Should the US withdraw form our overseas bases and focus on rapid deployment forces?

Question

I mean our allies are pretty Strong the ones in Europe don't really need our bases there they have the EU that would back them and we could easily also back them up if we had rapid response forces the bases are basically just for show same thing with our bases in Japan Japan has a strong military they could easily wait the week for US forces to come from the mainland......so my question is should the US withdraw from our overseas bases and focus on rapid response forces? because it seems like it would make strategic sense I mean our allies could easily wait the week or 2 for US forces from the main land like I said.....

Answer 1

A little advice, Japan doesn't have a military.  Their security force (pronounced as Gi-ei-tai) would be the same as the Coast Guard in the U.S.  They couldn't defend Japan for a single day from any surrounding country if attacked (North Korea, China, etc.)  On another note, it takes the US a long period of time to mobilize a significant amount of troops (ie politics).  It is essential to have bases around the world to keep a watchful eye and to be able to send at least a battalion size force to anywhere around the globe at a moments notice.  As the largest and strongest military power in the world, we have an obligation to protect it.  

Answer 2

I am a Military brat, i'm half Turkish and was born in Adana Turkey. I lived in Okinawa, Japan on Kadena Air Force base for 7 years. Okinawa relies on the money the military provides, and its a awesome place to grow up, so i disagree with withdrawing from oversea bases. It's an experience and gives military families something to look foward to. I'm joining in a couple months and Pray to God that I get stationed overseas so my family can see this world, just like I did growing up.

Answer 3

Good question.

I think it would be great for the military, and it would ceratintly save the taxpayer tons of money.

I think some bases should stay open... some areas offer excellent training grounds and great military opportunities.  It also protects US interests and US allies.

I agree with you though, I think that the US should pull out of strong allied nations and focus on rapid deployment forces.