As you may be aware, the US military has been attempting to streamline in order to meet the threats of the 21st century. Donald Rumsfeld has his own plans, and his proposals (Base Realignment and Closure [BRAC]) include a large-scale reduction of domestic and overseas bases.
Not everyone is thrilled with the idea of corporate downsizing for the US military. The Commission on Review of Overseas Military Facility Structure of the United States, an independent commission chartered by a $3 million act of Congress, released a report last week that criticized key suggestions of Rumsfeld’s BRAC policy. According to the report, “Base structure is strategy itself,” and dismantling the most extensive military presence in the history of the world would be a major blow to American power. “Basing is strategy itself” claim the retired generals on the Committee.
OK, you ask, what does this have to do with Japan? Bases in Japan have always been somewhat controversial. Not only are they a foreign force, but Japan gets all the problems of a US military base (loud, violent soldiers, noise, etc) but few of the benefits that make domestic bases so hard to let go of (jobs, federal funding). The movement to get the Marines out of Futenma has grown stronger lately Rumsfeld and the Committee seem to differ somewhat on base policy in Okinawa. Part of BRAC policy is a reduction of Marine presence in Okinawa. The Commission makes it clear that US bases in Japan are the “linchpin” of US security interests in the region. A reduction of presence in response to local opposition would be a “front-loaded” strategy that threatens to leave America unprepared for future developments.
The Commission does not believe that the current discussion calling for the relocation of US Forces in Okinawa meets US security interests.
They recommend instead that they be relocated from Futenma to Kadena and/or Iwasaki (on the mainland). The base has been a source of controversy, with incidents including the rape of a local girl fueling the rage of local residents.
The wording of the report belies a fundamental mistrust of America’s allies. If you are to believe them, even stable countries like Japan would fall apart without a US presence. Of course, the authors of the report are certainly realistic enough to know that Japan would step up to meet its defense needs if it came down to it. They just see things in terms of “bases = influence” and they can’t imagine why America would want to give that up. It’s a hard position to argue against, to be sure, but it’s equally easy to see why the Japanese would chafe.
Other sources:
i-Newswire
Stars and Stripes
DoD News (on BRAC)
Maybe it’s the conspiracy theorist in me speaking, but I think the only reason why Rummy would want to dismantle a base in Japan is to mask a mobilization effort against N. Korea. It would be a brilliant move… make everyone believe that you’re packing up to go home, but in reality, you’re getting all your soldiers onto transports so they can go attack a neighboring country.
Of course, this is proably influenced by Denis Leary and his talk about “stopping off” on the way back from Iraq in the first Gulf War so we could surprise people along the way.
A friend and I plan to visit Japan this summer, so I’ve been trying to gather information about the local culture in Japan. I’ve sent out several feelers to solicit information, but after reading some material, I’m a little concerned about the country’s racial culture.
I read one particular thread that bears on the posted theme: The US Military in Japan. You can use the Find Function: Japan to see the relevant passages.
http://www.able2know.com/forums/about42426.html
The conversation and the story is a little disturbing because I’m also Asian, but my friend isn’t. She’s made the arrangements, but she’s never been to Japan either. Is the story reliable/true? What should we prepare for?
I’d appreciate any input and advice if anyone can provide it. Travel advisories and Net info is fine, but I much prefer first-hand accounts of what areas a foreigner should avoid and which areas/festivals/events are more interesting. We’ll be arriving in Kansei International Airport, Osaka, in early August.
Many thanks.