108,000 US Troops In 160 Countries, Generals Tell Senators

WASHINGTON, DC- More than 108,000 US soldiers are deployed or forward-positioned across 160 countries, senior American military leaders told lawmakers, underscoring the global scale of US military operations even as Washington fights an ongoing conflict with Iran and confronts rising security threats from China and Russia.

Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness on March 4, top Pentagon officials said American forces remain capable of sustaining global operations while responding to active combat missions in the Middle East.

Vice Chief of the Army Gen. Christopher LaNeve told senators that US forces are operating across multiple regions simultaneously, maintaining deterrence while responding to evolving threats.

“Today, over 108,000 soldiers are deployed or forward postured across 160 countries, securing our interests in the Western Hemisphere, deterring aggression in the Indo-Pacific and responding to threats worldwide,” LaNeve said.

He said US soldiers in the Middle East are currently operating in a “complex and dangerous environment” amid the conflict with Iran and its regional proxies.

“They’re defending US forces and partners, intercepting missiles and drones and protecting critical infrastructure,” he said.

LaNeve added that American troops continue to move fuel, munitions and medical support across the theatre while coordinating intelligence and joint fires to respond rapidly to threats.

Senior Navy leaders said maritime forces are also engaged in operations across several regions while maintaining strategic deterrence.

Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. James Kilby told lawmakers the Navy had conducted combat operations and supported the Joint Force in multiple missions over the past year.

He added that US naval forces continue to operate across the Indo-Pacific region. “In the Pacific, our sailors operate every day, deterring China and building partnerships,” he said.

Marine Corps leaders said their forces remain prepared for rapid deployments around the world, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, where tensions with China continue to grow.

Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. James LaMontagne said the service is maintaining readiness while modernizing its fleet and training new pilots.

Space Force Vice Chief of Space Operations Gen. Michael Guetlein said space capabilities have become central to modern military operations.

He noted that the service recently launched new satellites for missile warning, navigation and space domain awareness. (IANS)