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First Post
2 days ago
- Business
- First Post
Is this Trump's step towards taking over Greenland?
The Pentagon is preparing to shift military oversight of Greenland from US European Command to US Northern Command, a move that could draw the Arctic island closer into America's strategic orbit, according to a report read more The Pentagon is preparing to shift military oversight of Greenland from US European Command to US Northern Command, a move that could draw the Arctic island closer into America's strategic orbit as President Donald Trump continues to show interest in taking control over the Arctic landmass. According to a Politico report, the shift in oversight, which could come as soon as this week, could also help the US broaden its Golden Dome missile shield by providing more radars for coverage. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Under the plan, Greenland would shift to Northern Command, which is responsible for overseeing the security of North America, added the report, citing a DOD official and two people familiar with the planning. The switch is the clearest step yet in the Trump administration's effort to gain control over Greenland, an autonomous territory tied to Denmark. Trump first mentioned buying Greenland during his first term, but has brought it up more often since winning re-election last November. His renewed interest has worried Greenland's 58,000 residents and frustrated the Danish government, which says the island is not for sale. Moving Greenland under US Northern Command is likely to draw attention in Denmark and among Nato allies, many of whom are uneasy about Trump's ongoing push to take over the island and his refusal to rule out military options. Meanwhile, Denmark and the Faroe Islands will stay under European Command, creating a symbolic and practical split from Greenland. 'From the perspective of geography, the move makes some sense,' Politico quoted one of the people familiar with the matter as saying. 'From a political perspective, however, this clearly is going to worry Europe,' the official added. According to the Politico report, the shift in Greenland's oversight comes as part of the Pentagon's broader review of the Unified Command Plan, which defines the responsibilities of the military's six geographic commands. While the Greenland move doesn't change leadership structures, other proposals — like merging Northern and Southern Commands or moving Africa Command back under European Command — could significantly affect top military roles and the global distribution of US forces. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For months, the Trump administration has emphasised Greenland's strategic value, citing its North Atlantic location as key for missile defence and tracking Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic. The change could pave the way for more Golden Dome radar systems on the island, further integrating Greenland into US and Canadian defence strategies. US Northern Command is primarily tasked with defending the homeland, overseeing missions like border security, air and missile defense, and military cooperation with Canada and Mexico. Shifting Greenland under Northern Command would effectively separate it from Denmark in US strategic planning, elevating the island's importance in Pentagon and White House discussions, reported Politico. According to the report, citing one source familiar with the move, Denmark has not yet been formally briefed about the move. The US has maintained a military presence in Greenland for decades. In March, Vice President JD Vance and then–national security adviser Mike Waltz visited Pituffik Space Base — home to the Pentagon's northernmost deepwater port and a key site for monitoring Russia and China. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD During the visit, Vance urged Greenland to 'cut a dea' with the US, saying, 'I think that you'd be a lot better coming under the United States security umbrella than you have been under Denmark's.' Back in January, Denmark pledged an additional $2 billion toward Greenland's defence in part to ease US concerns. Still, Nato and European leaders remain wary of Trump's growing interest in the island. Trump's comments on the importance of the Arctic have caught the attention of Nato leaders. The alliance's secretary general, Mark Rutte, said last week that 'for Nato, we're getting more involved' in Arctic security issues. He added that Trump calling attention to Russian and Chinese moves in the region marked a positive development. In an interview with NBC last month, Trump said he would not rule out taking Greenland by military force. 'I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything,' he was quoted as saying. 'We need Greenland very badly,' he added. With inputs from agencies
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pentagon to redraw command map to more closely align Greenland with the US
