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Subscribe to RSSWASHINGTON -- The United States and Japan announced on Thursday a revised agreement on streamlining the U.S. military presence on Okinawa that will shift 9,000 Marines from that southern Japanese island to Guam and other Asia-Pacific sites.
The new plan, unveiled days before Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda visits President Barack Obama, helps the allies work around the still unresolved, core dispute over moving the Futenma air base from a crowded part of Okinawa to a new site that had vexed relations for years.
Under the agreement, 9,000 U.S. Marines will relocate off Okinawa: 5,000 to Guam and the rest to other locations such as Hawaii and Australia, U.S. officials said.
Issei Kato / Reuters, file
Hercules aircraft are parked on the tarmac at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Ginowan on Okinawa.
The updated version of a long-delayed 2006 plan "outlines an improved U.S. Marine Corps force posture in the Asia-Pacific, one that is more capable and one that is more geographically distributed," said a senior U.S. Defense Department official.
"This presence is integral to our larger strategy of rebalancing toward the Asia-Pacific," added the official.
Snags over Okinawa had raised questions about the viability of the Obama administration strategy of shifting U.S. forces from other regions to the Asia-Pacific to deal with nuclear saber-rattling by North Korea, the rapid military buildup of China and territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
Friction over U.S. bases intensified after the 1995 gang rape of a Japanese schoolgirl by U.S. servicemen. The case sparked widespread protests by Okinawans, who had long resented the American presence due to crime, noise and deadly accidents.
There are about 47,000 U.S. troops in Japan under a 1960 bilateral security treaty.
Okinawa, occupied by the United States from 1945-72, accounts for less than 1 percent of Japan's total land, but hosts three-quarters of the U.S. military facilities in the country in terms of land area.
"This has been ... bogged down for years, but now, we have been able to come up with a new approach delinking the Futenma relocation from other elements, like moving out Marine forces to Guam and returning some parts of Okinawa," said Ichiro Fujisaki, Japan's ambassador to the United States.
"Things are going to start moving," he told a gathering at a think tank in Washington.
Kurt Campbell, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, said the deal was discussed widely with U.S. lawmakers, who had refused to fund the overhaul on Okinawa until the Futenma deadlock was resolved and the administration fully explained how the move would fit overall U.S. strategy.
"We think it breaks a very long stalemate ... that has plagued our politics, that has clogged both of our systems, that has made it difficult to deal with the critical and crucial issues that confront the United States and Japan and other countries in the Asia-Pacific," said Campbell.
'Rebalancing ' toward Asia-Pacific
"This is really a key component of our strategic rebalancing toward the Asia-Pacific region," a senior State Department official said.
"One of the key aspects of that is strengthening partnerships with regional allies. And, of course, Japan is a very important alliance partner," the official added.
The policy has also entailed closer U.S. military ties with The Philippines, Australia and Singapore
The agreement includes a $3.1 billion cash commitment from Japan for the move to Guam as well as for developing joint training ranges on Guam and on Tinian and Pagan in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
The previous agreement on the move to Guam had Japan providing $6.09 billion in support, with $2.8 billion in cash and the rest in financing arrangements. Because of the smaller footprint the Marines will have in Guam, the two sides decided they no longer needed the loans but agreed to a Japanese cash contribution of $3.1 billion.
Campbell acknowledged that more work needed to be done, including eventually finding a replacement for Futenma.
Proposed replacement sites for Futenma on the subtropical island that lies between Japan's main islands and Taiwan have met strong local opposition while Tokyo was in political disarray, going through six prime ministers in six years.
"Does this agreement answer every question? It does not. Is there more programmatic and technical work that is necessary? Yes," said Campbell.
"But at a fundamental level, we think this agreement moves the ball very substantially down the field in a way that no one would have anticipated a few months ago," he said.
Separating the move to Guam from the nettlesome Futenma issue frees up the allies to work more on cyber security, space, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations and ballistic missile defense, the Pentagon official said.
That is "because we'd been spending so much time talking about the move from Futenma that we often were not making as much progress as we would have liked in other aspects of the alliance," the State Department official said.
Senators Carl Levin, John McCain and Jim Webb - top members of the Senate Armed Services Committee who had frozen Okinawa funding until their budgetary and strategic questions were answered - said some of their concerns were addressed.
"We still have many questions about the specific details of this statement and its implications for our force posture in the Asia-Pacific region," they said in a statement, which also vowed to keep working on "a mutually beneficial, militarily effective, and fiscally sustainable agreement" on Okinawa and Guam.
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Uhhhh, that took long enough. Close the other 100+ unneeded bases and we'll be good. And don't start any new wars or create any new enemies, please.
Let's move 'em home. What do we need the bases for, anyway? Spend the money in the US.
Let Japan rebuild their military, give China something to worry about. I doubt Japan is likely to invade the US again.
Thousands of Marines died and suffered horribly to take Okinawa, and to build Futenma. Every inch of that airfield is soaked with US Marine blood. I am astounded that the Marines will EVER give up Okinawa. Period.
And just what the HECK will they do from Australia and Hawaii??? Guam is far enough away to make them unable to respond suddenly to a Asian disaster or emergency. Australia and Hawaii? Geez.
I think this is more of Obama pulling the fangs of the military, weakening it to the point of no return. Then he can have his United Socialist States of America, without worrying about pesky patriots ...
good riddance
@HobokenOP
It was written into the surrender of Japan at the end of WW2 that they could not have a military other than that for defense. Nothing like they had amassed during WW2. The US rebuilt Japan from the ground up during the ensuing occupation, and since then, we have provided military protection for Japan since ending the occupation.
Because Japan isnt allowed to have a active military, due to the treaty negotiated that ended WW2. Also with no jobs, it would be a disaster bringing everyone back and forcing them out of the military.. I agree we should stay out of other countries affairs but we need those bases overseas to keep them from messing with our trade interests.
We could do so much more good by shutting off free trade to the third world.
We keep forces in Japan to protect US interests in the region. This is not about us protecting Japan, they can pretty well take care of themselves, although we do have a mutual defense treaty should Japan need help at some point. The Japanese navy has their own version of our modern Arleigh Burke class destroyers called the Kongo class over there, so they are quite capable. In fact, the Kongo has many improvements over our own Arleigh Burke class. The real reason for the US presence in the reason is to counter balance the Chinese and to keep them from getting aggressive towards Taiwan as well as other smaller southeast Asian nations. Without the US presence in the region, the Chinese would quickly assert control over the entire South China Sea and many disputed islands in the region. None of the smaller nations would be able to prevent China from simply taking over. This would allow China to control some very vital commercial shipping routes that are critical to the US and world economy.
I think this is more of Obama pulling the fangs of the military, weakening it to the point of no return. Then he can have his United Socialist States of America, without worrying about pesky patriots ...
Yes, moving 9,600 troops from Okinawa is an Obama conspiracy for a socialist takeover. I wonder how we will be kept safe now that this huge percentage of our armed forces is going to move locations.
