[been_lurking]

If there was one credible threat to this area... maybe. But there clearly is no rational reason to base there permanently.

By your logic, we have no rational reason for any military installations within the continental U.S.

What is the credible threat to Kansas?

Maybe you need to rethink the issue, or at least your analysis of the issue.

[Daus]

By your logic, we have no rational reason for any military installations within the continental U.S.

I'm sorry, but the cost structure of keeping military families in Iceland is a bit different than keeping them in the continental US. Also, consider the impact you are having on the soldier's life for no dicernable value. If you can please illuminate me on one tangible benefit to the Icelandic outpost, go for it.

And yes, at the end of the day, the country that is ultimately being protected is the US. There is now just as much chance of Kansas being attacked as Iceland. The only countries with anything approaching real blue water navies are either staunch allies or on the other side of the world from Iceland.

Using your logic, there would be no point is basing any soldiers in the US, they should all be overseas. :)