We have been here for over 55 years! (Heck-I was here 48 years ago!)
Granted, South Korea doesn't have lots of oil and natural resources, but their economy is a quantum leap from 1959!
However, when I arrived at Osan I lived in a Quonset Hut. Today I work at
Yongsan; (ASSIGNMENT OF CHOICE), IN A QUONSET HUT!
Our former houseboys own condominiums, and we are still in old Japanese Occupation era Quonset Huts? Who is paying attention here?
What are the priorities-where did it say we would oversee an armistice forever? Where did it say we'll do it forever, for free? If the Korean government won't pay for part of our move to Camp Humphreys, why should we go? We used to feel the need for a U.S. Air Base in Korea. Now we can cover the area from Japan, Hawaii or Guam. Should our priorities change?

Ironside wrote in another area that he doesn't believe that we need to be here for the security of Korea anymore. It is not heresy to discuss the possibility of Korea standing up and being responsible for their own protection.
Do you think the time has come?
There is a parallel in the mideast, in Iraq, with their oil rich kingdom. Why dont they start pumping our payback into our ships in the Gulf? We should expect their troops to take over security right away! Are we going to wait 50 years there, also? Discuss.

I think Korea is capable of taking care of it's self, but was their ever an end date discussed? I also see no matter which way it goes we loose. Stay and get Korea to foot some of the bill for the move to Humphries We are the American Imperialist dogs dictating to our puppet Korea what to do. If we leave We are deserting our long time friend and ally because we support Japan more than them.
Next to the soap box!

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Just my humble opinion!

What we (the US and the ROK) need to do is retool the alliance to include more than the armistice. There are many benefits that the US does, or could have from remaining in Korea. By moving to a expeditionary force, we could project our forces to protect interests in the region. It doesn't make much sense to remain postured for the threat from the North. And if reunification ever happens, that doesn't leave many reasons for continued US presence in the region.

By reworking the alliance, the two governments could focus time and energy combating mutual dangers like transnational terrorism, drug and human trafficing, money laundering, weapons proliferation, and other issues that do affect both countries national security. This should all be undertaken with an acknowldegement of the ROK's ability to protect itself and pay for its fair share of the expenses.

Leaving the penninsula does not serve the interests of the US.

If it is retooled I see the need for a political presence but not the military. If we retool as you say there is no need for 2nd ID or 8th Army presence. Maybe an advisory staff but nothing more. What do you think Joe?

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Just my humble opinion!

I know well that Japan, your best friendly nation.
But remember ! The attack on Pearl Harbor !
They just vulgarity Island guy !
If they cross the sea again, their lsland will disappear on the map.

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Just my humble opinion!

In a word: NO

We do not need to 'protect' S. Korea. We should have an agreement as allies that provides support if required (Deemed by the US). Guam is a better place to be and we can project power from there.
We could still hold joint military exercises, but scale back our physical presence enormously. I'm tired of all the xenophobic nationalistic attitudes, and as stated before, if we stay or go it's a no win situation because Korea is always the victim in any situation. Time for them to take full responsibility for protecting their own ASSets. We can still be allies but the teat is getting dry.

Oh, and Dok Do belongs to Japan!

Hi....
Dock Do is Korean Island. It's not Japan's Island.

"Re-tool" as Barnesnotnoble says, is not too far off, in my thinking.
A presence here, especially joint Air Forces, will be a good thing for the future, both here and in Japan.

I think we all know that in these days of satellites, Missiles and Air Power, the old ways of ground warfare are no longer viable in this theatre. After the second day of an attact, the Armies would be quite ineffective. Conventional warfare is probably not an option. Deterrence is where it is at. Lets think on that premise. (That would discourage "Vulgar Island Guys!")

We no longer need to hold anyone's hand in Northeast Asia. Southeast Asia is another story.

I believe Russia and China are the only real challenge. And they will continue to be formidable challenges until such time as we determine to live together in Peace. Unfortunately, I don't think that day is going to happen.

Yes, You're right. If we are united someday, we will be so.
But also America's infulence will be diminish in Asia. isn't it ?
Anyway, I think You are clever very much.
Have a good day.