Germany is deepening its military cooperation with the US despite deteriorating political relations between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Donald Trump.
From October, an American colonel will take a key position in the German army command as deputy head of the Operations Department, where missions are planned and decisions are prepared. The information was confirmed by the German army and the Pentagon to "Politico".
The appointment puts an American officer at the center of Germany's ground forces. According to a German army spokesman, the aim is to "further deepen German-American cooperation and optimize joint operational capabilities within NATO."
Lieutenant General Christian Freuding, the head of the German army, described the decision as a sign of trust: "The integration of a senior American officer into our operational division is also an expression of our mutual, deep trust."
The US side also stressed the strategic importance of the move. Army spokeswoman Lieutenant Colonel Vonnie Wright said the exchange of officers was being carried out on a "highly selective basis." The officer will work to improve interoperability "in support of NATO requirements and bilateral relations."
Defense expert Nico Lange said the appointment comes at a time when the US is repositioning its military forces in Europe. "Especially at this stage, an integrated US staff officer is very useful," he said.
On a political level, relations between Berlin and Washington have deteriorated in recent days. Trump publicly attacked Merz, accusing him of misjudging the threat from Iran after the German chancellor said the US had been "humiliated" by Tehran.
Trump has repeatedly questioned the usefulness of NATO, and European allies fear a possible withdrawal of US troops from the continent. This is increasing pressure on European countries to take a greater role in their own defense.
According to Lange, the Bundeswehr will have to develop capabilities that have so far depended on the US. "It is better to manage this transition together in a spirit of partnership," he said.