Staying in Europe Critical, Brady Argues

The top US airman in Europe does not think the US should significantly draw down its remaining European-based assets. Gen. Roger Brady, who leads US Air Forces in Europe, said Tuesday at AFA’s Air & Space Conference that any further reduction in US forces in Europe would negatively affect the balance—security and economic—NATO provides as well as coalition operations in Southwest Asia, where USAFE forces continue to provide a significant combat and support force.”Our success is one of the reasons why people are questioning whether or not we are going to keep our current levels,” he said. Brady emphasized, too, the need to maintain interoperability with other NATO countries to enable critical “collective action.” He asserted, “The only way to strengthen and modernize is to be present.”