U.S. to Station Marines in Australia
President Obama and Prime Minister Julia Gillard are expected to announce an increase in the number of U.S. Marines rotating through Australian bases around the northern coastal city of Darwin, which serves as a critical gateway to Southeast Asia through Indonesia and East Timor. U.S. officials say the United States is not setting up any permanent military bases in Australia. Instead, the United States will rely on Australian military facilities, while withdrawing forces from Afghanistan as the war draws down. The activities of the U.S. Marines will include training and joint exercises. The United States and Australia are also discussing the prepositioning of supplies to better respond to natural disasters. This according to the Center for Strategic & International Studies
This is a move seen by many as a signal to China that the U.S. is not going to cede this region of the world to Beijing. While the troops are small in number, they serve as both a tripwire and a reminder to the world that the United States is still a force to be reckoned with and a counterweight to Chinese expansion plans.
This region also includes the Straits of Malacca, a “choke point” for oil supplies and other goods to the Far East. It is also centered in Indonesia, which has the highest population of Muslims in the world. If this nation should fall to radical Islam, China, Japan, and the other countries of Eastern and Southeast Asia would be vulnerable.
9:35 pm
We seem to be wanting to station troops everywhere, including 20,000 right here in the Untied States over the next 3 years.
11:20 am
Just a comment on Richard’s comment: I think the states are becoming more united as opposed to “untied”. However, they are becoming united against the runaway, rogue federal government.
About the 20k troops here at home, there is cause for concern but, more immediate should be that the “Just-us” Department would actually file suit against one of the 50 states for codifying and endeavoring to enforce existing federal immigration laws.
8:11 am
I’m not sure what you mean by “concern.” As a citizen of Arizona (transplanted from Georgia state), I see that ranchers and homesteaders along the border were not being protected by the Federal government. It may be that there is some moral fiber in the Obama administration that won’t allow INS and DHS to secure this, but people in Arizona along the border (I live 40 miles away) were in danger and the Governor is the next step if the Federal government won’t protect citizens. SB1070 was a natural result.
3:35 am
Wow, I was interested in the US Marines in Australia, because when this came to our notice via the TV news, I wondered why the US would be interested in stationing troops here.
I did not realize the ‘choke point’ for oil supplies, but I would like to add here, that I was thinking more of Pine Gap in the Northern Territory being a possible reason for the US presence.
Pine Gap is a very secret set up between the US and Au govt., and there are US personnel living in Alice Springs who work there.
I am told there are many levels, and people who work in one level have no idea what happens in all other levels.
Some more than interesting stuff on the net.
6:36 am
I was not aware of US Marines being stationed in Australia, but it makes perfect sense if we consider the fast response in case things might get out of control in that part of the world. The “choke point” is also a very valid reason for it.
Thanks, Diane for pointing to the possible association with Pine Gap – interesting reading!
Blessings to all
8:04 am
An interesting footnote concerns joint US/Australian training Operation Crocodile a few years ago. My son Shane, then an Australian Army Reserve Infantry Lieutenant (now a Regular Army Captain in Afghanistan) led an Aggressor platoon against a U.S. Marine battalion. His reserve platoon was augmented with an reserves Aussie tank section. Initially, he was to set up a blocking position to delay the Marine advance by an hour or two; 30 hours later he was ordered to pull back to another position. Again, the expectation was to delay an hour or two; after 18 hours, he was again ordered to withdraw. In the meantime, his platoon was credited with stopping numerous attacks, destroying more than a dozen Abrams tanks, killing over 120 Marines, etc., all without loss. His troops captured a Marine Recondo reconnaissance patrol, which he was ordered to release. Australian Army Reserves are called Chokos, after a plant with shallow roots that grows prolifically. Australian advisers got a laugh when asked by the Marines, “Who are those Chokos; are they the Aussie Special Forces?”
