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Korea
It's time to wean S. Korea from US military dependence: Rumsfeld
2003-11-20
The United States and South Korea agree the time has come, 50 years after the Korean War, for the economically vibrant Asian country to lessen its dependence on the American military, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said Tuesday. "It is time for them to set a goal for becoming somewhat more self-reliant," Rumsfeld said during a question-and-answer session with several hundred US troops at Osan Air Base.
Goodbye, SKor. It's been real.
Banners lining the hangar where he spoke highlighted the immediacy of the North Korean military threat felt by 37,000 American troops stationed here and around the country. "Ready to Fight Tonight," read the banner of the 51st Fighter Wing. "Take the Fight North," read another. In an interview later, Rumsfeld told reporters he endorses President Roh Moo-hyun's vision of a South Korea that takes more responsibility for its own defense. "That's a correct direction," Rumsfeld said, noting that defense officials in Seoul reaffirmed to him Monday their plan to shift 10 military missions now performed by Americans to their own forces, including security in the border area with the North.
Fine idea. It's their country, as they keep reminding us.
Rumsfeld's comment also reflects his desire to see a major realignment of US forces in South Korea — a change that likely will result in a sizable troop reduction. The Pentagon believes as many as 12,000 of the 37,000 troops could be brought home, although Rumsfeld and others said the scope and timing of any troop cuts have not been decided.
Posted by:Fred Pruitt

#16  No more smell of crap dumped on fields, no more icy wind coming down across the Sea of Japan, no more kimchee-breath on mama-san...

What's to NOT like?
Posted by: Old Patriot   2003-11-20 11:58:27 PM  

#15  I have some concern that this will result in even more civilians in Seoul.
Posted by: Dishman   2003-11-20 8:20:32 PM  

#14  Just to be jerky...

Perhaps it will be easier for the NORKS to reconcile (beg, surrender, plead) with the SKs if the big nooses are out of the picture. Save a little face, rewrite a little history... who knows.
Posted by: Shipman   2003-11-20 5:29:54 PM  

#13  I just had an idea - pull out all U.S. forces, and also evacuate all the older folks that remembered, and are grateful for, American sacrifices to keep the Reds out and leave all the snot-nosed little protesting know-it-alls behind to the mercy of Kim Jong Il's thugs.
Posted by: Bomb-a-rama   2003-11-20 4:39:25 PM  

#12  When i was stationed at Osan in 88-89 i thought back then that our troop levels were way to high. Most people thought we were there to stop the South from taking that North. Let's get out and let them have at it.
Posted by: Cyber Sarge (VRWC CA Chapter)   2003-11-20 3:12:21 PM  

#11  Can the last guy out of Yongsan garrison please turn off the lights? And I had a pair of shoes on order at UN Shoes, across from the Itaewan gate, can you be a sport and pick them up for me? Thanks, ever so.
Posted by: Sgt. Mom   2003-11-20 2:44:43 PM  

#10  So long, and thanks for all the soju!
Posted by: BH   2003-11-20 2:38:23 PM  

#9  "No blood for Hynix!...Or Samsung!...or Daewoo, or Goldstar, or..."
Posted by: Bomb-a-rama   2003-11-20 1:06:36 PM  

#8  Well, it's nice that in these polarized times that there is something most Americans can agree upon.

We no go to Korea anymore.
Posted by: Hiryu   2003-11-20 10:00:34 AM  

#7  Guess the SKors didn't learn the lesson "Be careful what you wish for" from Peurto Rico
Posted by: Yosemite Sam   2003-11-20 9:58:33 AM  

#6  In honor of this, the Von Trapp Family singers in concert:

So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, good night! ...
Posted by: Chuck Simmins   2003-11-20 9:28:39 AM  

#5  Anyone think the troops are headed for Iraq ? Why waste 'em on a sunshine policy when they're needed elsewhere. Is Germany next ? Rummy is my hero either way.
Posted by: eyeyeye   2003-11-20 9:01:50 AM  

#4  Steve White, funny thing, I thought the exact same thing when I read this post. Nice going Jarhead.

Fact is the South Koreans made a big stink about wanting the troops gone. They were very persuasive. Sometimes you should think about what you demand because you just might get it.
Posted by: ruprecht   2003-11-20 8:46:24 AM  

#3  Steve W., I called in a favor. I told Rummy about the bad kim-chee and that since the Norks have went to 4'10" soldiers I felt the SKor's could handle them. He agreed, we drank a beer & had a hearty laugh about those six Iraqi mortarmen getting whacked last week by that gunship.......BTW - Rummy predicts Oklahoma over USC in the BCS final 28 - 17. ;)
Posted by: Jarhead   2003-11-20 6:08:49 AM  

#2  This has been overdue for a long time.
Posted by: Patrick Phillips   2003-11-20 4:41:24 AM  

#1  Damn, Jarhead speaks and Rummy reacts!
Posted by: Steve White   2003-11-20 12:15:29 AM  

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