Closing the U.S. Facilities in the Philippines: An Opportunity to Improve U.S. Relations in Southeast Asia
Abstract
Issues surrounding the renewal of the U.S.-Philippine Military Bases Agreement, due to expire in September 1991, may result in the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the Philippines within the next ten years. If this happens, the ability of the United States to execute its military strategy in the Southeast Asian region will be questioned. Assuming continued U.S. national interests and objectives in Southeast Asia, this paper develops new alternatives to the U.S. facilities that preserve or improve U.S. facilities that preserve or improve U. S. forward defense and collective security. To put the issue in perspective, the paper reviews how the U.S. facilities in the Philippines contribute to the U.S. military strategy in the Western Pacific. In addition, potential national, regional, and global impacts of a U.S. withdrawal are examined. Alternative locations for U.S. forces in Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and Micronesia are then assessed for operational effectiveness, cost, and political feasibility. Finally, recommendations for alternative sites to the U.S. facilities are framed in the context of current United States strategic military concepts -- forward defense, collective security, reinforcement, sustainment, and security assistance. (AW)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 02, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA220696
Entities
People
- Bruce H. Senft
Organizations
- United States Army War College