The long and short was that the Marine Brigade Commander relayed up the chain that the exercise was the most realistic training that they had ever received. Shortly thereafter, the Secretary of Defence visited Australia to discuss stationing (1) Abrams tanks in Australia and (2) Marines in Australia ready for deployment as required.
Shane later told me how many of the war stories about my time as a company commander in Vietnam (with the U.S. 173rd Airborne Brigade) came in handy against the Marines. Yes, I’m a proud papa. It’s interesting to see “the rest of the story” (sorry, Paul Harvey).
2:32 am
This is a very interesting article. I have been watching with interest as the united states is seeminly pushing harder and harder for the acceptance of muslims. Our own government is pushing for more mosques and muslim rights than ever before. This is interesting that it follow the events of 9-11. In a sense they seem to have used a hate crime in order to promote a people and allow them more rights to advace the growth of islam.
I believe that some of the worlds power leaders such as the builderburg group are planning to use the religion card to start the attack on Christian churches across the nation. The military were never supposed to be active on american soil except to protect. We have already passed some illegal laws now allowing them to police the situation on US soil if the situation gets out of hand.
Keep in mind that “out of hand” is being determined by our government were many would like to crash the US as the world power.
In Christ,
Jeff
8:47 pm
Jeff
Interesting input. I concur with everything you have said. Just really interesting. You stated everything I have been thinking, really well. Thanks for shaing.
Maranatha !
J
8:49 pm
oops.. thanks for sharing, I meant to say,
and forgive me but I can’t stand even looking at this picture/photograph. G*d give me a heart like yours to love the unlovely, and pray for those in the government.
7:07 am
You are right Jeff. Our rights as Christian citizens of the USA are deteriorating rapidly. Satan has intensified his attacks on America as the Lord is lifting His hedge of protection.
Every religion, except Christianity, has to have rights. Christian rights are being taken away. Obama and the liberals in congress are only pawns of the Prince of Darkness.
The action by Obama in Australia is only saber rattling by a man who is trying to get re-elected. This man is a Muslim supporter (if not one himself) and a hater of Israel. I can only imagine when he is re-elected, his true colors will come out. He will turn even more against Israel and support more Islamic factions.
This man has an evil agenda and we must pray daily for him and for our nation. The Lord is coming soon and the table is being set daily.
Lift Him Up!!
6:07 am
Islam rising is a scary thought. Christianity is mocked throughout the web, on TV, music and movies, but if you say anything against Islam, you’ll be threatened by Muslims and called a bigot by everybody else. To see what coming problems we’ll have with Islam, we only need to look to the UK and France and observe the problems they’re having.
I live in Canada and everybody has their head in the sand regarding this issue since we have less than 2% Muslims. Things will change once that percentage goes up and more rights are demanded.
We have a Canadian TV show filmed near the city I live in called Little Mosque On The Prairie where the local Christians are portrayed as the bigots of this sit-com.
12:23 pm
Glen– A lot of what you said struck me, especially after reading the article. I lived in Canada for a number of years and didn’t know the Muslim population was only around 2%… thought it was closer to non-existent there… but now that it’s known that way, I have a feeling that the whole country is ripe for many Muslim transplants… Still processing what that will look like in ten years if we’re right. I currently live in Tennessee. There was a mosque that applied to be built within an hour of where I live and so far the city planners refused permits. It’ll be foretelling to see how this plays out.
4:34 pm
I find all the concern about Islam very thought-provoking because it is not only the Christian church that is concerned. I find it hard to reconcile the concern of the worldly, however, with the empty churches. it is sad that many people are far less concerned with the glory of God and the place of Jesus as Lord as they are with the collapse (or take-over) of traditional buildings.
Even sadder, is the lack of urgency among church members to be true followers of the Way. Bible study and prayer are too low priority for many who profess to be Christian.
I see the times now as a call to mission. We can’t complain about the rise of Islam if we do not arm ourselves for the battle ahead. And this is the message that should go out from the pulpits.