Simple, either we protect the few US Allies left or we don't have any. Due to President Obama's Policies we already lost US Ally President of Egypt, lost US Ally President of Yemen, pissed on US Ally Saudi Arabia, lost US Ally Government of Iraq, almost lost US Ally Government of Pakistan, crapping all over US Ally President of Afghanistan, losing US Ally Government of Somalia, lost former US Ally President of Libya Gaddaffi, lost some South and Central American US Allies, etc..
Against President Obama's April 2009 Policy, "US Military will not be used to secure US Borders"
and:
Associated Press August 2009:
President Obama restating his April 2009 Policy to the Prime Minister of Canada August 2009, "US Military will not be used to secure US Borders".
Really, Worldwide the only people stirring up trouble are these people attempting to overthrow Established Governments using Asymmetric Warfare (Insurgency) as funded by Trillions of USDs per year from the Mandatory Islamic Tithes of 1.5 Billion Fundamentalist Islamic Believers.:
The Worldwide Islamic Military (aka Jihadists, Terrorists) consisting of the International Al Quada Franchise (AQ, AQY, AQS, AQI, AQAP, AQIM, AQ Somalia, etc.), Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG aka "the Libyan Rebels"), Army of Islam Pakistan (not the Pakistanis Military), Pakistanis Taliban, Army of Islam Gaza, Hezbollah (Party of Allah, Palestine, Lebanon, Gaza, Libya, South and Central Americas, etc.), Hamas Foreign Fighters (Palestine, Libya, Gaza, South and Central Americas, maybe Mexico, etc.), Islamic Chechen Foreign Fighters, Muslim Brotherhood (Alexandria Egypt), Kongra Gel/Kurdistan Worker's Party (KGK/PKK), Jemaah Islamiya (JI), Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Fatah al-Islam (FAI), Ansar al-Islam (AI), Ansar al-Sunna (AS), Abu Nidal Organization (ANO), Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade (AAMS), Al-Shabaab, Ansar al-Islam (AAI), Asbat al-Ansar, Gama'a al-Islamiyya (Islamic Group), Harakat ul-Jihad-i-Islami/Bangladesh (HUJI-B), Harakat ul-Mujahidin (HUM), Fundamentalist Islamic Taliban of Afghanistan, Islamic Jihad Union (IJU), Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM) (Army of Mohammed), Jemaah Islamiya organization (JI), Kata'ib Hezbollah (KH), Lashkar-e Tayyiba (LT) (Army of the Righteous), Lashkar i Jhangvi (LJ), Moroccan Islamic Combatant Group (GICM), Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MEK), Palestine Liberation Front (PLF), Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), PFLP-General Command (PFLP-GC), Harakat-ul Jihad Islami (HUJI), Jundallah, Moro Islamic Liberation Group (MILF), etc.
recently added Haqqani Network (Pakistan), Boko Haram (Nigeria) to the US Department of State List.
Have you ever Served the US Military. Pull out a map, calculate how far the nearest US Territory is, how many hours travel, and what assets you will have (NOT want to have) to move that US Military Force. Then calcuate the sustainment, transportation, and logistics issues. And if you have ever Served do the Calculations for the measures that your enemies will be doing to stop you and your counter measures as Force Protection Measures.
Like I posted at # how many US Civilian Jobs do you think the US Military Generates. And it is only an Opinion as to "working against US Interests".
Sure let's start with:
$14 Trillion
- $2.1 Trillion President Obama not previously budgeted for Health Care Reform Act (aka ACA).
= $11.9 Trillion
You want more? Mostly President Obama not previously budgeted expenditures and discretionary spending (more than $6 Trillion). All these President Obama not previously budgeted expenditures and discretionary spending is the reason for the cuts to all the previously budgeted for Programs/Projects and the current US Budget Deficit.
Nope. We (My Teams and Myself) have been involved with the Middle East, Africa, Asia, South and Central Americas since the 1980s.
Since March 2009 (Policy) President Obama undid our over 30 years of work (and wasted lives). You do not even know the title of President Obama's March 2009 Policy do you.
Try again, in 2005 President Bush increased both the Budget and the Manpower of the US Border Patrol, to make them the Largest US Law Enforcement Agency of the US. With President Obama attempting to take credit for the increase (previously planned) in manpower.
Laughing my arse off. The Founding Fathers were the Rich of the time (did not have to do daily subsistence living) and refused to pay the British "Rich Pay Their Fair Share", "Tax The Rich" of the British Stamp Act (Taxes). And to protect their "Rich" the stated, "The average citizen is too ignorant to determine the Highest Offices of the Land, the President and Vice President" while establishing the Rich Elitist's Electoral College.
You want to talk about the Founding Fathers keeping out of Foreign Affairs, let's talk about American Involvement with the French Revolution.
Really, when a Nation's Established Government with hat in hand comes begging the US and United Nations for help against Fundamentalist Islamic Jihadists conducting Asymmetric Warfare, you expect us to turn our backs on them. And by the way just so that you know, Worldwide means exactly that, as Worldwide Fundamentalist Islamic Jihadists do NOT recognize man made Nation's Borders.
If that is what you want then sure, tell the Politicians that you hired (elected) to get the US out of the United Nations so that the US Military will no longer be used as the United Nation's Military B!tches.
examples:
1. After WWII the Japanese left French Indochina. The US was sent in by the League of Nations (later United Nations) to hold French Indochina (aka Vietnam) until the French could reoccupy their former Colony.
2. United Nations Police Action, Korea. Aka Korean Conflict, Korean War.
3. United Nations Mission Police Action to support the Democratic South Vietnamese Government. aka Vietnam Conflict, Vietnam War.
4. United Nations Mission Somalia I and United Nations Mission Somalia II. Aka Operation Gothic Serpent.
5. United Nations and UA (African Union) Mission Sudan.
6. United Nations Mission Iraq. Later on United Nations Mission Nation Building.
7. United Nations Mission Afghanistan. Later on United Nations Mission Nation Building.
8. United Nations Mission South Ossetia.
9. United Nations Mission Bosnia and Serbia.
10. United Nations Mission Libya.
11. United Nations Mission Redacted.
You want more examples. By the way before you say NATO you might want to have Served at SHAPE, as the majority of NATO is paid for by the US and Missions conducted by US Military, this is why the Commander of NATO, SACEUR is normally a US Military General or Admiral.
Show me the numbers (realize that I have been deployed overseas for decades, and know how much the Host Nations pay for the US for the US Military to be at their Nations as well as the SOFA (Status Of Forces Agreements), sure you can say Mercenaries paid below minimum wage earning money for the US.). And you do realize that the bulk of the money spent by US Military Servicemembers Overseas "On Base" comes right back to the US (both as Money and required US Civilian Jobs).
We have all heard that lie before. Just before the President Clinton Cut to the Bone Reduction In Forces (RIF) of the US Military, Closure of 14 US Military Installations, and the Gutting of the US Intelligence Agencies. I did not think it was funny having to ration toilet paper.
