US Troops Dilemna

In Guamerican-American the spreading thin of United States troops across the globe due to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan is discussed as well as the heavy consequences of this numbers game. As the author hints, "it is of utmost importance that the United States remain ready to quickly and effectively respond in times of need in order to thwart attacks from enemies for the purpose of safeguarding its citizens and allies. Thus it is necessary for the U.S. military to proactively build and enhance bases in various foreign and U.S. territories for the purpose of protecting American interests abroad. The recurrent threat from recalcitrant nations such as North Korea, China, and Iran only exacerbate the situation, thus necessitating the shifting of troops across the globe in order to maintain a favorable balance of power."

Further, "As this is such, it is crucial for America to harbor a formidable force throughout the globe, particularly in the Western Pacific region. While the bulk of American troops and servicemen in this area are currently stationed on the Island of Okinawa, these American troops have been embattled with locals for years amidst accusations of inappropriate behavior, assault, and sexual misconduct. American troops and servicemen further continue to face the onslaught of local backlash due to the high dosage of noise and potentially dangerous situations that arise resulting from constant troop movement and training. However, only recently have the Japanese and American governments come to terms regarding this relationship-straining situation. The U.S. decided, with the coaxing of six billion dollars in funding from the Japanese government, to relocate about 35,000 troops and dependents from the island of Okinawa, Japan to a significantly smaller island in the Pacific—the U.S. territory of Guam. Although the impending movement of troops from Okinawa to Guam will benefit U.S. interests at large through the preservation of a national defense force in the Western Pacific Region, the people of Guam are forced to face the concentrated effect of absorbing the negative repercussions because the island may be adversely affected by the sudden influx of a large defense force contingent."

I believe that such a policy should definitely be formulated soon as possible to accomodate these regions' rising global influences. Hopefully, the US federal government decides so as well sooner than later.