1:30 am
Interesting to read of how the Muslim population is spreading and increasing in number world wide. Currently in Costa Rica and Latin America a new trend that I have noticed is the jewelry and amulets as well water pipes being sold everywhere randomly. I find it interesting since most people in these countries have no idea what these things are but are all wearing and buying water pipes!
In His Name,
Debbie
7:36 pm
It is interesting to learn about the Muslims and I know it is very important to know the times, however it is not something I feel very comfortable studying. But with God’s help I will do my best to do so, as I truly desire to contribute much to the work God has for us to do. I am thankful for others like you who help me understand all about these current world events. This prompts me to do something to further the Kingdom, probably in the area of prayer as I believe a big part of my calling is to be an intercessor.
In Him,
Linda Edwards
4:22 pm
Right You Are Jeff I liked your post. undrestanding it all is somewhat hard for me now, but with God’s help Ill get it. I saw a picture on the cover of a methodist magazine of a church in the us who opend its doors to muslims! not to come and hear the gospel, but to come and read the koran! I dont get it? its easy to see to me.
Thanks Ken
9:07 am
Hi Jeff,
Having lived in England, Australia, America and now New Zealand, I can tell you that the States is not alone.
In England they have anti hate laws and anti terrorism laws, which basically means they can arrest and search you and your house etc on any grounds.
We live in interesting times and only time will tell why these troops are really being stationed in Australia.
Agape, Elizabeth
11:08 pm
Jeff,
Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner! I agree completely. Some of those conspiracy theorists may not have been so crazy afterall.
God Bless,
Brandon
6:43 am
There are so many people involved from so many angles and it all reminds me of Jeremiah 17:9 “The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it?”. The people of our times would have us trust in a method, military, or government but we are reminded in the Word of God that “Some boast in chariots and some in horses, But we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God.” Ps 20:7
Oh that we would have discernment from God, at all times, pertaining to all matters!
8:07 pm
well I would agree, but honestly i think to let this part of the world fall into the hands of the enemy, would be a grave mistake. Why would we ignore a potential threat? This is a libertarian view of things which falls out of God’s plan for government. Prov 27:10
“Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father.”
10:17 pm
Hi Caleb,
Did you want me to post this for you?
12:00 pm
While this article does stir us to think that the US is prepping for a future attack I do find it comforting that there will be a large number of troops at home. I think one major downfall of the US has been we are too vested in the outside world when we need to take care of ourselves. At the end of the day God’s word will stand and He is our protector.
6:47 pm
Australia has been an important outpost for US Defence for many years. The controversial Pine Gap Station is a critical port of it’s defence infrastructure – see http://antinuclear.net/2010/10/12/secret-pine-gap-the-cias-largest-facility-outside-usa/.
The importance of Australia in US Defence can be seen in one of the most dramatic events in Australian Federal Government history in November 1975 when the Whitlam Government was thrown out by the Governor General in an unprecendented event. There are many that believe the CIA was behind this because this government put US military presence at risk – see http://www.serendipity.li/cia/cia_oz/cia_oz2.htm
Whilst a little off-topic, this shows you that the US was not above changing governments to ensure that its strategic defence objectives are met.
6:35 am
I’m not sure if the CIA was behind Gough Whitlam’s sacking! He was bank-rupting Australia as Labor governments always do! (The present one started out with an 18 billion surplus and within 6 months – way before the global financial crisis – had turned it into an $18 billion deficit! And that was just the start!)
However, on the subject of the US stationing troups “downunder”, I am not in favour at all! (Obviously our government did not consult the public – just made a unilateral decision as always.)
I don’t like us getting dragged into US emperialistic wars such as Iraq and Afghanistan. (I currently have a son who served with the Aussies in Iraq and is now in Afghanistan.)
What has Afghanistan to do with Australia? Nothing! Now we have Iraqi , Iranian, Pakistani and Afghan economic refugees who fly to Indonesia and then pay people-smugglers to take them by boat to Australia. When they arrive, they destroy thier papers so our immigration people can’t tell who they really are and whether they pose a security risk.