That President Obama March 2009 less aggressive Policy is exactly what undid over 30 years of our work. You NEVER negotiate from a position of perceived weakness at the Middle East, especially with a Fundamentalist Islamic Nation.
Free Trade needs to be replaced with Fair Trade. As well as the President Clinton Most Favored Trade Nation Status for China suspended until China stops devaluing their Yuan.
Well on the one hand I can understand why we need troops stationed in this part of the world. But on the other hand I can also understand the Okinawans not wanting them there. Back in the 90’s I lived in Tokyo for five years, where we also have military bases, and even though I’m American I always wished they would just send them all home. Going out on weekends I would frequently run into military personal and all they did was get drunk, start fights, and just be as*holes in general. In fact one popular expat bar I used to go to had to finally ban all military personnel after two of them got into a knife fight there and one of them was killed. In fact they were such an embarrassment to any American that I would find it very irritating if a Japanese person would ask me if I was in the military – kind of like the way Canadians and Brits would get all indignant when a Japanese person would mistake them for being an American (they REALLY hate that). Of course people are people and I sometimes met some pretty cool servicemen but they were definitely in the minority and as a group in general I just really thought the city would be a much better place to live without them. Anyway from a strategic standpoint we need them there, particularly after loosing some bases in the Philippines, but sometimes I just wish they would keep them on a shorter leash.
Thank you for pointing this out, Ken. I think most people are out of touch with their image of our military personels maturity level these days. I don't think it has anything to do with this article really but I'm just glad to see some people are starting to realize that the military we have stationed overseas now are NOT the same boys who's blood "soak the ground" as sailor16 said earlier. I respect the oppoising viewpoint completely, and wouldn't really expect any kind of veteran to see it any other way, but as a young adult that knows exactly what kind of guys (for the most part) join the miltary these days, I can tell you it is generally much, much less than anything you can consider "dignified".
Just to be clear, here's the statement i'm comparing this thought to:
My only point is, while i wholly respect that argument, these are not at all the same drunken "frat boy" types that we have joining the force after highschool if anything just for a "solid job" in uncertain times. I know it's not directly relevant to "what they're gonna do with them now" (the 9k soldiers leaving okinawa) but I do think we've reached the point in time where the matter of what brought us to okinawa to begin with should start being blended in with the rest of our, the US and Japan's, history. In other words, I really don't see how we can realistically plan to keep it forever.
Ken F-2244375,
A brief explanation from a fossil or dinosaur (what my Teams refer to me as, behind my back).
Currently only 1% of US Citizens are Serving in the US Military.
Of the US Military 97% are US Military Conventional Warfare Forces. As demanded by US Congress the US Military Conventional Warfare Forces require the US Military Equipment manufactured in their States (US Civilian Jobs, State's Economies). This means that less money is spent on the Training and Retentions of the US Military Conventional Warfare Forces. So the average age of the US Military Conventional Warfare Forces is between 18-29 (what we fossils and dinosaurs refer to as "young dumb and full of cum" (like we were long ago).). That is what you saw.
After some of the 97% of US Military Conventional Warfare Forces grow up (become mature thru experience), some are selected as candidates for assessments to replace us. If they pass our assessments (Air Assault School, Airborne School, Ranger School, does not matter which Branch they came from) they are then sent thru Training for years (over 10.5 years, usually starting with a Branches Asymmetric Warfare School (what you call Special)) any Branches, Agencies or Nation's Schools. This "Training" includes "Operational Experience" of conducting actual Missions to prove that they can do what they were trained at the Schools to do. While doing all of this they must also maintain the requirements of the US Military Conventional Warfare Forces (CEL, Civilian Education Level; MEL, Military Education Level). So by the time that they are almost ready they are age 35 or more even if they started at age 18-20. If they earn assessment to the Operational or Support Teams, they are then sent to a Foreign College for Language(s) and Culture(s) Training (College Degrees) for their Area(s) of Operation(s). Usually for "entertainment" to keep in shape we do things like mountain climbing, marathons, motorcross, triathalons, extreme sports, etc., those of us that do things like getting intoxicated usually go home lay in bed and drink ourselves unconscious (prior planning trashcan or bucket by bed, breakable items put away); most of us are single or divorced, since we are usually deployed for years of consecutive tours living with the locals.
So nope that was not us nor our peers (PASOC) over there Asian Area of Operations (PACOM) creating all that hate and discontent, some of us that survived Operation Cyclone, Operation Gothic Serpent, First Gulf War, H.R.4655 and Operation Desert Fox, this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arxKhJIjIiY , 2002-2003 Operation Hotel California, etc. are us (we do not consider ourselves as US Army, USAF, USMC, USN, Agencies, since we come from all of them and were trained by all and other Nations).
To make it almost impossible for us to select quality candidates for assessment President Obama as Commander In Chief Reduction In Forces (RIF) of the US Military at post#4.4.
American vets who served taking Okinawa are rolling in their graves
David - That is complete, 100% pure, unadulterated bull sh!t. Mubarak fell due to the intrinsic weakness of his regime. The U.S. neither instigated the civil insurrection, nor aided it. From the start of the insurrection, the Egyptian Military declined to support him whole-heartedly.
All the U.S. did was recognize the inevitable.
If you wish to point out instances where a U.S. president alienated both allies and neutral powers, you'd be better advised to look to George W. Bush, a man who created a rift with many of our NATO allies through his bull-headed invasion of Iraq, and alienated the Russians with his unilateral abrogation of the SALT II Treaty.
In in the name all that is honest and rational please quit citing H.R. 4655 as some sort of justification of the Iraq War.
It was not.
It was a very limited authorization of the U.S. to support democratic forces in Iraq. No where in its text does it authorize, recommend or even suggest the direct intervention by the U.S. military.
david-475776 you are just plain crazy - no way around that.
To you guys biyotching that vets who took Okinawa are rolling in their graves....Japan is now our ALLY. Its not our conquered land.
Lets bring everybody home and put them to work protecting our southern border!
@thatguydownsouth
Try being a vet, and then get back to us with your comment
David, so much BS, so little time.....
Too much time on your hands and an aby normal brain to boot.
Say hi to Rush for me.
Oh ok spellcheck so because we fought in a war with the Japanese 60 years ago then we should clearly maintain a base on their soil forever right? Not with my tax dollars. Being a vet doesnt give you license to drain our coffers. 1.2 trillion military budget? I dont think so.
*********************STATE PRESIDENT OBAMA'S MARCH 2009 POLICY. *******************
************************WELL, YOU CAN'T CAN YOU. *************************
THE ONLY UNADULTERATED BULL SH!T IS:
Okinawa is approximately 78 miles long and 3 miles wide (at it widest point) the US Forces have bases on what would be quite a bit of prime real estate. The Japanese have been wanting us out for a very long time. I served at USASAFS Sobe "Torii Station" for 3yrs 1976 thru 1979. While I was there a rape / murder of a Japanese women or school girl occurred on a near weekly basis. It was usually a Marine, even in 76 there were not very many Army Left on the Island the Majority were Marines, with the Air Force coming in 2nd. Gate 2 Street as well as BC Street and Kadena Circle were notorious for bars and Soldiers, Marines and Airmen getting a little too much. The people are loving and industrious, the farmers planted nearly every square inch they could find to cultivate. Including our antennae fields they simply want us out so they can reclaim their lands.
