- Sep 19, 2011
- 28,703
- 10,237
- 900
So after 50 years GWB was executing the reduction of forces in Germany/Asia etc. as part of a long term plan by the US government in recognizing the cold
war which was the primary motivation was declining.
But the lesson learned from WWII was US troops were necessary AT that time in Germany, et.al. as a deterrent.
SO why wasn't the lesson learned from WWII?
Those who closely follow U.S. defense posture know that President George W. Bushs August 2004 announcement of a proposed global redeployment of U.S. troops was predated by many years of preparation and planning. "The world has changed a great deal and our posture must change with it," President Bush said.
The plan will withdraw 70,000 troops from Europe and Asia, continuing the departure from the Cold War stance of 19501990.
For the most part, U.S. troops were stationed abroad as part of the Cold War system of deterrence through alliances with nations such as Japan, South Korea, and NATO member nations. While such defensive missions were the norm, troops sent to Korea in the early 1950s and to Vietnam during the 1960s were actively at war, as are those currently in Iraq.
Global U.S. Troop Deployment, 1950-2003
war which was the primary motivation was declining.
But the lesson learned from WWII was US troops were necessary AT that time in Germany, et.al. as a deterrent.
SO why wasn't the lesson learned from WWII?
Those who closely follow U.S. defense posture know that President George W. Bushs August 2004 announcement of a proposed global redeployment of U.S. troops was predated by many years of preparation and planning. "The world has changed a great deal and our posture must change with it," President Bush said.
The plan will withdraw 70,000 troops from Europe and Asia, continuing the departure from the Cold War stance of 19501990.
For the most part, U.S. troops were stationed abroad as part of the Cold War system of deterrence through alliances with nations such as Japan, South Korea, and NATO member nations. While such defensive missions were the norm, troops sent to Korea in the early 1950s and to Vietnam during the 1960s were actively at war, as are those currently in Iraq.
Global U.S. Troop Deployment, 1950-2003