From: Terry W. Colvin (fortean1@mindspring.com)
Date: Wed Jan 22 2003 - 21:42:22 MST
Christian Weisgerber wrote:
>
> <Spudboy100@aol.com> wrote:
>
> > Why does the USA still have troops in rich Europe?
>
> Because it simplifies global deployment. When the USA decides to,
> say, wage war in the Persion Gulf, going through Ramstein and bases
> in Turkey etc provides substantial logistical savings over having
> to operate all the way from the USA. The carrier fleet is handy,
> but without permanent and temporary land bases all over the world
> exerting force globally is hardly possible.
I agree that forward bases helps supply the pipelines of materiel and troops.
Another reason for American and NATO troops remaining in Europe is that the
Soviet Union may reunite in some form and assert its imperialistic vision.
> > Can't these people defend themselves?
>
> Without any sort of military threat in view, that question is
> difficult to answer. If I remember correctly, the last time a West
> European country had to defend against military attack was in 1982
> when Argentinia invaded the Falkland islands. The British managed
> to take care of this on their own, without any military support
> from the USA whatsoever. The Americans didn't provide as much as
> satellite reconnaissance, apparently considering the attack of a
> murderous military dictatorship on a close ally to be a not so
> clear-cut case.
The Falklands/Malvinas War was supported intensely by the American
government. Military personnel and assets removed from their NATO
mission were replaced by American military personnel and assets. Yes,
we did provide satellite photography which was the basis for the
British submarine sinking the Argentine battleship (cruiser) Belgrano.
I worked in special communications in Panama and know of what I speak.
> Your question seems to imply that you assume that American troops
> stationed in Europe are there to defend the locals. Frankly, that
> notion is so bizarre, I don't know what to say.
You are ungrateful bastards, aren't you. Europe couldn't get itself
involved in Bosnia and Kosovo while the early UN attempts were pathetic.
Terry
--
Terry W. Colvin, Sierra Vista, Arizona (USA) < fortean1@mindspring.com >
Alternate: < fortean1@msn.com >
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