Sam, your wrong Japan has a active military of almost 250K service people. The surrender did not prevent them from such. It only prevents them from having troops in any other country. Their constitution renounces war as a sovereign right as a nation. The Japanese NEED to ask themselves "How did those US troops come to be in Japan?"
Policy on what, David, on what?
...and what would be the connection to the fall of Mubarak in March of 2011?
david-475776 - As I've said before, I have deep respect for your long military service, and I'm quite sure you have seen and done things which, had I witnessed them, would have turned the remainder of my hair white.
But, as I perhaps have not stated clearly, your long term service in various parts of the middle east, does not excuse you from making logical arguments to support your points of view, or of stating your point of view clearly.
Sadly, after months of occasionally responding to your posts, I still have no idea how you feel about such recent events as the Iraq Invasion (operation Iraqi freedom), or Iran's purported nuclear weapons program and the official U.S. response to it.
So, rather than posting vague, rhetorical questions (such as the above quote from post 1.24), you state clearly what U.S. policies and actions caused Hosni Mubarak to lose power. Perhaps I'll learn something. Perhaps you will too.
People,
When was the last time US troops stationed in Japan used for ? Not defense of Japan for sure.
Obama is the worst President ever, China is the biggest threat we've had since the Soviet Union so let's move all our troops out of Japan and Asia, the guy is a complete buffoon...
I can't wait to see all the businesses shuttered and the economy in Okinawa completely tanks after the Marines leave, be careful what you wish for.
It's refreshing to see people, like Mike, who are not ashamed to show that they are clueless on world issues.
It's always interesting to see that people have the memory of a goldfish. Every single president that is of the opposite party amazingly is the "worst president ever."
And how did our fear of the Soviet Union and 'commies' work out for us?
Mike
Do you realize this plan was agreed to in 2006, now if I remember, King Georgie was in office then.
Then stop shopping at places like Wal-Mart if you think China is a threat and dislike Communists.
How are you blaming this on President Obama when the plan is:
Read what that quote says a plan that makes the Marine mission more capable....and China has been a threat since Joseph McCarthy started running his mouth is the 50's, and nothing has happened yet because China is NOT a threat. People like you are the very reason why talk radio is filled with empty headed hate mongers that flourish.
No, Mike, you are an ignoramus who can't tell the difference between Japan and the Philippines. Okinawa is part of Japan and Japan is not a third world country. The Okinawans don't want us, they don't need us (they believe), and they sure as heck don't love us with all their hearts.
The Japanese are more open about their racism than most western nations. Not overly fond of white people, you can imagine how the blacks and latinos who make up a good portion of our ground forces are seen by the local population on Okinawa. And incidents like the kidnapping and rape of that twelve year old girl (by three black Marines) don't help matters.
On the other side, Tokyo sees things somewhat differently with the attempt by North Korea to send a missile over Japan. That is behind this sudden "breakthrough" in the negotiations, which will leave 4,000 US Marines still on Okinawa.
You do realize that Repugnant King George is no longer President anymore and President Obama does NOT have to do anything that Repugnant King George did.
It was agreed to in 2006.
The updated version of a long-delayed 2006 plan "outlines an improved U.S. Marine Corps force posture in the Asia-Pacific, one that is more capable and one that is more geographically distributed," said a senior U.S. Defense Department official.
starbuck49,
Read the "updated version".
The Japanese admire President Obama very much. While there is a strong nationalism in Japan, there is little prejudice for black or Hispanic people. If anything mainland Chinese are suspect.
Takenaka, the Japanese look down on a lot of people, including the Chinese whom they refer to by the insulting nickname changoro.
While white people sometimes are depicted, in idealized fashion, in Japanese cartoons and art, you will NEVER see dark-skinned people so depicted. To the Japanese, black skins are actually horrifying, though many other Asians feel the same way.
Pres. Reagan was popular in japan, too. He was paid a million dollar speaker's fee by the japan Trade Association right after he left office. But then, the negative balance of trade between the USA and Japan quadrupled during the Reagan administration.
Why should we care about the economy in Okinawa... move them to the US and support the US economy.
And do what? Our job market is crap. They come home and that's another 9,000 potential unemployed people.
Of course, I'm sure a lot of the guys n gals in Afghanistan wouldn't mind coming home to look for work than be in a war zone. But the ones stationed in Japan, Germany and every other country that doesn't try to kill us, would be pretty bummed out.
Paying them unemployment is better than paying them even more to do nothing useful.
They are not "Coming Home" they are being moved to bases in Guam, Australia, and Hawaii. Learn how to read...
You might learn to do additional research as to what this article is NOT mentioning as to how many and from where the numbers of USMC to be part of President Obama as Commander In Chief Reduction In Forces (RIF) of the US Military to be started in the next few months: 80,000 US Military Personnel PLUS 27,000 US Military Personnel Returning from the Wars PLUS 10,000 US Military Personnel Returning from the Closed US Military Installations at Germany PLUS 5 more Brigades all thrown on Unemployment along with their Families.
The numbers to be RIF'ed by President Obama by Branch of Service are listed here: US Army: www.armytimes.com ; USAF: www.airforcetimes.com; USMC: www.marinecorpstimes.com ; USN: www.navytimes.com
PLUS the xxx,xxx US Civilians no longer needed to support the RIF'ed US Military Personnel to be thrown on Unemployment. www.federaltimes.com
And the almost 1 million overpaid expensive "fair and living wage" US Civilians of the US Military Defense Industrial Complex (President Obama and Secretary of Defense Leon Penetta, "A 10% US Military Defense Cut will result in a million US Civilians becoming unemployed (So do not tell me that they do not know the consequences)).
www.federaltimes.com
So yes, they (listed above) will all be coming home to Unemployment. I gave you the who, what, where, when, how many, etc. and links. That is about as much spoon feeding you get from me, let some one else change your full diapers.
Unemployment benefits cost us lots less than military pay and benefits, plus all the support costs of basing troops in foreign lands. But we don't have to RIF all returning troops. We can post a lot of them along the Mexican border to stop the invasion from the south. The Border Patrol is obviously not up to the task. Repelling invaders is a military problem.
Thats right make the US defenceless ,we are down sizeing while the chineese are increasing their military.North Korea and Iran are increasing military technologee.Russia and China are building are building naval ships while we are scrapping ours. Isreal wants to attack Iran.That is a good reason to leave the area I DONT THINK SO ?????
Still posting nonsense? We already went over this again and again and again in previous Newsvine Forums.
1. US Military Personnel paid below minimum wages, US Military Dependent Families on Public Assistance, WIC, etc.. example: After Vietnam I went on Unemployment and made more money on Unemployment than when I was at Vietnam.