Most Australians do not want more muslim immigrants here as they do not support religeous freedom or our way of life.
By stationing troops here, we are even more likely to jump to do America’s bidding!
3:32 pm
I see it as a good national strategy to develop and maintain good relations with allies around the world. A natural part of that relationship should entail joint military exercises. I don’t know that a handful of troops accomplishes much more than political posturing. While that is important in the international arena, I have become very skeptical of my own countries agenda in such decisions. I find it harder and harder to determine what actions are motivated by national security interests verses short-term, party driven political agendas.
I think that to dismiss one region of the world as not being relevant to one’s own country is a dangerous position to embrace. To ignore a threat does not negate it’s reality.
9:12 pm
China has an a growing economy and an agressive defense program. I think it is good to have a presence in the region. Also, Islam is growing a lot in the area. The Phillipines has problems with radical Islam. Anything to slow the growth of Islam is good.
8:16 am
I see putting Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, and Sailors in remote places in the world even more necessary with changes in the Defense Department (that’s not a knock against Australia
). With a smaller service, we’ll need more bases in which to operate (even in a temporary manner). We’ll need more force launching sites to continue the mission. I served in the Army as an Infantryman from ’04-’06, leaving because of a disability.
4:12 pm
Hi Willian I honor that you serve the country. But if we have so much debt and finantial problems to balance our budget in this country why having then so many bases arround the wotld, why we dont let the the rest of the world help keep the peace in a more balance way
9:53 am
Hi Angel.
I think you make a good point. Surely the US can not afford to continue being the world’s policeman. The military campaign in Libya highlighted how little the European countries in NATO had to contribute due to decades of underinvestment in their military. After only a few days they were running short of munitions! It seems to me that the countries of the western world needs to pull their own weight militarily.
9:12 pm
May I suggest that there is more than the ‘choke point’ at stake here.
There is a Top Secret operation at Pine Gap near Alice Springs which has been there since the early 50′s.
It was proved during WWII that if there were to be an invasion by an enemy, Darwin would be the easier point of entry to Australia.
I believe the US presence in Darwin goes deeper and there should be a close eye kept on possible developments as the world watches what is happening in the middle east.
3:51 am
Di,
It is good to hear from you again. Re the US troop movement to Darwin- did you know- that in 1997 KBR HALLIBURTON built the railway connecting Darwin to SA (KBR HALLIBURTON is a oil company/private security firm owned by Dick CHENEY)It went bust and was taken over by Genoshee and Wyoming (something like that). This plan was put in motion in the BUSH/HOWARD era. KBR HALLIBURTON is now rumoured on the i/net to have contracts to build Fema camps. Now we have talk of predator drones in the Cocos islands. There is more going on than offsetting the rise of China. Remember- what is on our soil, but isn’t ours- can be used against us. I suspect what we are seeing is the world being carved up for OWG control. Time will tell.
Good to hear you are still out and about. I shall be resuming study again soon. I miss KI.
God bless you Di
Damian
2:10 am
First let me say that Obama makes more policy decisions without “The People’s” or “Congress’s approval than any President I’ve known before. According to the “Examiner.com”
The creation of foreign policy is a long, complicated process that requires both the President and Congress to work together. Sometimes the policy goals of each branch are at odds with each other. In these instances, the checks and balances provided by the Constitution keep either branch from crossing any lines. Each has the power to create foreign policy that is, ideally, in the best interest of the United States.
I personally think we are spread to thin around the world and fighting “illusions of wars” like Don Quixote. We can try to second guess and move troops like chess players around the globe in order to “be pre-emptive”, or “Protect” our interests, while neglecting the perils of our own society. We are broke and want to increase spending outside the country, rather than tighten our belts.
I believe our troops should come home, protect our borders, so I guess I am not in favor of Obama’s sending troops in any number to Australia. I believe that our Biblical perspective should be focus on supporting Israel from the rise of Islamic supremacy. I am thinking that any Islamic person coming into this country should abide by the Constitution and not their Sheria law. They should be expected to assimilate into our societal laws and accept the laws of our land.
