What would happen if the countries in which some of our military installations are based wanted to kick us out

Answer 1

We would leave. Just as we have done when the governments of the Philippines, France, Iceland, and scores of other nations asked us to leave.

Of course, now Iceland is upset with us because we left.

Answer 2

You've got to be kidding me with some of the answers here. We would leave? What about Okinawa? They've wanted us out for decades. We rape a 12 year old there then bring the soldiers here and exonerate them. Think abuse like that is rare? Think again. And we wonder why the world hates us. Probably because there's a US base in their country. Anybody have any idea how many US bases there are in the world that the DoD doesn't even try to officially justify as being for national security or military reasons? Read Chalmers Johnson

Answer 3

already happened: Puerto Rico successfully managed to get Vieques shut down.. and soon after, Roosevelt Roads shut down as a direct result. I realize that PR is a US territory, but the concept is the same. The Philippine Islands are also facing similar issues with the close of all the US bases there after Mt Pinatubo erupted.

for one thing, the economy would quite likely tank, at least in the short term, due to the millions of local dollars that get funneled into the economy. Plus SOFA considerations.. all those Host Nationals losing their jobs on base.

Answer 4

I agree with the other responses. It has happened before. Take a look at what happened in the Philippines, to name one. We packed up and moved out. I can't recall all that the Air Force did, but the Navy even pulled up its piers. The loss of a steady income stream from US military personnel hurt them bad. The military still goes there, but loss of personnel based there hurt a lot of businesses that counted on contracts with the bases, as well as personnel buying goods and services.

For other countries, the loss is the same. Really and truely, just look at areas within the US where bases have closed. If you are trying to gauge the economic impact, you don't have to look abroad, you can stay domestic and see what happens. As for political and strategic fallout, it would depend upon where you are talking about.

Theedge, you are right. In cases where crimes do take place, strange deals take place behind closed doors in order to smooth things over. Compensation to the family(s) involved, and/or payments/compensation to the government as well. Diplomats from all over the world do crimes in the US that our cops can't do a thing about because they have diplomatic immunity. Everything from a New York phone book sized stack of parking tickets to theft, and also involvement in murder.

Since you speak of Japan, the US is in the process of moving (I think) about 5K Marines from Japan to Guam. If all of our forces leave Japan, they will miss that money BIG TIME.

There many bases globally that no longer have a face value as far as strategic positioning goes. The thing is, if those bases close, what would happen? It only takes one act by one country to make a useless base become of critical importance. There are also bases that exist only to provide a 'club med' environment for upper brass. Contact BRAC and ask them to add those bases to the closure list. There are even bases that exist only to funnel money into the local economy instead of giving them a check directily.

For an example, back in the late 80s, no carrier had been to the Virgin Islands in some years. After the hurricane that went through there and tore it up, there were 4 carriers to visit VI in as short of a time frame as 2 weeks. Do you realize the kind of money the crew of a carrier can drop into a local economy? Now multiply that by 4. On top of that, the Chaplain usually works with local minitries and government to do volunteer work to fix up/repair schools, churches, etc. A base usually holds a LOT more people than a carrier, and can pump thousands more into the economy through troops spending, locals working on the base, base contracts for goods and services, construction contracts, travel to/from base (cabs, rental cars, air, buses, etc).

So, for a base to leave, the US may lose a little, but the locals lose a LOT!

Answer 5

You do recognize that any united states which has a U.S. base, helps it via contract / treaty Its no longer purely like the united statesA. invaded and refuse to leave. Even in Afghanistan the U.S. and Allies are there via the invitation of the Afghan government. maximum international locations the place U.S. bases are placed have not have been given any project with the people being there, brings a great variety of money into the community financial gadget. and since the tip of the chilly conflict the U.S. protection stress has been downsizing its distant places bases

Answer 6

We would leave. There's many countries where the general population want the USA to leave, but their government leaders have a brain cell and know better. The US government is closing some old Cold War bases because of our own needs.

Answer 7

It happens ....
Spain used to have several AF bases, now there is just a very small group of Airmen at Moron. Germany took back Rhein Main.... they wanted the land for Frankfurt International Airport and we had to leave! Bitburg AB was made to consolidate with Spangdahlem AB, and much of the old base went right back to the Germans, including new dorms we had just built. They gov't now has given them a time frame to give back the rest of the old base, especially the housing.

Answer 8

Their have been several countries in which we had bases that have asked us to leave. They asked - we left. Now if someone wanted to suddenly force us out that might be a different story.

Answer 9

they never would because having our installations there are too much of an economic plus for them. take places like south korea, the ppl are so poor and they lack many opportunities to make money that without the military bases and the money our soldiers spend there, there would be many that starve to death.

Answer 10

Tell them where to go as we give so much money and on top of this we protect these Governments from being over thrown so let them fall.