As far as "benefits" what do you believe are Benefits, Payroll deductions for TriCare (Medical, Dental, Vision), deductions for Social Security, State and Federal Income Tax Withholding, etc..
Families and Relatives of US Military Servicemembers buying and sending their Servicemembers (since they cannot afford these themselves being paid below minimum wages) Carbon Boron Strike Plates for their Interceptor Body Armor, empty M-16/M-4 magazines, canned foods, new uniforms to replace worn out ones, new boots, etc. ever since President Obama's April 2009 US Military Defense Budget Cuts.
2. The HOST NATIONS PAY FOR THAT. And the US Military are paid BELOW MINIMUM WAGES. The US Government and US Citizens get that money from the Host Nations. READ THE STATUS OF FORCES AGREEMENTS.
3. That is President Obama's Decision as Commander In Chief. You argue with him:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/submit-questions-and-comments
4. ILLEGAL ILLEGAL ILLEGAL ILLEGAL ILLEGAL ILLEGAL ILLEGAL ILLEGAL. You understand ILLEGAL as Against US Law.
5. And ONCE AGAIN you go argue with President Obama and tell him his Policies are WRONG:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/submit-questions-and-comments
a. April 2009, "US Military will not be used to secure the US Borders" as stated to the Mexican President.
b. August 2009, "US Military will not be used to secure the US Borders" as stated to the Canadian Prime Minister.
c. August 2009 as stated by President Obama to the Associated Press at Guadalajara Mexico:
d. President Obama's Policy to circumvent US Congress, "Only criminal undocumented workers will be deported".
6. So nope, not a US Military Problem as President Obama as the Commander In Chief does not see Illegal Aliens (Loyal Citizens of another Nation) as Invaders. That is YOUR Problem or are you conveniently forgetting about Gary Stein and Facebook.
David you cant base your numbers off of the vietnam era wages of a soldier. Soldiers today are paid way more in comparrison. All of these stories about soldiers on wic are skewed in one way or another. They take an E-1 with 2 kids and a wife then show how he cant afford his family. Sure up front they appear to make only 17 grand. But thats not the whole picture. They get free housing, free medical, 4 years in they get free University, combat bonus, diving bonus, etc. When you combine just some of those numbers they make more than I do as an entry level accountant.
Unemployment is cheaper than veterans benefits because veterans benefits are for life. Moreover the GI bill is EXPENSIVE. The fact is our military is oversized as it is and will only continue to be expensive as we now have to pay these vets bennys for their lifetimes.
Thats the republican catch 22. Little government but big military?? What?
STILL BELOW MINIMUM WAGE. THEN THERE IS CURRENT INFLATION TO DEVALUE THE NUMERICAL PAY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VIETNAM AND NOW. example: Vietnam $3.00 bought you a carton of brand named Cigarettes today at the Base Exchange, Post Exchange, Naval Exchange, etc. that is over $50.00. A simple pocket sized notebook for taking notes was $0.10 that same one (Mead Brand) is $2.00 at the BX, PX, NEX.
HAVE A US MILITARY SERVICEMEMBER TAKE YOU INTO THE US ARMY, USAF, USMC, OR USN COMMISSARY SO THAT YOU CAN READ THE SIGNS. And before you say we do not pay Sales Taxes, we do pay another Fee that US Civilians do not based on the Total of the Sale, do you know what that is called (you say you know about current US Military) fill in the answer _______________.
MYTH, ASK THE NEAREST US MILITARY FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING OFFICE. ASK THE EXPERTS (US CIVILIANS THERE) WHAT IS AND IS NOT CONSIDERED AS TAXABLE INCOME.
MYTH, ASK A US MILITARY SERVICE MEMBER TO SEE THEIR LEAVE AND EARNINGS STATEMENT. SEE THAT TRICARE DEDUCTION.
MYTH, BECAME A MATCHING FUND AS THE MONTGOMERY GI BILL DURING THE 1980s.
MYTH AFTER TAXES. SOME TAX EXEMPT BY FEDERAL, BUT NOT STATES.
MYTH. ***********************WHO IS FEEDING YOU ALL THAT BULLSH!T*********************
************************WHAT BENEFITS FOR LIFE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!****************************
MYTH. ***********************WHO IS FEEDING YOU ALL THAT BULLSH!T*********************
************************WHAT BENEFITS FOR LIFE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!****************************
1% of US Citizens currently Serving the US Military is NOT OVERSIZED. Are you calling First Lady Michelle Obama a LIAR?????????? YOU RACIST M*THER F**KER.
First Lady Michelle Obama on Letterman Show:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5e1R0lliFHc
TWO PLUS TWO EQUALS ? _______________________.
thatguydownsouth,
ANSWER THE QUESTIONS:
***********************WHO IS FEEDING YOU ALL THAT BULLSH!T*********************
************************WHAT BENEFITS FOR LIFE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!****************************
98 PERCENT of US Military DO NOT LIVE LONG ENOUGH to make it to over 20 years to collect a PERCENTAGE (50% usually less) of their pay for EARNED RETIREMENT.
YOU DO NOT GET SQUAT IF YOU LEAVE THE US MILITARY PRIOR TO RETIREMENT.
Do NOT Even bring up Medical Retirement. I will blow your socks off with what you DO NOT currently get.
I am the Exception to the Rule, in that I have survived Combat for over 30 Years (knock on wood, thank who or whatever, kiss lucky charm(s), etc.). I will be getting 83% of my Pay for EARNED Retirement.
Going back on Retirement my Medical becomes Medicare (that I paid into), so that is NOT Free.
Again Answer the Questions:
***********************WHO IS FEEDING YOU ALL THAT BULLSH!T*********************
************************WHAT BENEFITS FOR LIFE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!****************************
Yes, I am screaming at your being so uninformed. GO TO THE NEAREST Veteran's Hospital and ask the US Civilian Veteran's Advocate what US Military Veterans do and do not get as EARNED Benefits.
/military-distance-education/gi-bill-distance-education-basics-and-benefits/249-how-to-use-your-veterans-education-benefits-to-get-a-free-online-degree#three
/education/content/gi-bill/new-post-911-gi-bill-overview.html
.mil/site/bah.cfm
Space after .coms to allow link to work.
So am I to understand that all of the former military students that I met at University who said they were getting a free education were just making it up? Or do you guys just want something to whine about.
Are you claiming that your BAH was taxed? Because if you're claiming that then YOU are lying. See below.
gov/pay/tax/01_allowances.html
SOOOOO Are you claiming that because you were taxed on it then its not free? You sir are an enormous hypocrite if you think you should serve in a Federally paid, taxpayer funded program yet not have to pay taxes. Welcome to the real world. If I make money, I pay taxes. If I get a gift in excess of a certain amount, I have to pay taxes. You get the point. Quit your biyotching. You enlisted in a voluntary service. You knew what it paid. If it didnt pay enough for you then go do something else. Oh and FYI in Federal minimum wage is 7.25. That comes out to 14862 per year. E-1 STARTS at 17892 before BENEFITS and ALLOWANCES. Your statement that they make less than minimum wage is MYTH.
