For months, Marine Gen. James L. Jones, commander of the U.S. European Command, has been developing a plan that will change the face of the U.S. military in Europe.

Jones envisions moving troops closer to potential hotbeds of terrorist activity by setting up bases in places such as former Warsaw Pact countries Poland, Bulgaria or Romania. He also sees moving more U.S. troops into Africa.

Under the plan, some European-based troops may be headed back to the United States, only to find themselves — and their units — rotating back to Europe or Africa for six-month, unaccompanied deployments.

Stars and Stripes lays out Jones' plan in this four-part series; also here are a letter from Jones to the troops, and a letter from Gen. B.B. Bell, USAREUR commander, addressing rumors about aspects of the plan.

Series index

Part 1: Mapping out the future of EUCOM

¶ Gen. Jones' plan could shift leaner units closer to hot spots
¶ A closer look at the plan

Part 2: The opportunities in Eastern Europe

¶ Nations more accommodating to the needs of U.S. forces
¶ Jones sees NATO overhaul
¶ Wanted: Bulgaria's military properties
¶ Russia pact may be sticking point in shift

Part 3: Zeroing in on the African continent

¶ Gen. Jones says military must pay attention to the region
¶ Expansion on other side of the Mediterranean

Part 4: Consolidate and back to the States

¶ Effort to build mobile force could close some bases in Europe
¶ Army studies forming careerlong brigades

Letter from Gen. Jones on transformation

Gen. B.B. Bell addresses rumors about the plan

¶ July 6 Stripes story about Gen. Bell's open letter
¶ Gen. Bell's letter