I think there’s too much happening currently in that area of the World to just pick up, and get the “H” out. We have established bases there in S. Korea, as well a long standing relationship with the people, and their government. We don’t need the expense, nor will we have the convenience of time to start up all over again if something happens with say China, or N. Korea.
Having been an MP in S. Korea many moons ago I wonder what happened to the joint patrols we used to have at night. We used to work with KNP, ROK, and USMP together specifically because of the possibility of such problems with local civilians. They handled their own people, we handled ours.
This shouldn’t have happened.
“Having been an MP in S. Korea many moons ago I wonder what happened to the joint patrols we used to have at night.”
I’m guessing but the actual article indicated this was a ‘courtesy patrol’. When I was in SK back in the early 70s, we did run courtesy patrols in the local ville. Only remember one time when we were armed (sort of).
The actual courtesy patrols were to keep the GIs out of trouble in the bars as well as enforce certain guidelines. For example, we had to ensure the drinks were served in paper cups, we had to make sure there was soap in the latrines, etc. We were also required to check whether the ‘business girls’ had their monthly vd checks. Also, had to ensure the bars were playing an appropriate ethnic mix of songs.
The one time we were armed was after the race riot in 74. The division commander decided he would send courtesy patrols into an area which was officially off limits. It was off limits because the black solders had declared it their territory and would assualt any whites entering. Usually, a CP was an officer and an NCO. These patrols also included a US MP who was armed with an unloaded 45 and a loaded clip on his belt. We also were accompanied by a Korean MP who was locked and cocked. The officer and NCO were unarmed.