Posted on 11/16/2011 6:50:33 PM PST by MinorityRepublican
Obama met with Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and announced a permanent military presence in Australia beginning next summer.
CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA — The Obama administration announced plans Wednesday to establish a permanent military presence in Australia, part of the president’s high-profile foreign policy shift toward Asia that is intended as a counterbalance to China’s growing power.
The move to send 250 Marines to bases here for six-month tours starting next summer, eventually rotating 2,500 troops through the country, is the first step toward the administration’s larger goal of repositioning the United States as a leader on both economics and security in the fast-developing Asia Pacific. The pivot appears to be aimed at rethinking Washington’s global commitments at a time when the White House is attempting to draw down the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and when budget cuts threaten to curtail defense spending.
CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA — The Obama administration announced plans Wednesday to establish a permanent military presence in Australia, part of the president’s high-profile foreign policy shift toward Asia that is intended as a counterbalance to China’s growing power.
The move to send 250 Marines to bases here for six-month tours starting next summer, eventually rotating 2,500 troops through the country, is the first step toward the administration’s larger goal of repositioning the United States as a leader on both economics and security in the fast-developing Asia Pacific. The pivot appears to be aimed at rethinking Washington’s global commitments at a time when the White House is attempting to draw down the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and when budget cuts threaten to curtail defense spending.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
Rather pointless, I’d say.
maybe these two needed troops there for their up and coming global warming plans LOL
Why? why is he really doing this?
Another GLORIOUS day in the history of the Corps.
I can see it now;
“Whats that? A few billion Chinese need to kept in check? Ok,, 2 company’s of Marines nearby should be about right”
Publicity like this?? Did my beloved corps PAY the Chicoms to get angry about this? This is GREAT!! LOL
Thanks MinorityRepublican.
Exactly. Why is he specifically sending troops overseas on a non-defense priority mission while slashing the military budget into oblivion? Do our Aussie friend want our troops?
Yes, they do.
This is positioning against China’s plans to expand. The Aussies want the Chinese to buy their coal, iron ore, and uranium, not take it.
They’ll have a lot of volunteers! What a great assignment!
Why? Perhaps to engender a military incident that would boost his popularity around election—you know, “rally ‘round the flag, boys” and all that.
(Cue hysterical laughter...)
This is a sovereign matter for Australia. Our Chinese (economic) friends (not owners) should kindly desist from interfering in Australia’s internal affairs. China, am sure, wouldn’t appreciate it if the shoe was on the other foot. And, unless China is planning to invade Australia, there is no need for them to be alarmed about US military presence in Australia. In fact, I think it can be a win-win situation for all those concerned, and for different reasons.
WOW 2500 US Marines will send China a message...
While I greatly admire the US Marine Corps I do think it is stretching it a bit when it’s thought One Marine is worth 100,000 CRGs..I sorta believe even the Marines who are a bit more realistic .feel that way..
Next thing we have to do is start using Da Nang and Subic Bay again.
My dad went there on R&R back in 1970. He thought it would be a unique experience and found it quite enjoyable.
I was there on liberty for all too brief a time in the late 70’s. It is a very impressive place and the people are even more impressive. The Marines are going to get some memories out of this one, I promise you that.
The Chi Coms absolutely hate the Marine Corps. for incidents just after WW 2 and especially for the Chosin Reservoir. The Corps was a major thorn in there sides during Maos take over and they still haven’t forgotten this. So to them I am sure they are taking this as a deliberate insult. Even though our Commander in Thief hasn’t the slightest clue about anything historical.
The active duty strength of our beloved Marine Corps will be reduced in half within the next decade. Just watch.
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