3:20 pm
Hi everyone, my name is Christine, im a new KI- Issachar recruit , so pse bear with me if iam off topic, this is my first comment in this forum:
What such military activities demonstrate that clandestine operations have remained essentially unchanged for generations since Biblical times.
The Holy Scriptures are decorated with stories of espionage, terrorism, warfare, and counter-intelligence. Some of the most famous biblical personalities, like Moses, Joshua, David, Delilah, and Judas Iscariot, either were spies or commanded others to conduct espionage operations. The biblical writers record a history of people warring against foreign powers, conquering new territory, losing and winning great battles, and returning to land of Israel after years of captivity.
Great rulers developed intelligence services for defense of their nation, expansion of their territory, internal security of their state, protection of their ruling dynasties, and control of their subjects. Influential leaders of conquered peoples have other intelligence requirements. First, they run secret networks to create rebellion. Second, they execute terrorist operations to create fear and national chaos.
The Holy Bible has been enormously influential to Western civilization. The literature, art, laws, philosophy, ethics, and principles of Western culture are deeply indebted to the biblical narratives, themes, images, and concepts. Such news headlines are but an example of biblical espionage! God bless America.
Christine
Ok
9:19 pm
There are many reasons why the SA is interested in stationing troops in the Australasian region:
- as a hedge against the current apparent expansion of the Chinese miltary – esecially navy – although the effective operation of carriers is decades away for the Chinese.
- the chokepoint of the Singapore Strait and the alternative routes pass either north or south (in extremis) of Australia.
- Australia is resource rich, population poor, close to the large populations of Indonesia and other Asian nations. There is much fresh water in the so called dry north of the country – Lake Argyle (size 6.5 Sydharbs)and the Ord River for one. There are just not enough people willing to live there at present to make such development viable.
- while the population is centred on the east and south east Australia is similar to the USA (which sits astride the trade on both the Atlantic and the Pacific) – it is between the Indian and the Pacific Oceans.
- Australia and New Zealand have close proximity to the Antarctic – with all the predictions of resources on that frozen continent.
Despite all the current discussion regarding sequesters, debt etc the position of the USA as the worlds most powerful nation is not likely to change any time soon. It’s Navy rules ALL the waves if it chooses and as stated earlier it sits economically astride and between the two largest trade routes – USA-Europe and USA-Asia.
The USA has always had bases and troops stationed in Australia and NZ. In the past it has been relatively happy if those two countries looked after the surveillance of the area – there is much sea. With the increase in Chinese maritime capability it makes sense to increase US ability to operate and react in the area to the south and west of China.
For disclosure: I am an ex military veteran of 30 years – ex NZ Naval rep in Canberra and trained in Australia, UK and the US – and a current KI student.
8:02 pm
Trevor,
Thank you for your comments. I knew that the empty spaces of Australia have been attractive to the more populated countries in the region for quite a while. I didn’t know about the shipping choke points, and didn’t even think about Antartica.
2:26 am
Trevor, you have the professional perspective. I only have the layman’s so I’m open to correction.
The flavour of the majority of the posts here is focused on America and Americans. Machiavelli made the famous statement, “There are no permanent friends and no permanent enemies – only permanent self-interest.” At the risk of alienating my new American friends, it is obvious to those living beyond its shores that America acts only in self-interest – along with the rest of us. The Prince of the US Kingdom is no better than the Prince of China, or the Prince of Australia.
The US troops in Australia will cost us, as has been shown in Okinawa. The only guarantee that these troops will resist any military power in the region is that American interests are directly threatened. It is an expensive thing to have America as a friend. Like the US, Australia has spent blood and treasure being a member of the Coalition of the Willing but has seen no advantage regarding trade. An example being the dumping of Californian oranges in Australia to protect American growers at the expense of Australian.
