Improved U.S. Pacific Command Theater Design for the Future

摘要

United States Pacific Command has based its deterrent and response capabilities on the forces concentrated in bases in South Korea and Japan. While these bases are certainly essential to deter aggressive action on the part of North Korea, they are positioned poorly to shape or respond to other portions of PACOM's theater, in particular the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia. Potential crises in these regions are evident when one considers recent events such as the Indian nuclear bomb tests, instability in Indonesia due to the economic crisis, and conflicting territorial claims for the Spratly Islands. The National Security Strategy for the United States emphasizes engagement, shaping, responding, and preparing now. To execute this strategy and better prepare for an uncertain future, PACOM should pursue the establishment of a naval base in Singapore. Singapore appears open to a U.S. presence and this location would be ideal for shaping and responding to events along the Indian and Pacific Ocean littoral. Singapore would also be an excellent location to ensure the security of the Straits of Malacca. PACOM should also consider the effects of a reunification of North and South Korea or a demand by the Japanese government that U.S. forces in Japan be reduced. In this eventuality, a naval base in Singapore would provide a balanced U.S. presence in the Pacific theater and give PACOM enhanced flexibility for the future.