Who would really be affected by the removal of US troops from Germany?

"Trump's abrupt announcement that the US would pull thousands of troops out of Germany came as a shock to Europe, but ultimately it may be a few small villages in Bavaria and the military personnel themselves that really feel the impact."

"According to by , the sudden move to remove US troops from Europe was not called for in a recent months-long review of the Pentagon's global footprint. Nonetheless, on May 1st the Pentagon made an official announcement that up to 5,000 troops would be pulled from Germany in the coming six to 12 months, and Trump suggested that reductions would go "a lot further"."

"Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said that the downsizing of US forces in Germany was "expected" , adding that "Europeans must take greater responsibility for our security." To that end, Germany currently has its sights set on building up Europe's biggest army."

"But while 5,000 less US soldiers in Germany may not really tip the scales in terms of Germany's (or Europe's) immediate defence capabilities, the move does come with tremendous impacts on thousands of Americans and Germans alike - as well as serious economic consequences for German towns where US military personnel have long played an important role in the community."

Trump suggested thousands of US troops would be pulled from Germany, surprising European leaders and some US military officials. The move was not called for in a recent Pentagon review of global force posture. The Pentagon later announced that up to 5,000 troops would be removed over six to 12 months, while Trump indicated reductions could go further. German officials downplayed the effect, with Defence Minister Boris Pistorius saying the downsizing was expected and that Europeans must take greater responsibility for security. Germany is focused on building up Europe’s largest army. Even if immediate defense balance changes are limited, the withdrawal affects thousands of Americans and Germans and creates economic consequences for German towns tied to US military personnel.

Read at The Local Germany