IF a new President and Congress eliminates foreign aid to certain countries, should it also mean closing any respective military facilities?

2016-02-10T12:05:54-05:00

There's been a lot of talk recently (actually, for years) that we keep giving foreign aid to nation-states that do not politically or militarily support us while we provide aid to them. We give them billions of dollars, food, and matériel, just to have them "stab us in the back." IF a new president and Congress eliminates aid to these countries, should the DoD shutter any bases we have there? Why?

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 10 at 2016 12:09 PM

2016-02-10T12:09:00-05:00

Does giving them aid, regardless of their political/ideology promote "Global Stability?"

If Yes, cut the check. It's in our best interest. If No, screw them.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Feb 10 at 2016 12:30 PM

2016-02-10T12:30:04-05:00

Interesting Question Senior! I like more ports and places for our folks to visit and having a base their is always a plus but don't think that is always necessary and the Rent Check can be pretty expensive. I would have to say No. It is more practical and cost effective if we don't have a base most places but I'm sure our folks will feel short changed on places that they can't be stationed. A lot of the old places I was stationed don't exist anymore. NSGA Adak, AK NSGD Sugar Grove, WV, NCU London, NSGD Diego Garcia, USS California CGN-36 and USS Arkansas CGN-41. Places I visited, Army Base Bad Aibling Germany. All Gone.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2016 12:54 PM

2016-02-10T12:54:00-05:00

I would argue that we don't give any money to foreign countries with the exception of some humanitarian aid. It's a quid pro quo world out there and our "aid" is always tied to something we want in return.