WASHINGTON, 27 August, 2026 (Kamran Raja): The Pentagon’s review of U.S. troop deployments in Europe will prepare at least four options for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth by November 6, well ahead of the December deadline for completing the review, according to a document reviewed by Reuters. The options will outline potential troop numbers, locations, the speed of any adjustments and associated costs. The six-month review, announced in June, has raised concerns among NATO allies that it could result in significant reductions to the roughly 80,000 U.S. troops stationed across Europe. Allied countries are also expected to be assessed on their defense-spending commitments, gaps in NATO’s force structure and the access rights they provide to U.S. forces. The Pentagon’s “Terms of Reference” document details the review process and the criteria that will guide decisions on U.S. military basing across Europe. It also reveals that the top U.S. general in Europe is scheduled to participate in a decision briefing with Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby by September 18. The briefing is expected to play a key role in developing the troop deployment options that will ultimately be presented to Hegseth.