Joint Chiefs Chairman Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers answers
a question during a press conference at Wiesbaden Army Air Field, Germany, June
7. Myers said no final decision has been made regarding the basing of U.S.
forces in Germany. Photo by Karen Edge
(Click photo for screen-
resolution image); high-resolution
image available. |
Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers told reporters the news reports that both
American divisions are moving out of Germany are premature. "Any realignment of
our troops is in the context of a larger global posture look that the United
States is taking," he said.
Local press reported that the 1st Armored and 1st Infantry divisions will move
out of Germany in the near future.
Myers stressed that any move will be taken only after full discussions with
allies and host countries. He said the look at the U.S. global footprint is
overdue and, in many cases, is being done in conjunction with allies' own
examination of troop deployments.
He cited changes in Korea that will consolidate U.S. forces and shrink the
overall number without cutting capabilities.
While no decisions have been made about U.S. forces in Germany, a high-level
U.S. group met with German counterparts last month.
Officials traveling with Myers said that even when decisions are made, it will
take some time to implement them. And these decisions must be connected with
the U.S. base realignment and closure effort.
"There are programming issues, there are budgeting issues, there are issues of
where forces may go back in the United States," Myers said. "It is a very
complex process, lots of moving parts. I wouldn't go to any conclusions like
that now."
Myers indicated any decision on the global posture will be done over time and
be announced in phases. "We want to make sure that the way we are postured in
the future is where U.S. forces are wanted," he said. "We want to make sure of
the usability of these forces in time of crisis – that we can use them where we
need to use them."
Biography:
Gen. Richard B. Myers, USAF
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