he United States military operates one of the largest networks of overseas bases in the world, enabling it to project power, respond to crises, and maintain global stability.
This article explores the history of US basing, its strategic importance, a case study from the Iraq War, and the critical role of US Air Force (USAF) bases in the Asia-Pacific.
Additionally, we discuss the vulnerabilities of these bases and how the USAF’s Agile Combat Employment (ACE) strategy aims to address them.
A Brief History of US Basing
Pre-20th Century
Before the Spanish-American War, the US maintained no overseas military bases. However, after acquiring the Philippines in 1898, the US established its first permanent naval base at Subic Bay in 1901.
World War II Expansion
World War II significantly expanded the US military’s global presence, with over 2,000 bases established to support operations across Europe and the Pacific. For example, the US operated 200 bases in the UK alone to support the European theater.
Cold War Consolidation
Following WWII, many bases remained active due to the Cold War. By 1991, the US maintained 1,600 overseas facilities, ensuring rapid response capabilities against Soviet aggression.
Modern-Day Operations
Today, the US operates 750 bases in 80 foreign countries, costing approximately $80 billion annually. This infrastructure supports a wide range of missions, from humanitarian aid to full-scale military operations.
Strategic Utility of US Bases
The global network of bases provides unmatched flexibility for US policymakers and military planners. They enable:
- Rapid Deployment: Personnel, equipment, and supplies can be moved quickly to crisis zones.
- Combat Operations: Bases serve as hubs for staging and logistics, allowing sustained military campaigns.
- Reassurance to Allies: The presence of US forces deters aggression and strengthens alliances.
Case Study: Iraq War (2003)
When Turkey denied US forces access to its territory to stage a northern front during the Iraq War, the US relied on its bases in Aviano (Italy) and Ramstein (Germany).
Key Events
- March 26, 2003: 954 soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade parachuted into Iraq from 15 C-17s, securing Bashur Airfield.
- April 8, 2003: 27 round-trip C-17 flights transported tanks, armored vehicles, and Humvees from Ramstein to Bashur.
- Outcome: The rapid deployment of heavy equipment and personnel demonstrated the critical importance of overseas bases.
US Air Power in the Asia-Pacific
The Asia-Pacific region, marked by rising tensions and strategic rivalries, is a cornerstone of US military planning. The USAF’s presence here is crucial for maintaining stability and responding to potential conflicts.
Key Bases in the Region
- Andersen AFB (Guam)
- Hickam AFB (Hawaii)
- Kadena AFB (Japan)
- Misawa and Yokota AFBs (Japan)
- Kunsan and Osan AFBs (South Korea)
- Eielson and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (Alaska)
These bases provide the Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) with the capacity to deploy approximately 2,000 fighters, bombers, and transport aircraft.
Primary Objectives
- Deterrence: A visible and ready force helps maintain regional stability.
- Rapid Response: Quick reactions to tensions in areas like the Taiwan Strait, Korean Peninsula, or South China Sea.
- Training with Allies: Strengthens interoperability with regional partners.
Challenges Facing US Bases in the Asia-Pacific
Vulnerability to Attack
The size and static nature of USAF main operating bases make them attractive targets for China’s rocket force, which has a vast arsenal of missiles capable of striking long distances.
China’s Missile Arsenal
| Missile Class | Launchers | Missiles | Range (km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM) | 500 | 350 | >5,500 |
| Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles (IRBM) | 250 | 500 | 3,000-5,500 |
| Medium-Range Ballistic Missiles (MRBM) | 300 | 1,000 | 1,000-3,000 |
| Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM) | 200 | 1,000 | 300-1,000 |
| Ground-Launched Cruise Missiles (GLCM) | 150 | 300 | >1,500 |
These weapons can disable runways and disrupt logistics, hampering the US’s ability to conduct sustained operations.
Agile Combat Employment (ACE): The USAF’s Answer
To counter the threat posed by missile strikes, the USAF is implementing the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) strategy.
Key Features of ACE
- Decentralization: Dispersing aircraft and personnel to smaller, remote operating sites.
- Hub-and-Spoke Model: Main operating bases act as hubs, while smaller bases serve as spokes for dispersed squadrons.
- Flexibility: Makes targeting more difficult for adversaries, ensuring combat effectiveness.
Advantages of ACE
- Resilience: Reduces the risk of losing critical assets in a single strike.
- Operational Continuity: Enables continued missions even if primary bases are compromised.
- Lessons from Ukraine: The ongoing war in Ukraine has highlighted the importance of dispersing supplies and units to avoid devastating losses.
Potential Sites
According to Air & Space Operations Review, there are 576 airports in 26 countries suitable for supporting ACE operations in the Asia-Pacific.
Great Power Competition and Key Flashpoints
The US has shifted its strategic focus from counterterrorism to Great Power Competition (GPC), particularly with China.
Friction Points with China
- Taiwan: China has vowed to reunify Taiwan, with or without force. The US’s “strategic ambiguity” suggests it would likely defend Taiwan if attacked.
- South China Sea: Overlapping maritime claims between China and the Philippines could lead to conflict, obligating US defense under its treaty with Manila.
- Senkaku Islands: Administered by Japan but claimed by China, any Chinese aggression would trigger US-Japan defense agreements.
The US military’s global basing network, including its pivotal air bases in the Asia-Pacific, underpins its ability to project power and maintain global stability.
While these bases face significant challenges, particularly from China’s advanced missile capabilities, strategies like Agile Combat Employment (ACE) are ensuring the resilience and adaptability of US air power.
As geopolitical tensions rise, the US’s ability to adapt and leverage its network will remain a cornerstone of its global strategy.
FAQ
1. How many US military bases exist worldwide?
The US operates approximately 750 bases across 80 countries.
2. Why are US air bases in the Asia-Pacific region critical?
These bases serve as hubs for rapid deployment, deterrence, and training with allies, ensuring stability in the region.
3. What is the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) strategy?
ACE decentralizes air operations by dispersing aircraft and personnel to smaller bases, reducing their vulnerability to missile strikes.
4. What are the main threats to US air bases in the Asia-Pacific?
China’s missile arsenal poses a significant threat, as its capabilities include long-range precision strikes on static targets like large air bases.
5. How does the US plan to counter these threats?
The USAF is implementing ACE to decentralize operations, making targeting more challenging and enhancing resilience.