The assignment itself is:
The real over-stretch of the U.S. military is not two wars in the same time, but the sheer amount of security guarantees the U.S.A. are giving to many countries of the world. Europe's worry is that, following the possible failure in Iraq and Afghanistan, America might radically re-evaluate its engagement in the world--not perhaps withdraw to isolationism, but surely reduce its level of commitments to other countries.

Assess first the U.S. commitment to world security, include this hard data:
1. What is overall U.S. military spending, and what is the spending of major European allies?
2. How many countries have their security underwritten by the U.S>? List them. You do not have to write all their names, it is sufficient to put them in groups, e.g.: NATO allies (26 countries).
3. What other major military commitments do the United States have worldwide? List at least two. Hint: one runs since WW2 (and is the single biggest operation of this sort in the history of mankind, the Romans did something similar), another since the first year of this millennium.

I'm only looking for help with question 3 because it's kind of vague, but I imagine someone with general knowledge of US military history could know what my professor is getting at. Any info relevant to any of those parts is appreciated, so don't hold back (I just don't want anyone thinking that I'm asking you guys to do my homework for me, it's just the nature of question 3 makes it difficult to research).

Germany & South Korea & japan are the first that come to my mind. There is also N.A.T.O.. then you have the G.W.O.T.. Then there is Tiawan ,S.W.P. Alliance, (Australia, New Zealand). I'm not sure where the commitment to Isreal come's in. At one time there was the S.A.T.O. South atlantic treaty Org. O.A.S. Organisation of American states.Some of these may be nonexistant now

quote:

Originally posted by ordmate:
Germany & South Korea & japan are the first that come to my mind. There is also N.A.T.O.. then you have the G.W.O.T.. Then there is Tiawan ,S.W.P. Alliance, (Australia, New Zealand). I'm not sure where the commitment to Isreal come's in. At one time there was the S.A.T.O. South atlantic treaty Org. O.A.S. Organisation of American states.Some of these may be nonexistant now

There was also SEATO (SouthEast Asia Treaty Organization) which included South Vietnam, the Philippines, New Zealand, Thailand, Pakistan, and Australia among it's members. It dissolved in 1977.

Thanks, that was really helpful!

The thing with Israel and South Korea, we guarantee their security but I haven't found any lists online that have all the countries of such status--though I know they're both non-NATO allies, so would it be fair to assume that, while maybe we don't guarantee the security of all non-NATO allies, all those to whom we grant security are non-NATO allies? Incidentally, Taiwan is not so I don't know what the deal is there...

quote:

Originally posted by USNVet940:

quote:

Originally posted by ordmate:
Germany & South Korea & japan are the first that come to my mind. There is also N.A.T.O.. then you have the G.W.O.T.. Then there is Tiawan ,S.W.P. Alliance, (Australia, New Zealand). I'm not sure where the commitment to Isreal come's in. At one time there was the S.A.T.O. South atlantic treaty Org. O.A.S. Organisation of American states.Some of these may be nonexistant now

There was also SEATO (SouthEast Asia Treaty Organization) which included South Vietnam, the Philippines, New Zealand, Thailand, Pakistan, and Australia among it's members. It dissolved in 1977.

You are correct. I called it the S.W.P.O. It's been a while since I was there. I remember operating with the Aus,/N.Z. navies.

quote:

Originally posted by BrianRG:
Thanks, that was really helpful!

The thing with Israel and South Korea, we guarantee their security but I haven't found any lists online that have all the countries of such status--though I know they're both non-NATO allies, so would it be fair to assume that, while maybe we don't guarantee the security of all non-NATO allies, all those to whom we grant security are non-NATO allies? Incidentally, Taiwan is not so I don't know what the deal is there...

Brian-- You think maybe you could edit/rewrite that post..? I'm sure you knew what you meant to say... but it was a bit garbled in transmission.

BTW --- Why not tell us a bit about what school you are attending and what you are learning and most importantly... when you will be at the Recruiter's office? I don't mind helping out folks here (matter of fact, I like it.) but often people post questions for school projects/papers and then vanish, never even telling us what grade they got on the report/paper.

quote:

Originally posted by BrianRG:
Thanks, that was really helpful!

The thing with Israel and South Korea, we guarantee their security but I haven't found any lists online that have all the countries of such status--though I know they're both non-NATO allies, so would it be fair to assume that, while maybe we don't guarantee the security of all non-NATO allies, all those to whom we grant security are non-NATO allies? Incidentally, Taiwan is not so I don't know what the deal is there...

It stands to reson that Taiwan would not be in NATO, North atlantic treaty organisation. South Korea would be much the same. We have a definate Military commitment to that country. The 2nd I.D. has one Brigade combat team in country at all times and one on call. state side

you may find the following website helpful: "www.llrx.com/features/ustreaty.htm"

This message has been edited. Last edited by: USNVet940,

Japan