Over the next two years, the U.S. Army plans to reduce 40,000 soldiers and officers, USA Today informs with reference to the state documents, Joinfo.ua reports.
It is reported that by the end of 2017 the staff of the U.S. troops will be reduced to about 450,000 servicemen.
Also, the United States intends to cut 17,000 civil servants employed in the military departments.
The number of the U.S. forces will have to be cut by another 30,000 people in the event of the next state budget sequester in October.
It should be noted that in 2012, during the active phases of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the U.S. Army consisted of up to 570 000 troops.
About 10,000 U.S. military men are still in Afghanistan, their gradual withdrawal is delayed until at least 2016.