Pacific Dilemma: Basing, Access and Forward Deployment.
Abstract
United States security strategy hinges on available forward deployed and forward presence forces to project U.S. national interests. As the executive agent for the implementation of national strategy in the Pacific theater, USCINCPAC relies on the continued availability of overseas facilities and bases to carry out both the National Security and National Military Strategies. However, the 'tyranny of distance' within this theater requires reliance on Cold War allies to meet this commitment. As the international dimension of world politics shifts from a bipolar to a regional and economic emphasis, national priorities will have a greater play. Overseas basing carries with it considerable baggage--for both host and donor nations. Since the closing of the military facilities in the Philippines, CINCPAC has had to rely on Japan to provide the lion's share of bases within that theater. While during the Cold War having U.S. forces was considered beneficial to Japan, this condition may soon change. The possibility exists that we will be faced with a regional crisis in the future that is contrary to Japan's national interest, and be restricted for responding from her facilities. U.S. planners need to prepare for this eventuality by aggressively seeking alternated basing sites, access facilities or develop forward logistics sites that can respond in the case of regional crises. This paper addresses the various regional limitations to alternative basing and access sites and suggests that a vibrant forward logistics site located in Guam is an available solution.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 20, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA312160
Entities
People
- Robley J. Blandford
Organizations
- Naval War College