It's about time! The Soviet Union and warsaw Pact no longer exist. Moving some of the troops to other European countries makes sense if the goal is to counter Russia's moves. It is past time for Germany to stand up and take responsibility for its own defense instead of shirking its financial responsibilities and relying on Americans to fund European defense.
There will still be troops in Germany, less than there are today.
Poland has offered the US bases in their country where we have some troops now.
Building new bases will allow the military to have more modern facilities and the newest upgrades in equipment. If Russia ever attacked Germany, it might well be achieved in the use of long & short range missles. At least in Poland,it will give us a bit more time to analyze the situation and make the appropriate decisions in how to effectively respond.
You may need to study this issue a bit more. And I certainly don't appreciate you talking down the GREATEST President our GREAT nation has had in many years...
We all should study this issue but we should also remember that Germany is a strategic location. I certainly disagree with your opinion of what a great President is. I have seen several Great Presidents over the last 74 years and I know that a Great President has great respect for the Military and cares about ALL Americans.
NATO is important. I too have seen great Presidents since the 40s through today. FDR,Truman,Eisenhower,Kennedy,Reagan,H W Bush,even Obama. Open your eyes to what a great country we always have had. Where is the Greatest Generation? I believe the upcoming election will speak for itself.
If you hate the President and this country so much prove it, leave this great nation, go to Germany or China. The DEMs (Delusional Extremely Misinformed Socialists) want to destroy America from within. I remember when we were all american's, united as one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. History has proven this is the greatest Country in the history of world. Go take a U.S. history class and study the Constitution and the declaration of independence. Forget what the universities and the fake news are saying, think for yourself.
US Navy Vietnam Vet.
And you do? Oh, forgive me, I didn't realize your were a retired general at the Pentagon! Your comment shows more stupidity than you could ever imagine!
Easy question. I spent 16+ yrs in Germany from 1987-2003. Watched the wall fall, seen the birth of the Euro and the EC. Germany is NOT the same. Under Merkel, Germany has become mostly Socialist and has climbed in bed with Russia. Russia is now Germany's primary energy provider. U.S. Army, Europe (USAREUR) should move completely out of Germany and base those troops in Hungary, Poland, Georgia, etc. The cost of maintaining U.S. Forces in Germany is much more expensive than eastern Europe, and still pay the U.S. bill to NATO. Headquarters, U.S. European Command (HQ, EUCOM), currently based in Stuttgart (Patch Barracks), is moving to Belgium. Germany freeloads on NATO as far as paying their bill to NATO. YES - U.S. FORCES OUT OF GERMANY!!!
Also, Germany has allowed it's own military to fall to historical lows in all aspects. Another implication that Germany was freeloading on NATO for security...
Polish and Baltic people had many years of suffering under an enemy occupying their Countries. They are today very concerned of matters happening in the US who has an enemy within its borders.
It's a lousy move, Trump either thinks he knows it all and takes advice from Putin instead of the National Security Structure or he's doing it to get even with the German Chanceler. He shows no respect for our NATO partners who have shed blood on many occasions.
I never realized how many retire generals were members of the Legion. Obviously you opened your mouth before engaging your brain(?)! What did you think the JCOS did, sit by idle and not offer any input or the suggestion to relocate?
And your comment is "not" vindictive? Your just another Monday quarterback, with 30 years as a military officer who was on the JCOS? Pardon me if I don't salute!
Thank you President Trump! This should have been done many many years ago. Germans living around the bases there have made a wonderful living for more than 50 years from American GI’s and their family’s. German’s can take care of themselves and US GIs were never supposed to provide their security forever. Germany needs to take responsibility for their own country. Trump needs to put Merkel on notice that the remaining Americans are coming home soon as well.
It's not a strategic move; it's a political maneuver to: a) punish Germany and leverage them to increase their payment to NATO, b) fulfil a campaign promise.
It has the effect of further weakening our ties to our allies.
There are several logical reasons for removing troops from Germany. Europe is in less danger of invasion that areas in the South Pacific. Our most lethal enemy is China; therefore let's concentrate our military in that area. Next: Germany has the wherewithal to defend its own borders. Poland is a better investment of our military might. Bottom line: It's economically smart to reduce/reassign troops in/from Germany.
Spent more than 10 years there......time to move on......Germany has the firepower to take care of itself.....Russia doe not have the financial where with all not are they foolish enough to attack Germany...
Twice the world has suffered at the hands of Germany. The troops are there to remind the world and Germany that they will not rule the world. Millions. have died and countless people have suffered because of them. The troops should remain and stand guard for the world so that they never try for world domination.
