As millions of Americans gather with loved ones to celebrate the Christmas holiday and ring in the New Year, Hundreds of thousands of American men and women in uniform will celebrate this holiday away from their families in a less festive corner of the world.
As of June 165,830 U.S. service members are stationed throughout the Middle East. The Indo-Pacific region and Europe are likely to rise amid the recent unrest across the Middle East and do not include soldiers working at U.S. military bases. during the holidays and civilian personnel contracted abroad.
Here are the areas where service members will spend their holidays deploying around the world:
Middle East
As of October, there were approximately 43,000 soldiers stationed across the Middle East. This is an increase from the usual 34,000 amid the recent unrest and outbreak of war. This is between Israel and Iran’s proxy forces. Hamas and Hezbollah
The Pentagon announced in October that it would move troops to Cyprus in preparation for the escalating unrest in Lebanon. And last week The Pentagon has revealed that about 2,100 soldiers are in Syria, not the 900 they have long claimed. Another 1,000 soldiers are in Iraq carrying out missions to disrupt ISIS.
Map showing the location of US Navy assets. in the middle east (Fox News)
Europe
United States Armed Forces It is stationed throughout Europe to support NATO forces and deter potential Russian aggression.
The main areas of deployment are Germany (34,894), Italy (12,319) and the United Kingdom (10,180).
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Deputy Commander of the Indonesian Army Training Center, Air Chief Marshal Widyargo Ikoputra, and Major General Joseph R. Harris II, Commander of the Hawaii Air National Guard. Visiting military personnel from Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, England and the United States At the project opening ceremony Joint exercise Super Garuda Shield at the Indonesian Navy Aviation Center. In Sidoarjo, East Java, on August 8, Oct. 26, 2024 (Juni Criswanto/AFP PHOTO/AFP)
Asia
U.S. forces collaborate with partners in Asia to conduct joint and coordinated exercises to counter threats from China and
Active areas include South Korea (23,732), Japan (52,852) and Guam (6,453).
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South Korean and US soldiers Posing for a photo after a joint live-fire exercise at a military training field in Pocheon on March 14, 2024, as part of the annual Joint Freedom Shield exercise between South Korea and the United States (JUNG). YEON-JE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin thanks U.S. troops On duty during the holiday season with a Christmas message
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“We know the holidays can be difficult, especially if you are far away from your loved ones. So for our troops stationed around the world. We deeply appreciate your sacrifice,” he said. “We know your family has served as well. And our military families are the foundation of America’s strength.”
