I spent 13 months in Korea many years back. We had listening posts, nike bases aimed at China, but most importantly 2nd Inf Div was air mobile. If something was to jump off in Asia, 2nd inf could be there yesterday. Do our own Freepers not realize basic fundamentals?
If we plan on not having oil (try not driving today for starters), foreign goods (that's whats on the walmart shelves), and our decent standard of living (USA is Chinese #1 place to immigrate to);;;; we have to keep a strong military around the world.
That was quite the leap of logic, Eska, since I didn’t advocate bringing troops home but I did point out a reason for a reduced need in Germany specifically. I spent 3 great years there and my son was born there so I have a significant emotional attachment but I also realize that things change.
There are significant and valid concerns for the debate on the size and deployment of the US military. There can be no doubt that national defense is a legitmate function of our government but there is a need to discuss just how much we can afford. Your post correctly notes some of the strategic risks that frame the discussion.