I feel that Germany should pay its fair share to support NATO. We are not the world's policeman. We still have the ability to end the world with nuclear proliferation. I would think that would be a deterrent for a Russian invasion of Germany. Remember the Cuban Missle Crisis. Who blinked?
Have to agree with djtruman, Germany has been enriching their whole country at our expense since the Cold War ended. Time to dial that scene back a bit
A complex issue that defies simplistic opinions. The US has a very critical military structure embedded in Germany and I'm sure that our military professionals have many opinions on the veracity of DJT's statement. If past performance is any indication of current pronouncements, the DoD may not have been involved in the reduction announcement. Any yes, the most significant benefactor is Putin, not the US and especially not Germany. As to the GREATEST PREDIDENT comment, I am disappointed that a fellow Legionaire holds such an immoral and racist human being as the Greatest President of my beloved Country.
Rej
merkel made big bucks doing business with terrorists moslem countries in the mideast while allowing terrorists to overwhelm european union. Let the russian tanks rattle into berlin and spend the money rebuilding the US infrastructure
It's foolish for us to make a statement on what our president has done, is doing because we don't have a clue to what all his advisers are telling him. I may not agree with him, but I don't have all the facts.
He is our president and I think it would be better for us to pray for him and support him than to criticize him.
Well when I was over in Italy. And would go to Germany I was told by them that they didn't want us there anyway. The retirees can't use the PX or Commissary there. That was in the contract they wrote up for us to have our troops there. So I say let them fend for themselves. Sound good to me..
Germany can and must shoulder a greater responsibility for its own defense, but I suspect that this is not a wise strategic move, but is typical of our strategic moves for many years which reflect domestic political conflicts and
budgetary constraints rather than a realistic assessment of strategic needs and a budget based on those needs. jwc
I was deployed 18mos.(04/1960 to 09/1961) there,most of the Germany were very frindy. Even though our bomes killed 100th of thousand of civilians in 1945 and destory a lot of there citys. It was a time they were rebuilding. Its time to let them fly on there own.
We shouldn't keep any troops in Germany or elsewhere in Europe anymore. It made sense in the early decades of post-WW2, but it hasn't made any sense for quite a while now. Keeping our troops in Europe creates a false sense of security for Europeans, and removing troops will be a serious incentive for them to beef up their armies and bring them under joint European command - which can still be a member of NATO. A strong European Army is a far better European defense against any possible Russian threat, than token numbers of US troops stationed in Europe.
Germany is part of the EU. The EU, even without Britain, has a bigger population, far bigger GDP, and a larger tech base than Russia. The EU should be providing its own security, with the US as the "guarantor of last resort." All US forces should be withdrawn from continental Europe and the Islamic world.
We must never forget the outcome for leaving Afghanistan...after President Reagan spoke those famous words of tearing down the walls in Berlin...we left Afghanistan in a vacuum with the result of 911. Recently, we left the Kurdish people at the mercy of the Turkish forces that was eager to attack the Kurdistan Province but they was giving us aid against the enemy forces there...we pull out and the Turkish military slaughtered those which was aiding our forces. Like Afghanistan, I pray our shortsightedness won't come back to "bite us" in the future.
Our president is an agent of Russia. So any action he takes regarding NATO is done to benefit his master, Putin. Ask yourself, why are no Americans allowed to witness his meetings with Putin? Why is there not transcripts? Why won't he release his tax returns? Why does he constantly lavish praise on Putin?
It's time to bring the majority of ALL our troops home. Long Term entanglements must end. Nations need to stand up for their own sovereignty and both pay and pave their own way. We've got serious internal problems right here on our own soil that need tending to.
Submitted by keary.oflaherty... : Aug 26, 2020 5:42pm
Comments
It's about time! The Soviet
It's about time! The Soviet Union and warsaw Pact no longer exist. Moving some of the troops to other European countries makes sense if the goal is to counter Russia's moves. It is past time for Germany to stand up and take responsibility for its own defense instead of shirking its financial responsibilities and relying on Americans to fund European defense.
There will still be troops in
There will still be troops in Germany, less than there are today.
Poland has offered the US bases in their country where we have some troops now.
Building new bases will allow the military to have more modern facilities and the newest upgrades in equipment. If Russia ever attacked Germany, it might well be achieved in the use of long & short range missles. At least in Poland,it will give us a bit more time to analyze the situation and make the appropriate decisions in how to effectively respond.
It is a stupid move by a
It is a stupid move by a President (I hate calling Trump President) that has NO idea what he is doing.
