated during a meeting between the U.S. European Command and the American military structures in Europe and Africa, surprising the officials involved in the planning process.