Korea 50 Years Later: Why Are We Still There?
Abstract
This SRP explores the present U.S. policies toward Korea and will answer the question does the United States need to be forwarded deployed in Korea? In the past 10 years the United States military has demonstrated its ability to project power over extended lines of communication. Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm were a wake up call in force projection for the Army as a result the Army increased lift procurements as it transformed to a lighter force. The United States is now capable of projecting a creditable military force around the globe in weeks rather than months. Our capabilities today and in the future enable the United States to defend deter and if necessary defeat enemy forces that threaten or attack the nation or its allies. These capabilities also provide us the opportunity to reduce our overseas presence without reducing our commitment to security. This paper argues that less is better for Korea. However reducing tension on the Korean Peninsula can only occur when North Korea agrees to dismantle its nuclear program. Perhaps then the United States can best influence this reunification with fewer troops on the ground in Korea.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 19, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA424189
Entities
People
- David F. Gilbert
Organizations
- United States Army War College