Besides if you have any kind of drive in life you could have made the best out of BEING in the military rather than trying to serve a few years and getting cooshie benefits. My best friend is on a sub and earned college credits whilst there and received a B.S. in Engineering. FREE. He's about to start his masters. When he gets out he'll find a nice high paying position at any nuclear power plant. Its all about planning.
http:// www.gibill.com/benefits/tuition-assistance/
I can post links all day long.
Move them back to US ? Why not simply discharge all US based troops and release them to the US job market ? That will be almost a million people joining GM.
Geez, this is a horrible idea!! With all those Marine's and added infrastructure, Guam is sure to capsize!!!! Or so thinks Rep. Hank Johnson......
Hahah lets see who remembers that famous line.
Just keep in mind that this creates a hole in the Japanese defense architecture which will be filled with pressure from the ministry of foreign affairs and the ministry of defense. In otherwords, a greater need for Japanese defense forces on the island. This is more than required given a stronger and more virulent North Korean strategic presence. The US will be forced to move strategic assets towards mobile solutions, such as aircraft carriers, to counterbalance the NK threat.
With our old carriers?????????????????
With the hyper-sonic anti-ship DF-21d currently being deployed in China. The USA will be FORCED to keep the 11+Carrier Fleets away from the threat. The reported range is between 1,700 to 2,700+km from China, from multiple reports. Time from initial firing to target is 9 to 15 minutes...
Also - Maintaining Military personnel bases with-in the range of China's atomic missiles is NOT a GOOD IDEA. The reported ranges are 12,000-15,000 km...
Ignoring a nation's growing capabilities is what resulted in the Europe's fall during WWII and Japan's bombing of Pear Harbor. The western nations are & have been IGNORING China's threats for DECADES. The question is where the next Tibet will be???
The chinese missles are a threat of course however, the US has sufficient countermeasures. As for our carriers being "old" I tend to agree with you, and so does the navy as they have begun construction of the Gerald R. Ford class carriers. Although its more important to have the most advanced aircraft than the most advanced carrier. The only reason they are building new carriers is because they will cut down on operating expenses and limit radar detectability.
Spades,
The DF-21d has already sunk a Ford Class carrier, according to DOD, who is talking about cancelling any further orders for these carriers...
The DOD has projected they will start testing defense systems to counter these missiles in 2014. The USA does not currently have a missile that has the same capabilities. Until you test your defenses against an actual threat, all the computer simulations mean NOTHING...
The simple fact is, mutable DF-21d's fired at a single carrier will defeat their current protection systems...
Corpus Chisti, Texas to San Diego, California is 1,419 miles. That's 6.3 Marines per mile at 9,000 Marines. Mr. Mexican, meet Mr. Marine. Sure Obama, send them to Guam you idiot!
even scales:
Why did you even bother to post? This plan has been in place since 2006, and it is NOT President Obamas plan.....
Joe Veteran,
You do realize that Repugnant President Bush is no longer President anymore and President Obama does NOT have to do anything that Repugnant President Bush did.
Against US Law and Against President Obama's April 2009 Policy, "US Military will not be used to secure US Borders".
It is NOT against US law to employ our military to repel an invasion. Defending the United States is the primary duty of our armed forces. This is NOT a Posse Comitatus issue. Failure to secure our borders is a treason issue with respect to Obama.
1. ILLEGAL ILLEGAL ILLEGAL ILLEGAL ILLEGAL ILLEGAL ILLEGAL ILLEGAL. You understand ILLEGAL as Against US Law.
2. And ONCE AGAIN you go argue with President Obama and tell him his Policies are WRONG:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/submit-questions-and-comments
a. April 2009, "US Military will not be used to secure the US Borders" as stated to the Mexican President.
b. August 2009, "US Military will not be used to secure the US Borders" as stated to the Canadian Prime Minister.
c. August 2009 as stated by President Obama to the Associated Press at Guadalajara Mexico:
d. President Obama's Policy to circumvent US Congress, "Only criminal undocumented workers will be deported".
3. So nope, not a US Military Problem as President Obama as the Commander In Chief does not see Illegal Aliens (Loyal Citizens of another Nation) as Invaders. That is YOUR Problem or are you conveniently forgetting about Gary Stein and Facebook.
You guys saying its against the law are aware that the President can change his own policy right? Its a politics issue. The government is getting easy voters by "letting" illegals in the Country.
These marines are staying in the region because of North Korea and China. You want to move them home? Our presence in that region is necessary as China and North Korea are saber-rattling on many global issues, security in the region being one of them. Additionally, President Obama had sent an additional 1200 troops to the Mexican border (stationed there for over 1 year) that have recently been rescinded and replaced by additional drone and technology coverage.
What part of US Law don't you understand:
US Law = Legislative Branch of US Government.
President Obama's Policy (Policies) = no Legislative Branch; therefore, No US Law. List each current US Law that backs up President Obama's current Policies.
No US Law = Il (Prefix for No) - legal = Illegal
Not Troops, State's Militia, aka National Guard as Commanded by a State's Politician, the State's Governor and AG; NOT President Obama as Commander In Chief. The President can "request" thru the Department of Defense (DOD) that the DOD "request" (usually in writing due to liabilities) of a State's Governor and or AG that their State's Militia (aka National Guard) be sent to locations within the US. The State's Militia will NOT go into another State without the previous approval (usually in writing due to liabilities) of that State's Governor and or AG.
**************************WHY ARE US CITIZENS SO UNINFORMED !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*********************************
david you are obviously a very angry person. Anyways Ill entertain you. We are currently in a 'conflict.' Not a war. Only congress can declare war. We all know that. There hasnt been a declared war since WW2. Everything since then has been a 'conflict.' I point this out to show that the President can still wage war just by changing the name. If Obama wanted to put troops on the border he would find a way.
And he's done plenty of illegal things since then.
Good to see that Anderson AFB will be revitalized.
Just watch out for the frogs.
Oh, and the little brown snakes.
Oh, and DON'T buy a drink for the girls at the bar.
Well Joe, your god could do something about it now couldn't he? Keep drinking your Kool Aid Joe.
They have been talking about leaving Okinawa for decades.
Military bases have been closed since who knows when. Soldiers have been transfered since who knows when. Here's my 20 yrs in the Air force from 59 79,places I was stationed. Amarillo air base,now closed. Texas Towers Radar-Otis Air force Base,Mass.-now closed. Stewart Air Force Base,NY-now closed. Vietnam-of course now closed. Fighter Squadron at Tucson- transfered whole squadron. Torrejon Air Base,Spain-now closed.Craig afb-now closed. Be it democrat or republican presidents, it's been done since who knows when. It's just normal my friends, so calm down and enjoy your life.
I served as a Marine on Okinawa from 1984-1986 and then from 1989-1991.
