Grynkewich, who commands US forces in Europe and is NATO's top general, told the House Armed Services Committee in Washington on Wednesday that the permanent presence helps America's allies "pick up more of the burden" faster.
He added, however, that a rotational model also brings benefits, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
Grynkewich warned that, despite rising defense budgets, Europe will not be able to assume full conventional defense of the continent before 2035, according to the report.
He said that America’s network of European bases is vital for current operations in the Middle East.
Without it, the United States would not be able to "project power into Europe or the region,” he was quoted as saying, adding that NATO allies were supporting US efforts.
Alexus Grynkewich shakes hands with Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk during a meeting in Warsaw on July 25, 2025. Photo: PAP/Leszek Szymański
US Assistant Secretary of Defense Daniel Zimmerman, appearing alongside Grynkewich, called Poland “a model ally” and affirmed that Washington’s commitment to NATO remains intact despite President Donald Trump’s recent criticism of the alliance.
"The US stands with NATO, but if burden sharing becomes misaligned or thinly spread, this is not healthy for an alliance, and we want NATO to be as strong as it can be for the long term," he said.
(jh/gs)
Source: PAP, war.gov