The Pentagon is poised to shift its oversight of Greenland by putting it under U.S. Northern Command, a symbolic gesture that would more closely align the island territory with the U.S. as President Donald Trump continues to show interest in taking control over the Arctic landmass. The shift in oversight, which could come as soon as this week, could also help the U.S. broaden its Golden Dome missile shield by providing more radars for coverage. Under the plan, Greenland would shift from European Command's jurisdiction to Northern Command, which is responsible for overseeing the security of North America, according to a DOD official and two people familiar with the planning. The people were granted anonymity to discuss the move ahead of its announcement. The switch is the most concrete step yet in the Trump administration's months-long effort to gain ownership over Greenland, an autonomous island aligned with Denmark. Trump briefly brought up buying Greenland during his first term, but has talked about it repeatedly since winning the election last November, alarming the island's 58,000 inhabitants and frustrating the Danish government, which says it has no interest in selling. Making Greenland part of Northcom will be heavily scrutinized in Denmark and throughout NATO, which has been uneasy over Trump's months-long campaign to take control over the island and his refusal to rule out military action to seize territory. Denmark and the semi-autonomous Faroe Islands will remain under European Command, creating a symbolic and operational split between those territories and Greenland. 'From the perspective of geography, the move makes some sense,' said one of the people familiar. 'From a political perspective, however, this clearly is going to worry Europe,' the official added. The switch in jurisdiction is part of the Pentagon leadership's review of the Unified Command Plan, which outlines the areas of responsibility for the department's six geographic combatant commanders. While the Greenland split doesn't involve any major shifts in leadership, other proposals — including combining Northern Command and Southern Command and pulling the Africa Command back under the Germany-based European Command — would have deep impacts on the number of three- and four-star officers serving in the military, and on how many assets are assigned to different areas of the globe. The Trump administration has for months talked about the strategic importance of Greenland for U.S. security, pointing out that its location in the North Atlantic makes American control critical for stepped-up missile defense programs and monitoring Russia and Chinese shipping in the Arctic. The change opens the possibility of adding more Golden Dome radar systems on Greenland and expanding that network of sensors, while more closely aligning the island with Canadian and American regional defense plans. The Danish embassy in Washington did not respond to a request for comment. A DOD official deferred to the White House, which did not respond to a request for comment. Northern Command is chiefly responsible for protecting U.S. territory and oversees missions such as the southern border, air and missile defense, and working with Canada and Mexico on joint security matters. Putting Greenland under Northern Command would, in effect, cleave Greenland from Denmark when it comes to how the island is prioritized in policy discussions at the Pentagon and the White House. The second person familiar with the planning said the Danish government has not been formally briefed on the upcoming move. The U.S. has long had a military presence on the island. In March, Vice President JD Vance and then-national security adviser Mike Waltz visited the Pituffik Space Base, which boasts the Pentagon's northernmost deepwater port and has long functioned as a strategic location to watch Russia and China. In Greenland, Vance urged the Arctic island to 'cut a deal' with Washington, saying, 'I think that you'd be a lot better coming under the United States security umbrella than you have been under Denmark's security umbrella.' In January, the Danish government pledged to spend an extra $2 billion on Greenland security initiatives, in part to placate Trump's security concerns. But NATO and European officials have been cautious about the American president's interest in the island. Trump's comments on the importance of the Arctic have caught the attention of NATO leaders. The alliance's secretary general, Mark Rutte, said last week that 'for NATO, we're getting more involved' in Arctic security issues. He added that Trump calling attention to Russian and Chinese moves in the region marked a positive development. In an interview with NBC last month, Trump said he would not rule out taking Greenland by military force. 'I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything,' he said. 'We need Greenland very badly.'
Politico
3 days ago
- Politics
- Politico
Pentagon to redraw command map to more closely align Greenland with the US
The Pentagon is poised to shift its oversight of Greenland by putting it under U.S. Northern Command, a symbolic gesture that would more closely align the island territory with the U.S. as President Donald Trump continues to show interest in taking control over the Arctic landmass. The shift in oversight, which could come as soon as this week, could also help the U.S. broaden its Golden Dome missile shield by providing more radars for coverage. Under the plan, Greenland would shift from European Command's jurisdiction to Northern Command, which is responsible for overseeing the security of North America, according to a DOD official and two people familiar with the planning. The people were granted anonymity to discuss the move ahead of its announcement. The switch is the most concrete step yet in the Trump administration's months-long effort to gain ownership over Greenland, an autonomous island aligned with Denmark. Trump briefly brought up buying Greenland during his first term, but has talked about it repeatedly since winning the election last November, alarming the island's 58,000 inhabitants and frustrating the Danish government, which says it has no interest in selling. Making Greenland part of Northcom will be heavily scrutinized in Denmark and throughout NATO, which has been uneasy over Trump's months-long campaign to take control over the island and his refusal to rule out military action to seize territory. Denmark and the semi-autonomous Faroe Islands will remain under European Command, creating a symbolic and operational split between those territories and Greenland. 