Most Okinawan's liked the US military.. some did not.. they were always having polite protests
I personally very much liked the folks there
This is a good move though... Guam is a good location and still puts us close to Korea, Japan, China, etc
Guam is a US territory so it keeps money in USA
Mark yes I remember their so called "Strike Days" Thank you :)
phque Japan. we defeated you and ebuilt you, next time China knocks at your doors, don't call us call Russia.
Umm. If China starts roaring Japan will be a much needed ally. Just sayin.
You know what? Enough of this crap let's close all these bases what do we need them for anyway? Italy, Germany, Japan WWII is over it's been over for 65 years now. We need to save money well there's a good place to start. I know let's move them all to Arizona so they can keep the mental patients running the place in line.
A very typical MSNBC way of spinning things. Real message, Japan wants us OUT of there. They are even providing $6.09 billion to help us on our way.
You know, we really dont need this excessive military expenditure. The only reason we are shifting our troops somewhere is because we dont want to dispand our military beaucracy... But the facts are out, we really need that $ spent on our civilian infestructure...
And the only reason we are painting China as a threat is so that we have an excuse to stuff our military somewhere... thats the truth no 1 wants to admit...
It was Futima when I was there. Two years on the island with 1st SF. Riot control - oh yeah . . . give it back and let it sink into the ocean.
The OTA, Okinawa Teachers Association, was the biggest commie outfit there. Take all the US $ and then lead the riots. They should all head south to Naha and jump off the cliffs with the others from WWII.
I have a feeling this is a mistake, not for America but for the Japanese. Maybe it has to do with tension rising near them......oh well, wish granted!
@S. McILNAY;The US rebuilt Japan from the ground up; yet refuse to repair a people they destroyed over a period of four hundred years; it's call reparation for years of Slavery!
The US turn those ex-slave loose without even an apologize and has yet to attempt to make them whole. The US gave the white man all the land in America ; free; no charge; as long as you were free white and 21 years of age and gave the ex-slave only Laws to prevent them from ever achieving; they could not own their own ideas, no patents could be issued to a Black! AS was once said; we have come over the waves that tears had watered,a time when hope unborn-ed had died; now with nothing to hold on too we will certainly perish; look around and consider why Black's own nothing in America; they invented most items!
The Hell with America; this evil place was born-ed with a birth defect "Slavery"
John J.--Isn't all that free cheese enough?
M.L. King led 30 million people into dependency and got a Nobel Prize.
The pro-China Fifth Column there must be very happy. Bonuses for all!!
Of course some of the Marines' behavior didnt help out either.
Now Japan will have to figure out how to defend these islands and their resources from the territory-hungry Chinese, and ....
Now the Taiwanese will not be able to count on a Quick Reaction Force in the event of a Red Chinese invasion....
Question: By this, are we quietly telling the Chinese that "Taiwan" is theirs for the taking...?
John Julius...
You are too much!!
Time to repeat 2nd Grade English.....where was that school?? Beijing or Chongjin?
Ha...
Ah, I was curious about the random "pro-china filth column" bit, but now it makes sense; you're just one of those racists who's opinons are based on random hateful ignorance... Why don't you pick up a history book or take some time to study World Culture and stop letting news media(entertainment) kill your brain. This article didn't even have anything to do with China (China and Japan are two different countries, in case you're too racist against asians in general to know)
You have not seen Racism until you have lived in Asia and worked with the Chinese...
Opps I'm sorry - According to NPR the Chinese do not have a word for 'Racism', so it does not exist in their Society... Ha! Ha!
msfruhauf,
Talk about "random hateful ignorance!" Referencing your earlier post in which you generalized the entire U.S. military:
I think most people are out of touch with their image of our military personels maturity level these days. I don't think it has anything to do with this article really but I'm just glad to see some people are starting to realize that the military we have stationed overseas now are NOT the same boys who's blood "soak the ground" as sailor16 said earlier. I respect the oppoising viewpoint completely, and wouldn't really expect any kind of veteran to see it any other way, but as a young adult that knows exactly what kind of guys (for the most part) join the miltary these days, I can tell you it is generally much, much less than anything you can consider "dignified".
I'm taking into account you are a "young adult," but please know your comments were completely biased and ignorant (the same bias and ignorant you seem to abhor). Hopefully you'll mature and actually learn to appreciate the sacrifices these men and women, many of whom now enlist knowing they'll be headed into harms way, make to ensure that you're free to post your ignorant comments from your safe surroundings. Perhaps you had a bad experience with a military guy or gal in the past or perhaps you simply hate the military, but to say you are one who knows exactly what kind of guys (for the most part) join the miltary these days, I can tell you it is generally much, much less than anything you can consider "dignified," is outrageous. If you want to see what kind of guys are joining the military, I DARE you to volunteer ONE hour at your local Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital. Please do so and then come back and tell us how undignified our military personnel are. Shame on you.
Shame on me, I consider racism against an entire culture of people more wrong than not being proud of all the army slobs I know (repeat, that I KNOW, not strangers) that constantly talk s**t about the military, and the president, and literally joined just to bascially be paid to play "cowboys and indians" with real guns. You may not want to admit it but there ARE those kinds of guys in our military nowadays. Obviously they're not all like that. I said a lot of the ones I know are. The drinking in the post that I was referring to is another major problem that I doubt people know about. Those I knew that weren't in the middle east but asian countries were basically able to constantly party. They treated their service not much different than highschool.
I don't know why you'd be mad at a civilian for thinking those kinds of actions are distasteful, you'd think you'd be more mad at the men that commit these acts. ESPECIALLY the ones that do nothing but talk about how our country is failing and they are "wasting their time, but at least getting paid" doing whatever they're doing while on overseas duty. I don't know how you can deny that there aren't bad seeds, there are constantly stories of atrocities springing up about what happened the past 10 years in the middle east. But if you'll notice, i'm calling them the BAD SEEDS, because I DON'T believe that's how they "all" are. Now explain to me how that is worse than the needless incessant hate that my Chinese-American stepmom puts up with on a daily basis from people treating her as a "commie dog" (literally those words, those kinds of ignorant racist insults) when she's a sweet, sensitive teacher and mother (not to mention buddhist, quite different from communist)
I read over what I wrote before and don't see anything to change. Joining the military doesn't make you God's gift to the Country. Of course that doesn't mean they're all bad. But if you think they're all saints then in my opinion you are certainly more ignorant than me.
msfruhauf,
Thank you for continuing this conversation. I think I understand your viewpoint as it seems you've had some negative experiences with a minute portion of the U.S. military. Unfortunately, there are bad seeds in the military as there are in all of society, and you're correct, not all of them are saints. And yes, it is embarrassing to us who served/are serving when "situations" occur, especially in public for civilians to witness. To put things into perspective though, in 2010, there were over 1.4 million servicemen and servicewomen on Active Duty alone, not including the National Guard and Reserves. So, try to understand that the knuckleheads you've had run-ins with are a fraction of a fraction of a percent and I will assure you, as a former military officer, they are NOT typical of the fine men and women who put on the uniform every day. I will also tell you as both a former officer and a college graduate, I witnessed equally unruly behavior both on the college campus and around military bases. In a nutshell, age has much to do with maturity.
