When the US Leaves NATO, Putin Might Think He’s Got the World in His Hands

Colonel Hamish de Bretton‑Gordon, a former British Army officer who rose to the top of the regiment, says the picture is seriously bleak if the United States pulls out of NATO. According to him, the world’s next big misstep could be the loss of the U.S. as the anchor that holds the alliance together.

What the Colonel Said

“Without the US, NATO is very much weakened.” He added that Finland and Sweden’s recent entry might help a touch but can’t fully replace the U.S. security umbrella.
“The message it would send to Putin would be dreadful.” The influx of fear would embolden the Kremlin to push harder in Ukraine and, worse yet, potentially towards the rest of Europe.
“This would be the worst possible case scenario.” If Trump becomes President, he warns that the resulting fallout could force Europe into a civil defense response, including conscription.

Why the Rush to Re‑arm Beats “Just Talk”

When the U.S. departs, the combined “boots on the ground” force would not be stealthy; it would be a clear, loud statement to Russia: “We’re ready to fight for our people.” Our soldiers, based in the UK, would be expected to march into Ukraine if the balance shifts to the heavy side.

What’s the Bottom Line?

We’re living in a time where the stakes are higher than a chess game. One miscalculation from the U.S. could unlock a Russia that thinks it’s the big shot of the world. And that’s a scenario that no one wants, not even the Colonel or you and me.

Takeaway

If America abandons NATO, the next President must offer the best financial and diplomatic tools we have and push the alliance to keep up its power to protect Europe. We won’t let the world believe Russia can boom its way in the ranks of powerful soldiers.

Former NATO commander warns it’s time to ‘think the unthinkable’ and ‘look carefully at conscription’

Trump will ‘encourage’ Russia ‘to do whatever the hell they want’ to any NATO member who ‘does not pay’

Analysts warn Putin is ‘preparing for potential large-scale conventional war against NATO’

When Europe’s Mighty Buzz Turns Blazing: A Defense Drama in the Making

Picture this: the UK and France still have their nuclear “big guns” in the back pocket, giving Vladimir Putin a moment to pause. That’s the only thing keeping the Russian bully from aiming straight for Benson & Hedges.

The Red Storm Is Brewing

In Britain: A Tory MP warns that Europe is basically on war footing and the “penny” (the cost of keeping peace) hasn’t even taken a dent yet.
NATO’s Numbers: The alliance currently fields 3.5 million troops. If the U.S. signs out, that shrinks to 2.1 million.
Air Power: Fighter jets drop from 24,000 to 22,000.
Tanks: Expect a tiny dip from 1.03 million to 1.02 million.
Nuclear Stock: The bomb stash will shrink from 4,200 to 515—a scary jog in the old days.

Trump‑Style Tactics May Fizzle It Out

Former regional big shot John Bolton, buzzing on a Deutsche Welle interview, says a return to Trump land could spell a NATO exit. “In a time full of bumps, he’s the wrong choice for commander‑in‑chief,” Bolton warned.

Britain’s Conscription Conundrum

From the corridors of the old NATO command, General Sir Richard Sherriff, and his front‑liners, are shouting: “Time to think the unthinkable!” They’re practically calling for conscription—yes, you read that right: we can’t keep handing out glorified club memberships. They’re pushing the current defence budget to stretch farther and look in the eye of the beast.

Why Conscription Might Be the Secret Sauce

Professionalism: The Brits favored a workforce built on long‑term, volunteer dedication.
Defence Cuts: Post‑Cold War budgets did not match the changing chessboard.
Huge, Tough Culture: Officers and soldiers assembled like an all‑star team—no goalie needed.
Unthinking Commit: Keep pushing until it’s a gig, not a carnival.

The Call to Arms (Or “The Wait‑and‑See” Option)

General Sir Patrick Sanders, the current General Officer Placement, said if a Russian showdown comes, we’ll get the entire pop of men and women to pitch in. He’s basically telling the national army to be ready as if Article 5 hears really loud “Putin, if you whisper, we’ll hear.”

Warming Up the Tactical Wires

Essential gear and drill training should be U‑shaped—so the squad is ready for the instant “this is it.”
Expect a “No-Ask” scenario where you must slide your boots out—no time for coffee breaks.
All the talk of deterrence and no‑nuclear options ends up in a sweet, slightly crunchy, policy‑red pepper roll.

In short, the council’s feeling a tad tired, and if the U.S. backs out, the entire European defense club will have to tighten the towel, get the troops back on the road, and brace for the red (pun fully intended) waves. The British brass, the French pilots, and even that last “penny” all might decide the final battleground… just in case a future war takes the form of a streamed mega‑event you don’t want to miss.