United States Forward Military Presence in Europe...A Strategic Necessity

Abstract

Abstract : The United States has over 100,000 men and women of its armed forces currently stationed in or serving around the European Continent. This research paper examined the requirement for a continued United States forward military presence within Europe from a strategic viewpoint to determine if said presence is strategically necessary and vital to United States interests. Research and analysis lead to the conclusion that the United States needs to continue its forward military presence in Europe. This recommendation is based on the following benefits of a forward military presence in Europe: expeditious access into that region of the world; basis for cooperation between European countries and the United States; the ability to influence events in that region of the world; an exercised and measured military inter-operability capability; and strategic flexibility in support of the war on terrorism and confrontations with rogue nations in the surrounding area. These advantages, when weighed against the disadvantages (potential entanglement in European affairs; legal concerns; force protection issues; and disincentive for Europe to invest in defense) provide overwhelming benefits and justify a continued United States forward military presence in Europe.