'From the perspective of geography, the move makes some sense,' said one of the people familiar. 'From a political perspective, however, this clearly is going to worry Europe,' the official added. The switch in jurisdiction is part of the Pentagon leadership's review of the Unified Command Plan, which outlines the areas of responsibility for the department's six geographic combatant commanders. While the Greenland split doesn't involve any major shifts in leadership, other proposals — including combining Northern Command and Southern Command and pulling the Africa Command back under the Germany-based European Command — would have deep impacts on the number of three- and four-star officers serving in the military, and on how many assets are assigned to different areas of the globe. The Trump administration has for months talked about the strategic importance of Greenland for U.S. security, pointing out that its location in the North Atlantic makes American control critical for stepped-up missile defense programs and monitoring Russia and Chinese shipping in the Arctic. The change opens the possibility of adding more Golden Dome radar systems on Greenland and expanding that network of sensors, while more closely aligning the island with Canadian and American regional defense plans. The Danish embassy in Washington did not respond to a request for comment. A DOD official deferred to the White House, which did not respond to a request for comment. Northern Command is chiefly responsible for protecting U.S. territory and oversees missions such as the southern border, air and missile defense, and working with Canada and Mexico on joint security matters. Putting Greenland under Northern Command would, in effect, cleave Greenland from Denmark when it comes to how the island is prioritized in policy discussions at the Pentagon and the White House. The second person familiar with the planning said the Danish government has not been formally briefed on the upcoming move. The U.S. has long had a military presence on the island. In March, Vice President JD Vance and then-national security adviser Mike Waltz visited the Pituffik Space Base, which boasts the Pentagon's northernmost deepwater port and has long functioned as a strategic location to watch Russia and China. In Greenland, Vance urged the Arctic island to 'cut a deal' with Washington, saying, 'I think that you'd be a lot better coming under the United States security umbrella than you have been under Denmark's security umbrella.' In January, the Danish government pledged to spend an extra $2 billion on Greenland security initiatives, in part to placate Trump's security concerns. But NATO and European officials have been cautious about the American president's interest in the island. Trump's comments on the importance of the Arctic have caught the attention of NATO leaders. The alliance's secretary general, Mark Rutte, said last week that 'for NATO, we're getting more involved' in Arctic security issues. He added that Trump calling attention to Russian and Chinese moves in the region marked a positive development. In an interview with NBC last month, Trump said he would not rule out taking Greenland by military force. 'I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything,' he said. 'We need Greenland very badly.'
American Military News
11-05-2025
- Politics
- American Military News
Hegseth says ‘lean and mean' military requires cutting officers
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered a reduction of the U.S. military's highest-ranking officers — potentially setting up a clash with Congress, which must approve any such adjustments. In a memo released Monday, Hegseth called for slashing 20% of four-star positions in the active-duty military, 20% of all general officers in the National Guard, and a further reduction by at least 10% of generals and admirals. 'More generals and admirals does not equal more success,' Hegseth said in a video posted to social media Monday afternoon while clarifying that 'this is not a slash-and-burn exercise meant to punish high-ranking officers.' He added the proposed changes were the result of 'a deliberative process' done in coordination with the Joint Chiefs of Staff and intended to maximize the military's preparedness for and effectiveness in a potential conflict. He described a phased approach that would first address the current structure of the military, then conduct 'a strategic review of the Unified Command Plan' that helps to organize military operations and responsibilities around the world. 'It's going to be done carefully, but it's going to be done expeditiously,' Hegseth said of the review, which he predicted would rival the 1986 reorganization of the Defense Department directed by Congress. 'We confront an evolving threat environment. We cannot afford to wait.' Hegseth has long criticized what he sees as redundancy and inefficiency at the senior levels of the Pentagon. As part of a broad overhaul of the Army, the secretary directed the service to stop buying certain aircraft and ground vehicles and to consolidate several commands, potentially clearing the way to eliminating some four-star general positions. In Monday's video, Hegseth dubbed the policy directive, 'less generals, more GIs,' saying the military had to be 'lean and mean' to face the challenges ahead. 'We're going to shift resources from bloated headquarters elements to our warfighters,' Hegseth said, adding that in World War II, the American armed forces of 12 million troops was led by 17 four- and five-star officers. 'Today, we have 2.1 million service members, with 44 four-star' generals and admirals, he said. There were 37 total four-star officers as of September 2023, according to a March 2024 report by the Congressional Research Service. Several senior officers hold multiple positions simultaneously — for example, the head of U.S. European Command is also NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe. One four-star officer serves simultaneously as commander of United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea. Hegseth's plan may face scrutiny in Congress, which according to the congressional website 'has enacted an array of laws that govern important aspects of military officer personnel management, including appointments, assignments, grade structure, promotions, and separations.' The Defense Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday evening. ___ © 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Hegseth orders sweeping force structure changes for the military
