US soldiers withdrawn from Germany. Gen. Polko: We cannot compete for them as if they were a trophy
In an interview with Wprost, Gen. Roman Polko assessed the discussion on the relocation of US troops from Germany to Poland and warned against political competition in the issue of security.
Donald Trump announced a reduction in the American military presence in Germany by nearly 5,000. soldiers. Although the base in Vilseck in Bavaria will continue to operate, the decision sparked a discussion about the future of US involvement in Europe and the security of NATO’s eastern flank. Some politicians also suggested that some troops could be transferred to Poland. Gen. Roman Polko, however, cools down his emotions and emphasizes that Europe’s security cannot be reduced solely to the number of American soldiers stationed in a given country.
Gen. Polko for Wprost: Europe’s security cannot be reduced to the number of soldiers in a given country
The former GROM commander points out that membership in NATO and the European Union as well as transatlantic relations remain the foundation of Poland’s security. As he points out, the American nuclear umbrella is of key importance, but equally important is the development of the European pillar of NATO and increasing the defense capabilities of Europe itself.
– The European Union is starting to invest in the defense industry. The example of Ukraine shows that such programs make sense. Within a few years, Ukrainians have built a huge drone potential, which today sometimes gives them an advantage over Russia. If a country at war was able to do this, then Europe, with greater financial resources and operating in peace, could also develop similar capabilities – says General Polko in an interview with Wprost.
Referring to the possible relocation of US troops, the general emphasizes that contemporary security looks different than in the times of the Cold War. As he explains, what is crucial today are logistics hubs, equipment warehouses and the ability to quickly transfer NATO forces in the event of a crisis. The former GROM commander also admits that he does not understand the surprise with Donald Trump’s decisions. It recalls that the US security strategy has already identified the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East and the Western Hemisphere as the main US priorities. In his opinion, Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security.
Gen. Polko: moving US soldiers from Germany to Poland would not change the balance of power
Gen. Polko also estimates that the transfer of several thousand soldiers “to one side or the other” does not strategically change the security situation in Europe. However, he is critical of the political disputes surrounding the presence of American troops.
– Transferring a few thousand soldiers to one side or the other does not strategically change the security situation. That is why I am concerned about statements suggesting competition for the presence of American troops. The most important thing for NATO is solidarity and collective defense, not competition to please President Trump. – says the general.
In General Polko’s opinion, there should be no competition for American soldiers, because the essence of NATO is cooperation. He points out that even 100,000 American soldiers in Europe cannot be treated as the only guarantee of security. Lasting transatlantic relations remain the foundation.
Gen. Polko emphasizes that Poland should convince the United States that their presence in Europe is also in the interest of the Americans themselves. As he notes, the US needs European bases for operations in the Middle East, and its presence in Poland and the region allows it to monitor the situation in Russia and analyze the course of the war in Ukraine.
The former GROM commander also emphasizes that he does not see any actions by European countries aimed at weakening the US presence on the continent.
– I do not recall any statement by representatives of the Polish government that would question the importance of the US presence in Europe. I also do not see any actions aimed at “pushing” Americans out of Poland or Germany. On the contrary, European countries, including Poland, Germany, France and Great Britain, are trying to convince Donald Trump that NATO should remain a strong and solidary alliance. – General Polko points out.
Gen. Polko: infrastructure in Poland is ready to accept larger numbers of US soldiers
When asked about Poland’s infrastructural preparation to receive a larger number of American soldiers, General Polko estimates that the country has attractive training grounds and is constantly developing its military base. In his opinion, accepting an additional few thousand US soldiers would not be a major problem today.
– I believe that Poland is prepared for an increased American presence. Receiving several thousand additional soldiers would not be a problem today. The most important thing, however, is that the presence of US troops helps us build a modern army and develop modern training centers – emphasizes General Polko in an interview with Wprost.
The fight against disinformation is crucial for state security
At the same time, the military draws attention to the threats related to political tensions surrounding relations with the Donald Trump administration and Russian information warfare.
– Russian disinformation activities are very strong. Therefore, it is extremely harmful for politicians to accuse each other of “anti-Americanism” or to compete for who is more pro-American. State security should be an area of cross-party cooperation – warns the general.
Gen. Polko is also critical of involving institutions responsible for state security in the political dispute. As he points out, the National Security Office should focus exclusively on activities serving Poland’s security, beyond political divisions.
– Security must unite us, and it is shameful that the acting head of the National Security Bureau is involved in this discussion (Gen. Andrzej Kowalski – ed.). A general who does not have much military background, because he is mainly trained in other areas, has practically not completed any courses and is entering such a party-political narrative, instead of creating and developing the institution that the National Security Bureau has always been until now. – said General Polko.