You may need to study this
You may need to study this issue a bit more. And I certainly don't appreciate you talking down the GREATEST President our GREAT nation has had in many years...
We all should study this
We all should study this issue but we should also remember that Germany is a strategic location. I certainly disagree with your opinion of what a great President is. I have seen several Great Presidents over the last 74 years and I know that a Great President has great respect for the Military and cares about ALL Americans.
NATO is important. I too have
NATO is important. I too have seen great Presidents since the 40s through today. FDR,Truman,Eisenhower,Kennedy,Reagan,H W Bush,even Obama. Open your eyes to what a great country we always have had. Where is the Greatest Generation? I believe the upcoming election will speak for itself.
If you hate the President and
If you hate the President and this country so much prove it, leave this great nation, go to Germany or China. The DEMs (Delusional Extremely Misinformed Socialists) want to destroy America from within. I remember when we were all american's, united as one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. History has proven this is the greatest Country in the history of world. Go take a U.S. history class and study the Constitution and the declaration of independence. Forget what the universities and the fake news are saying, think for yourself.
US Navy Vietnam Vet.
You got that right!!!
You got that right!!!
And you do? Oh, forgive me,
And you do? Oh, forgive me, I didn't realize your were a retired general at the Pentagon! Your comment shows more stupidity than you could ever imagine!
Easy question. I spent 16+
Easy question. I spent 16+ yrs in Germany from 1987-2003. Watched the wall fall, seen the birth of the Euro and the EC. Germany is NOT the same. Under Merkel, Germany has become mostly Socialist and has climbed in bed with Russia. Russia is now Germany's primary energy provider. U.S. Army, Europe (USAREUR) should move completely out of Germany and base those troops in Hungary, Poland, Georgia, etc. The cost of maintaining U.S. Forces in Germany is much more expensive than eastern Europe, and still pay the U.S. bill to NATO. Headquarters, U.S. European Command (HQ, EUCOM), currently based in Stuttgart (Patch Barracks), is moving to Belgium. Germany freeloads on NATO as far as paying their bill to NATO. YES - U.S. FORCES OUT OF GERMANY!!!
The ones redeployed into
The ones redeployed into other European are much more appreciated (specially Poland and The Baltics) love the US more then Germany.
Also, Germany has allowed it
Also, Germany has allowed it's own military to fall to historical lows in all aspects. Another implication that Germany was freeloading on NATO for security...
Polish and Baltic people had
Polish and Baltic people had many years of suffering under an enemy occupying their Countries. They are today very concerned of matters happening in the US who has an enemy within its borders.
It's a lousy move, Trump
It's a lousy move, Trump either thinks he knows it all and takes advice from Putin instead of the National Security Structure or he's doing it to get even with the German Chanceler. He shows no respect for our NATO partners who have shed blood on many occasions.
I never realized how many
I never realized how many retire generals were members of the Legion. Obviously you opened your mouth before engaging your brain(?)! What did you think the JCOS did, sit by idle and not offer any input or the suggestion to relocate?
The petty, vindictive CinC
The petty, vindictive CinC chooses to show his displeasure with Angela Merkel by messing with the security of NATO.
What a pathetic, sissy he is.
And your comment is "not"
And your comment is "not" vindictive? Your just another Monday quarterback, with 30 years as a military officer who was on the JCOS? Pardon me if I don't salute!
Thank you President Trump!
Thank you President Trump! This should have been done many many years ago. Germans living around the bases there have made a wonderful living for more than 50 years from American GI’s and their family’s. German’s can take care of themselves and US GIs were never supposed to provide their security forever. Germany needs to take responsibility for their own country. Trump needs to put Merkel on notice that the remaining Americans are coming home soon as well.
It's not a strategic move; it
It's not a strategic move; it's a political maneuver to: a) punish Germany and leverage them to increase their payment to NATO, b) fulfil a campaign promise.
It has the effect of further weakening our ties to our allies.
There are several logical
There are several logical reasons for removing troops from Germany. Europe is in less danger of invasion that areas in the South Pacific. Our most lethal enemy is China; therefore let's concentrate our military in that area. Next: Germany has the wherewithal to defend its own borders. Poland is a better investment of our military might. Bottom line: It's economically smart to reduce/reassign troops in/from Germany.
Long overdue....
Long overdue....
Spent more than 10 years
Spent more than 10 years there......time to move on......Germany has the firepower to take care of itself.....Russia doe not have the financial where with all not are they foolish enough to attack Germany...
