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by U. S. Army War College (Author)
The stationing of U.S. military personnel in South Korea is viewed by many as a Cold War hold over that serves no contemporary purpose. Reasons given for ending the U.S. military presence in South Korea are that these forces are no longer needed to defend South Korea against North Korea, the cost of maintaining U.S. forces in South Korea is too high, the commitment of U.S. forces in Korea limits U.S. strategic flexibility, and rising South Korean anti-Americanism. This paper examines these concerns as well as the role U.S. forces play in providing security on the Korean Peninsula and stability in the Asian-Pacific Region. It then examines three courses of action the U.S. could adopt while still fulfilling its commitment to the US-ROK Mutual Defense Treaty. The conclusion is that the U.S. should maintain current force levels in South Korea. The continued unambiguous resolve and commitment of the U.S. to the stability of the Asia-Pacific and its allies remains a prudent, cost-effective constant.