The US presence will also attract more unwanted attention. It would be naïve to believe that the US satellite communications centre at Pine Gap, and the US submarine communications base at Exmouth did not make Australia a nuclear target – and Australian access to the nerve centres of these places on Australian soil was barred.
Does this make me anti-American? No, I just don’t put my trust in the Prince of the US Kingdom. I am not a republican. I’m a monarchist. I only trust the mashiyach nagiyd.
1:32 am
I find it interesting that you make the point of this making you a target. I wonder if the assoication is to give us a place to run to if we are the target. Already the N Korean have suggested they attack, and what better way of making the US not be a major player in any situation. I do not see the UA as a major player in end times, so I do think we will somehow be humbled.
9:46 am
Hi Gary,
I was captured by your statement – there are no permanent friends and no permanent enemies, only permanent self-interest. This really brings us back to fallen man and reflects an insular attitude. It is an indicator that man remains temporally minded and not eternity focused. We see our ‘need’ as priority and the ‘self-protect’ mechanism kicks in. When we see ministers of the gospel enter politics we see the pull toward appeasing the world and the compromise that comes with it.
3:53 pm
Trevor,
Thanks so much for your insight in this matter. I, too, served in the military. I am retired United States Air Force. I appreciate your contribution to the safety of the people worldwide. It takes nations around the world working together to keep the peace. There are some real bad guys out there just waiting to pounce on any and all that they can just for power and control. That is NOT the goal of the United States. And, I am glad we have allies that strive for peace, and to do away with oppression and hatefulness.
Blessings,
Dena
4:39 am
Australia joins with US or US with Australia? Well there are some big energy investments in the North of Australia. This arrangements work well for both parties, Australia gets some heavy-weight help ($ and technology) in the region. US can have another useful foot-hold at the base of the South China/Philipines region.
Energy is always one of the key military decision makers, actually in a way this is good for Australia in the military sense. Regarding world domination and being brought on the radar, this is probably a negative but inevitable anyway. Gotta look at the big picture.
3:48 am
Hi Mark,
Australia has lots to offer in natural resources. also the location is strategic for it proximity to the middle east. China is buying most of the natural resources from Australia. China needs lots of natural resources to provide energy for a large population. Things are certainly heating up in the playing field world wide. I think the US is showing some presence in the area more to appease our allies. I don’t see the US stepping in in Syria or when Ben ‘gahzi attack happened. US is showing signs of weakness in the eyes of the world. If I live in a country protected by the US (Japan, South Korea etc, I would be running scared being dependent on US protection.)
2:31 am
I wonder what they mean by “tripwire?” I understand the the presence of U.S forces in Australia serve more as a reminder than a threat, but you have to assume that the rest of the world probably thinks America would not do anything if provoked… not with this current administration.
4:12 am
I know it doesn’t seem like the U.S. would anything if China invaded Australia, but I still would like to believe that the current administration would take action to protect a large number of American Marines stationed over-seas. I am hoping and praying that the lack of response over Syria’s chemical weapons, and the Bengazi incident are simply anomalies in the current administration’s decision making process.
4:16 am
I mean that the U.S. could still do something in response to China, and still be a “tripwire” in Australia.
3:42 am
The stationing of additional U.S. troops in Australia is certainly understandable and with hopes it will reinforce the relationship of the two nations. However, at the same time let China and others know the U.S. and Australia are still a force to be considered. One thing I did notice was the reference to the prepositioning of supplies to better respond to natural disasters according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies. I wonder what these supplies consist of? Are the supplies limited to food and water and such or are there other supplies? Supplies such as protective clothing in case of chemical exposure or radiation exposure equipment. What is the definition of a “Natural Disaster” in their book? Is this a way of stockpiling needed supplies for natural disasters such as war? It does seem that war between nations is a natural happing and it certainly can be a disaster. It is possible I guess that by natural they mean something caused by nature and not something that happens naturally. I would still like to know what these supplies consisted of how about you.