@Flash. Closing the bases is a stupid idea. If we close our overseas bases we will not have a dependable place wherein to stage our troops should the need arise. While I hope the need never arises, it is far better to have and not need then to need and not have. The pace of warfare is so much faster then it was during WWII that any aggression from someplace like Russia and/or China could easily achieve their goals before we can get out troops in position to stop them. Do you have any idea of the logistical problems involved with moving 1000s of men, equipment, food, fuel, etc? As for our allies opening bases over here, why would they want or need to? We have bases in Europe, South Korea, Japan, etc. so that we can fight any potential enemy OVER THERE! Not here. The only enemy who might be able to launch a major offensive on US soil are aliens from outer space. An English AF base in Kansas or a German army base in Kentucky would be utterly useless because there will never be an enemy that we could use them against. Russia may attack us. China may attack us. Neither can invade us. Neither one can CONQUER and OCCUPY us. Again those nasty logistical problems come into play. They lack the transport (ships, aircraft, etc.) required by the transport of an army brigade (let alone a division or an army group) across the At;antic or the Pacific oceans. Russia’s and China’s logistical problems are greatly lessened by attacking their neighbors (many of whom are out friends) by land.
@Flash. Closing the bases is a stupid idea. If we close our overseas bases we will not have a dependable place wherein to stage our troops should the need arise. While I hope the need never arises, it is far better to have and not need then to need and not have. The pace of warfare is so much faster then it was during WWII that any aggression from someplace like Russia and/or China could easily achieve their goals before we can get out troops in position to stop them. Do you have any idea of the logistical problems involved with moving 1000s of men, equipment, food, fuel, etc? As for our allies opening bases over here, why would they want or need to? We have bases in Europe, South Korea, Japan, etc. so that we can fight any potential enemy OVER THERE! Not here. The only enemy who might be able to launch a major offensive on US soil are aliens from outer space. An English AF base in Kansas or a German army base in Kentucky would be utterly useless because there will never be an enemy that we could use them against. Russia may attack us. China may attack us. Neither can invade us. Neither one can CONQUER and OCCUPY us. Again those nasty logistical problems come into play. They lack the transport (ships, aircraft, etc.) required by the transport of an army brigade (let alone a division or an army group) across the At;antic or the Pacific oceans. Russia’s and China’s logistical problems are greatly lessened by attacking their neighbors (many of whom are out friends) by land.