Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Saturday over reported changes in U.S. military posture, including what he described as a "careless decision to reduce our force posture in Europe." The Republican senator's comments addressed broader Pentagon changes that have included the exits of multiple senior military officers in recent months.

The criticism comes as residents of Vilseck, Germany, express concerns about potential U.S. troop withdrawals from their Bavarian town. The community has hosted approximately 5,000 U.S. military personnel and their families, creating economic ties and personal relationships built over decades.

Vilseck's economy has become closely tied to the American military presence, with local businesses and services dependent on the spending and patronage of U.S. service members and their families. The potential for troop reductions has created uncertainty among townspeople who have developed both financial and social connections to the American military community.

The concerns reflect broader questions about U.S. military positioning in Europe, where American forces have maintained a significant presence since World War II. Any changes to troop levels would affect not only strategic military considerations but also the local communities that have grown around these installations.

The Pentagon has not officially confirmed specific troop reduction plans, but discussions about military posture adjustments have generated attention from both congressional lawmakers and affected communities abroad.