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"He added that the South Korean economy was "25 to 35 times" as large as that of the reclusive Communist north, meaning that Seoul had "all the capability in the world of providing the kind of upfront deterrent that's needed"

Excellent... Let the dingdongs defend thier own country.

I spent a total of 4 1/2 years in Korea, primarily in the 2nd Infantry Division and on several Special Forces Mobile Training Teams. I understand the geopolitical and strategic importance of bases there (as part of a containment strategy for China)- but let's face it, the American ground troops in South Korea are essentially sacrificial lambs, meant to be decimated in the first days of any attack so as to guarantee American involvement in any new war on the Korean Peninsula.

Bring them home, move them to Guam, or whatever. Probably should keep a couple of Air Force bases, though, and continue to do joint training with the ROK Army and Marines.

The development of a good base in Alaska to which to redeploy the Korean and Okinawan based forces would place our troops in surprisingly good proximity via great circle routes to Korea and Japan, but still on American soil. We could probably satisfy our strategic interests stationing them in Alaska, while keeping them in the US where what they spend and we spend would benefit our economy. Meanwhile, decisions to deploy them would require no consultation with assholes--er allies. Great circle route for the airliftable component also puts them easily within the orbit for supporting policy about anywhere in the northern hemisphere. Rummie is a blunt instrument, but, IMHO, no dunderhead. We could then charge the Japanese and Koreans for protection. Insurance is cheap and easier to budget for than readiness iteself.