Having gone through a few rounds of base-closures, de-basing as it is called overseas and RIF (Reduction in Force) in the States, and emerged unscathed, I am uncertain what to feel about this next cycle of transformation, a reset for appraisal of America's military after quitting Iraq and poised to leave Afghanistan. Locally (vor Ort), people are nervous over the potential negative economic impact of loosing soldiers--or making European rotations unaccompanied, tours lasting only a year and without bringing one's family.
This threatens a broad cross-section of livelihoods and probably in unexpected ways. Landlords, sometimes accused of price-gouging since the Army pays the rent, will suffer as will restaurants and clubs with the loss of patrons--not to mention both German and American civilians that support the Army that could face redundancy. All of these factors, compounded with rumour (
munkelt), are of course crazy-making and potentially painful but are irrelevant in the รฆther where things make economic and practical strategic sense. I always had a sneaking suspicion about some of the military establishments in Europe and wondered if the whole racket wasn’t set up as part of a grace-and-favour plan or some extension of the witness protection programme. I just noticed that possibly some definitive answers, a time-table, might come on my tenth anniversary to the day of arriving in Germany. We will have to see what the Grand Poobah has to say about the changes, which might be able to staunch speculation and allow host, civilians and soldiers to execute their contingencies but probably not. Moreover, I suspect that the only reassurance that can be hoped for, expected and perhaps deserved, is that leadership has not surrounded itself with more yes-men, willing to expedite a rash and sloppy job. That sort of behaviour keeps people of a general's rank suspended in a fantasy-world, disconnected, and leaves others to deal with the consequences. Being crest-fallen economically means that America cannot maintain its standing armies in the fashion it was formerly accustomed to and there are sacrifices to be made, however, money and illusory ideas of flexibility are not the only considerations. More intangible factors exist that cannot be bought back at any price and should be reckoned in the budgeting: soldiers separated from their families, should the rotational plans come into effect, insular and sheltered Americans not being able to experience another culture, as this exchange has importantly done for decades in peace and war, and fostering partnerships and cooperation with Bundeswehr and NATO counterparts by being in the here and now. It is strange that this news is falling on my decade anniversary, but I don't look to the future with apprehension and know Germany will be my home always.