However, your initial post really struck a nerve when you stated "but as a young adult that knows exactly what kind of guys (for the most part) join the miltary these days, I can tell you it is generally much, much less than anything you can consider "dignified". (Your initial post seemed to demonize the majority of the military, but you seemed to retract this in your reply and attribute your opinion to the Soldiers you know).
Characterizing an entire population (recall 1.4 million people) based on your interactions with a few bad apples is as wrong as those ignorant souls whose hateful racism and hurtful rhetoric have been aimed at your step-mother, whom you described as a lovely lady. Don't hate the military because of a few stereotypes you've observed displayed by whom I'll wager were young servicemembers. Doing so will make you just as guilty as those who insult your step-mother because of her ethnicity. Both are wrong and have no place in American society.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Bring all our foriegn aid and troops home ... place them on USA borders to train and protect americans.
Like the Phillipines, Japan doesn't want American bases or troops. That is until feeling threatened by China then they want us to stand shoulder to shoulder.
In this economy, defense spending, like other forms of Federal spending, will need to be reduced gradually with an eye to impact on employment.
In this case, simply redeploying should have little impact one way or another for the US.
Maybe we can actually completely close some no longer needed bases across the globe and bring home those troops that do not need to be stationed in places like Germany any longer.
As for Japan, they need to bring their military more in line with their economic standing if they wish to maintain their position in the region. As far as China goes, there isn't going to be any military conflict with them, they don't need their military where we're concerned. They've already got us beat economically and whatever secrets of ours they need they apparently just steal at will. China gains nothing by a military confrontation with the U.S. since there is a cyber and economic war already going on, which we are losing, and which we should be concentrating on more so than Marines on Okinawa.
Show just how much you do NOT know, Germany just happens to be the Logistics Base for the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, Southwest Asia (Afghanistan). How about this, you get your butt stationed at Afghanistan, and wait for supplies like things to keep your arse alive like ammunition, food, etc. to come from the US instead of US Military Installations at Germany.
add to post#24.1.
Forgot something that would be of importance to you, roybokhade. Since the ammunition is still one day from being delivered to you from Stateside, you can always throw rocks at the Fundamentalist Islamic Taliban, Al Quada, Hamas Foreign Fighters, Pakistanis Taliban, Army of Islam Pakistan, etc. while they shoot you full of holes or blow you up with RPG-7s, handgrenades and IEDs.
So when we find you still barely alive and get you on a USAF Medical Evacuation Flight instead of rushing you to Ramstein AFB Germany and then across the Autobahn to LARMC (Landstuhl Army Regional Medical Center) Germany for Life Saving Emergency Surgery we will have the USAF Medical Evacuation Flight fly you to Walter Reed or Bethesda, so if you die enroute we can divert the Aircraft to Dover AFB throw you in a metal flag draped coffin, salute, and present you to your Relatives or next of kin.
Great huh.
The only good thing about the delay was after the Tsunami disaster in Japan, and that the Marines were around to help them in time of need.
Japan had to surrender in WW2. They should have no say in what the USA does in Okinawa.
That was a long time ago when the USA had an economy. USA cannot afford to be the schoolyard bully any longer.
Willy-3200138,
US Citizens ---> hire (elect) US Politicians -----> US Politicians US part of United Nations -----> United Nations Missions------->US Citizens thru US Politicians demand US Military involvement with UN Mission -------> US Civilian Control over US Military, US Military shrugs shoulders, yes, sir, yes, sir three bags full -------> US Military Deploys------->UN Mission turns into a War-------->US Taxpayers thru US Politicians (US Congress) pay for the War--------> US Taxpayers demand "War on the Cheap" -------->US Politicians Cut US Military Defense Budget-------> More US Military get killed unnecessarily due to lack of money for: ammunition, equipment, maintenance of aircraft vehicles weapons etc., training, etc.------->US Civilians complain about the losses of US Military (because they are worried they will have to involuntarily join the US Military to replace the losses)----->Enemy increases their activities due to seeing the US Civilian complaints as a Strategic Asymmetric Warfare Goal of the US Loss of the National Will and Commitment to maintain the Fight-------> More US Military Killed-------->US Politicians play the Deflection of Blame Game (It was the Repugnants Fault, It was the Demoncraps Fault, It was the Scrotums (Tea Baggers Fault, eventhough they did not exist when the War Started), It was the In Depends (in Adult Diapers) Fault, the Dog ate my homework, It was the US Military's Fault, etc.) ------>Brainwashed US Public believe their US Politicians (that demanded the War in the First Place) ------>US Public and US Politicians demand that the US Military withdraw----->Enemy sees this as another Strategic Asymmetric Warfare Goal "Lack of Commitment to US Ally" and increases activities -------> More US Military are killed----->US Military leaves (abandons US Ally)------>US Ally get massacred and US Ally's Government Overthrown----->Many other Nations do not want to become US Allies ------>US Citizens demand US Military no longer needed so downsize (RIF) to "save money"----->US lost the Resources of previous US Ally(Allies)----> Prices for those items of the Lost Resources exponentially increase and become unaffordable----->US Citizens b!tch and moan about the price increases---->US Economy heads towards a Depression, since US Citizens cannot figure out the Relationships between the almost hundred million US Civilians of the US Military Defense Industrial Complex, US Military, US Manufacturing, US Industry, US Jobs, US Military Foreign Military Sales, etc.----->US Politicians start up the Deflection of Blame Game pertaining to the US Economy (because they don't have a clue either)----->US Military Downsized----->US Military Personnel thrown on Unemployment adding to the US Economic Problem------>Next United Nations Mission------->US Citizens demand thru their US Politicians US Military Involvement------->Those left in the US Military quit (Officers Resign Commissions; NCOs and Enlisted do not Reenlist)------>Combat Experience US Military leave the US Military---->US Politicians demand the Selective Service------>Those US Civilians that demanded US Military Involvement in the UN Mission are "Drafted" as well as those that did not------>The UN Mission becomes a War with the no Combat Experienced Draftees lead by brand new No Combat Experienced Military Officers suffering tremendous unnecessary deaths------>US Politicians attempt to Recall To Active Duty the Combat Experienced previous US Military, they refuse to become no US Constitutional Rights non US Citizens paid below minimum wages again since they were basically thrown to the curb before as trash-----> US Civilians start to protest the War, (including violence), since they fear that they will be Drafted next------>US President by Executive Order implements the revised US Insurrection Act------>US Military of no experienced (Illegal Orders versus Legal Orders) US Military Officers and Draftees execute the US Insurrection Act including the Use of Deadly Force against armed and unarmed US Citizens, Indefinite Detentions, Summary Executions, "Classified" Military Tribunals, registered firearms taken away from all US Civilians, etc..------>???????
By the way I can give you Historically Documented examples of the above. So do not say these cannot happen as they already did before.
So Willy-3200138, WHO IS THE BULLY? See where everything started at.