Happy Friday! You may have noticed there was no Pentagon Rundown last week. That's because I was at the Modern Day Marine exhibition in Washington, D.C., writing about various topics, including the Marine Corps' efforts to repair and refurbish its barracks. As always, it's been busy, and some of the biggest news has been Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's recent announcements about reshaping the military. On Monday, Hegseth announced that he had ordered a cut of at least 20% of active-duty four-star positions and National Guard general officers. The second phase of Hegseth's plan calls for an additional 10% reduction of general and flag officers throughout the Defense Department as part of changes to the Unified Command Plan, which assigns missions and responsibilities to the combatant commands, Hegseth said in a video posted on X on Monday. 'We're going to shift resources from bloated headquarters elements to our warfighters,' Hegseth said in the video. Reducing the number of general and flag officers was one of the recommendations in Project 2025, a policy blueprint released by the conservative Heritage Foundation think tank in Washington, D.C., prior to last year's election. The project's chapter about the Defense Department says that although the military currently has more generals and admirals than during World War II, 'the actual battlefield experience of this officer corps is at an all-time low.' It also claimed that previous presidential administrations had promoted officers 'for reasons other than their warfighting prowess.' The Pentagon has implemented several other proposals in Project 2025, including reinstating troops who were separated for refusing to get vaccinated for COVID-19 with back pay, trying to separate transgender service members, and abolishing diversity equity and inclusion offices and staff. In a separate move, Hegseth has directed the Army to restructure itself, and that includes consolidating commands. The force structure changes that Hegseth ordered in an April 30 memo include merging U.S. Army North and U.S. Army South into a single headquarters, combining Army Futures Command and Training and Doctrine Command into a single entity, and divesting 'outdated formations, including select armor and aviation units.' The memo did not specify which units. In my nearly 20 years as a defense reporter, I've seen the military expand rapidly during the Iraq war, only to undergo draconian personnel and funding cuts as part of sequestration. Once again, the military is in a state of flux, this time as it prepares to deter and — if necessary — fight China. As things currently stand, change is the only constant, so it's a safe bet that more efforts to transform the military are coming. And on that note, here's your weekly rundown. Truman loses another Super Hornet. An F/A-18F Super Hornet crashed into the Red Sea on Tuesday after a failed attempt to land on the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman. Both aviators aboard were rescued after safely ejecting. This is the third Super Hornet from the carrier that has been lost since December. Yemen strikes on hold. President Donald Trump made a surprise announcement on Tuesday that the U.S. military would cease its air and missile strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen under a ceasefire agreement brokered by Oman. Between March 15 and April 29, U.S. forces struck more than 1,000 Houthi targets, according to the Pentagon. As of Thursday, the ceasefire appeared to be holding, but it was unclear for how long. Military daycares not telling parents about suspected abuse. A recent Defense Department Inspector General report found a lack of 'uniform requirements' across the military services for notifying parents and legal guardians about suspected abuse and neglect at military childcare centers. Task & Purpose reporter Patty Nieberg takes a look at the problem and what the Defense Department plans to do to fix it. Gaza pier injuries. A total of 62 service members were injured during efforts last year to deliver humanitarian supplies to Gaza using the Joint Logistics Over The Shore, or JLOTS system, which was only operational for roughly 20 days, a recent Defense Department Inspector General report found. 'Based on the information provided, we were not able to determine which of these 62 injuries occurred during the performance of duties or resulted off-duty or from pre-existing medical conditions,' according to the report, which found many problems that ultimately doomed the JLOTS effort. Army Sgt. Quandarius Davon Stanley died on Oct. 31, months after being injured while supporting the mission. Chechen strongman wants to step down. Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has said publicly that he'd like to be relieved of his post, but that decision ultimately rests with Russian President Vladimir Putin. After meeting with Putin on Wednesday, it looks like Kadyrov is staying put, at least for now. Maybe he can make use of his remaining time in office to work on his push-up form. Thank you for reading and have a great weekend! Jeff Schogol
