Posted on 06/14/2004 6:34:32 AM PDT by OESY
The Pentagon is proposing sharp cuts in U.S. forces in Germany, which for more than half a century has been America's biggest military outpost in Europe. It's a bad idea, particularly at a time when the United States is struggling to rebuild its relations with its NATO allies.
Washington is hoping to cut its military presence in Germany — a little more than 70,000 soldiers — roughly in half. Two heavy divisions now based there, and the soldiers' families, would return to the United States. They would be replaced by a much smaller light combat brigade, while other units would be rotated in and out, at considerable cost, for short-term exercises. The Air Force is also thinking of moving some of its F-16 fighter jets from Germany to Turkey, where they would be closer to Middle East trouble spots but subject to restrictions by the host government.
The large American military presence in Germany has long symbolized the understanding at the heart of NATO — Washington's commitment to remain permanently engaged in Europe's security and to integrate its military operations with those of its major European allies. Recent history has only reinforced how important that relationship is to the United States. NATO is the only alliance capable of sharing some of the global military burdens that have now overstretched America's ground forces.
Many Germans, remembering Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's scornful "old Europe" put-downs of their country last year, will see these withdrawals, and the accompanying German job losses, as payback for Berlin's diplomatic opposition to the invasion of Iraq. Washington denies that. But the Pentagon does seem to have a growing preference for stationing troops either at home or on the territories of allies ready to embrace President Bush's notions of unilateral preventive war.
Despite its criticisms of the Iraq war, Germany imposed no restrictions on the use of American bases during that conflict. It continues to deploy thousands of German soldiers to protect those bases, freeing American troops for other uses. Berlin also contributes $1 billion a year to the bases' support. Economically, the plan to bring the soldiers home is a loser.
The German bases have other advantages as well. They are much closer to the Middle East and Central Asia than bases in the United States and are in a safe country with a stable democracy and the modern conveniences that make life easier for troops on long tours overseas. Soldiers stationed there have access to a variety of training exercises and can enjoy down time with their families. The American military hospital at Ramstein Air Base, the largest outside the United States, provides specialized care for battlefield casualties from Iraq and Afghanistan as it did for those from Bosnia, Kosovo and the U.S.S. Cole.
There is nothing sacrosanct about maintaining particular Army divisions in Germany. The role of American military forces there has evolved considerably over the decades — from occupying a defeated enemy to deterring Warsaw Pact aggression to symbolizing Washington's post-cold-war commitment to remain militarily engaged in Europe. Along the way, the size of the American presence has evolved as well. In the nearly 15 years since the Berlin Wall fell, United States force levels in Germany have dropped by roughly 75 percent. Further reductions should not be ruled out. But the Pentagon's current plans are unduly drastic, unfortunately timed and suspiciously motivated.
Good move, this is why they hate Rumsfeld. Poland is a much better place to have to have troops.
Just to point out an error in the Slimes.
Ramstein doesn't have a large hospital.
Ramstein is an air base, the Hospital is Army located in Landstuhl.
While geographically close, I would bet that the Army wouldn't like it's facility to be called Ramstein Hospital?
Oct 83 - Aug 84 HHT 2nd ACR
"The American military hospital at Ramstein Air Base, the largest outside the United States, provides specialized care for battlefield casualties from Iraq and Afghanistan as it did for those from Bosnia, Kosovo and the U.S.S. Cole."
The "Slimes" need to check their facts: 1)Landstuhl is not at Ramstein it is near Ramstein 2) It is not on the list to be closed.
Struck a nerve. Huh?
I was fortunate to be stationed on two AF bases during my tour in Germany: Hahn & Spangdahlem (77-81). I don't recall anybody in my unit, or anybody who I knew, saying that these were "plum" assignments. The military was a step-child during the Carter years, and was going through the pain of establishing an all-volunteer force.
I loved Germany...but I was a bachelor, too, with no wife or family to care for. I didn't have any problems with weekly/twice weekly Staff Duty Officer, where I was on-site for 24 hours straight. I was also able to enjoy the challenge of being in the Wing Command Post for 4 days straight during alerts, because I was one of two officers in my unit with the requisite security clearance. The Battery Commander was the other, and he had his share of pressing duties.
Plum assignment? I don't think so, but I have many great memories: living near the Mosel River for 3 years (Traben-Trarbach), the summer of 79 (3 months TDY at Todendorf Anti-Aircraft Range), monthly visits to Eduard Kroth Winery in Zell, and being invited to sit at the "stammtisch" of my neighborhood gasthaus, to name but a few.
However, our defense needs have changed, and it's time to reduce our presence in areas where's it's not needed, such as Germany.
If they were sent to the POW camp in Louisiana, then I guess they probably do think they were mistreated between the heat, redbugs, ticks, and snakes. :o) My father's family lived on the outskirts of that camp and they told stories of seeing them marching around and singing their German songs.
I had a good experience in Paris back in 2000. The Parisians on the street were friendly and helpful. I had been dreading my stay there based on what I had heard about them. Other European travels I found them to be the same with the exception of older Germans at different resorts - they had quite the attitude - guess you could call them the "Ugly Germans". I've not been back to Europe since 9/11 happened - matter of fact my passport expired last year.
I was referring to a previous era, when the dollar was strong, and military families lived well in Europe and enjoyed the great experiences that you also have as memories.
Believe me, during the 1960s, families were excited to hear that they were being posted to Europe.
Boy Franz Josef was kicking Willi Brand's butt. SPD back then was a very powerful Partei.
I can not believe that Joschka Fisher of Die Gruennen is the aussenminister! That guy is verrueckt!
What's the price of a liter of benzin in Deutchland?
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