COULDN'T AGREE MORE. SHAME WE
COULDN'T AGREE MORE. SHAME WE CALL HIM OUR PRESIDENT!
The Reason We Are in Germany
The Reason We Are in Germany
Twice the world has suffered at the hands of Germany. The troops are there to remind the world and Germany that they will not rule the world. Millions. have died and countless people have suffered because of them. The troops should remain and stand guard for the world so that they never try for world domination.
I feel that Germany should
I feel that Germany should pay its fair share to support NATO. We are not the world's policeman. We still have the ability to end the world with nuclear proliferation. I would think that would be a deterrent for a Russian invasion of Germany. Remember the Cuban Missle Crisis. Who blinked?
Have to agree with djtruman,
Have to agree with djtruman, Germany has been enriching their whole country at our expense since the Cold War ended. Time to dial that scene back a bit
A complex issue that defies
A complex issue that defies simplistic opinions. The US has a very critical military structure embedded in Germany and I'm sure that our military professionals have many opinions on the veracity of DJT's statement. If past performance is any indication of current pronouncements, the DoD may not have been involved in the reduction announcement. Any yes, the most significant benefactor is Putin, not the US and especially not Germany. As to the GREATEST PREDIDENT comment, I am disappointed that a fellow Legionaire holds such an immoral and racist human being as the Greatest President of my beloved Country.
Rej
merkel made big bucks doing
merkel made big bucks doing business with terrorists moslem countries in the mideast while allowing terrorists to overwhelm european union. Let the russian tanks rattle into berlin and spend the money rebuilding the US infrastructure
It's foolish for us to make a
It's foolish for us to make a statement on what our president has done, is doing because we don't have a clue to what all his advisers are telling him. I may not agree with him, but I don't have all the facts.
He is our president and I think it would be better for us to pray for him and support him than to criticize him.
Well when I was over in Italy
Well when I was over in Italy. And would go to Germany I was told by them that they didn't want us there anyway. The retirees can't use the PX or Commissary there. That was in the contract they wrote up for us to have our troops there. So I say let them fend for themselves. Sound good to me..
Trump's move against Merkel
Trump's move against Merkel has greatly pleased Vlidimir Putin.
Germany can and must shoulder
Germany can and must shoulder a greater responsibility for its own defense, but I suspect that this is not a wise strategic move, but is typical of our strategic moves for many years which reflect domestic political conflicts and
budgetary constraints rather than a realistic assessment of strategic needs and a budget based on those needs. jwc
I was deployed 18mos.(04/1960
I was deployed 18mos.(04/1960 to 09/1961) there,most of the Germany were very frindy. Even though our bomes killed 100th of thousand of civilians in 1945 and destory a lot of there citys. It was a time they were rebuilding. Its time to let them fly on there own.
We shouldn't keep any troops
We shouldn't keep any troops in Germany or elsewhere in Europe anymore. It made sense in the early decades of post-WW2, but it hasn't made any sense for quite a while now. Keeping our troops in Europe creates a false sense of security for Europeans, and removing troops will be a serious incentive for them to beef up their armies and bring them under joint European command - which can still be a member of NATO. A strong European Army is a far better European defense against any possible Russian threat, than token numbers of US troops stationed in Europe.
Germany is part of the EU.
Germany is part of the EU. The EU, even without Britain, has a bigger population, far bigger GDP, and a larger tech base than Russia. The EU should be providing its own security, with the US as the "guarantor of last resort." All US forces should be withdrawn from continental Europe and the Islamic world.
We must never forget the
We must never forget the outcome for leaving Afghanistan...after President Reagan spoke those famous words of tearing down the walls in Berlin...we left Afghanistan in a vacuum with the result of 911. Recently, we left the Kurdish people at the mercy of the Turkish forces that was eager to attack the Kurdistan Province but they was giving us aid against the enemy forces there...we pull out and the Turkish military slaughtered those which was aiding our forces. Like Afghanistan, I pray our shortsightedness won't come back to "bite us" in the future.
Our president is an agent of
Our president is an agent of Russia. So any action he takes regarding NATO is done to benefit his master, Putin. Ask yourself, why are no Americans allowed to witness his meetings with Putin? Why is there not transcripts? Why won't he release his tax returns? Why does he constantly lavish praise on Putin?
allenpegg1
allenpegg1
To error is human regardless what people say,
but, to fail to be corrected is not excusable.
It's time to bring the
It's time to bring the majority of ALL our troops home. Long Term entanglements must end. Nations need to stand up for their own sovereignty and both pay and pave their own way. We've got serious internal problems right here on our own soil that need tending to.