Alexus G. Grynkewich

Rule Changes

As of May 2026: In command since July 2025

Since NATO's founding in 1949, an American four-star general has led every Joint Force Command responsible for warfighting operations on European soil. That 75-year tradition ended on February 6, 2026, when NATO announced that Italy will take command of Joint Force Command Naples, the United Kingdom will lead Joint Force Command Norfolk, and Germany and Poland will share leadership of Joint Force Command Brunssum on a rotating basis.

Updated May 27

Rule Changes

As of May 2026: Active duty; leading U.S. military diplomacy with Russia

The United States and Russia agreed on February 5, 2026, to reestablish high-level military communication that had been suspended since fall 2021. The channel gives General Alexus Grynkewich (commander of U.S. European Command) a direct line to General Valery Gerasimov (chief of Russia's General Staff). It restores a mechanism designed to prevent miscalculation between two nuclear-armed militaries operating in proximity across Europe, the Arctic, and the Black Sea.

Updated May 27

Force in Play

As of May 2026: Warning more US cuts likely

On May 13, the Pentagon quietly halted a 4,000-soldier armored brigade already moving toward Poland. Nine days later, President Trump posted on Truth Social that the United States would send 5,000 additional troops to the same country.

Updated May 22