As this is such, it is crucial for America to harbor a formidable force throughout the globe, particularly in the Western Pacific region. While the bulk of American troops and servicemen in this area are currently stationed on the Island of Okinawa, these American troops have been embattled with locals for years amidst accusations of inappropriate behavior, assault, and sexual misconduct. American troops and servicemen further continue to face the onslaught of local backlash due to the high dosage of noise and potentially dangerous situations that arise resulting from constant troop movement and training. However, only recently have the Japanese and American governments come to terms regarding this relationship-straining situation. The U.S. decided, with the coaxing of six billion dollars in funding from the Japanese government, to relocate about 35,000 troops and dependents from the island of Okinawa, Japan to a significantly smaller island in the Pacific—the U.S. territory of Guam. Although the impending movement of troops from Okinawa to Guam will benefit U.S. interests at large through the preservation of a national defense force in the Western Pacific Region, the people of Guam are forced to face the concentrated effect of absorbing the negative repercussions because the island may be adversely affected by the sudden influx of a large defense force contingent.
The Department of Defense, in 2007, released a proposed action fact sheet discussing the implications of the intended move that is estimated to bring the nearly 35,000 U.S. Marine Corps command, air, ground, and logistics units from Okinawa, Japan to Guam for the purpose of enhancing the nation’s capability to “fulfill U.S. Government national security and alliance requirements in the Western Pacific Region” (Proposed Action Fact). This vague document served to merely highlight improvements that would be made to existing facilities on the island to benefit the U.S. Air Force and Naval bases. The DOD seeks to augment current infrastructure that would be essential to military training and operations. To achieve this goal, improvements to the current waterfront infrastructure must be made in order to accommodate transient nuclear aircraft carriers that would dock at the naval base. Furthermore, the U.S. intends to station an Army ballistic missile defense task force on the island (Proposed Action Fact). However, accommodating these feats will require the construction or the upgrade of the island’s essential infrastructure including utility systems, roads, and waste facilities to sufficiently support the influx of a large U.S. military defense force. Despite the fact that the DOD boasts a plethora of upgrades to the island’s infrastructure, not all Guamanians remain as receptive to the intended move as do others.
To the benefit of the U.S. government, Guamanians in general are a highly patriotic people. Guam’s Congresswomen Madeline Z. Bordallo proudly boasts the fact that Guam’s rate of enlistment in the Army Reserve and National Guard remain the highest of any other state or territory in the nation (Glantz). Guam’s patriotism and allegiance to the red, white, and blue echoes back to the final days of the Japanese occupation of the island during World War II. On July 21, 1944 the Americans began their counter-assault on the Japanese, thus liberating the island from the reigns of the Japanese empire. Now as a U.S. territory, Guam continues to commemorate the 21st of July, which has since been dubbed “Liberation Day” by the local government (Guam Celebrates 60th). Guamanians, in gratitude, have since been hospitable and welcoming to the relatively small contingent of U.S. servicemen who have been stationed on the island. In fact, there are a number who eagerly anticipate the arrival of the 35,000 military troop and dependent contingent (Dumat-ol Daleno). Guam’s congressional delegate, Madeline Bordallo, also shares the same sentiment by stating, “when the Japanese attacked Pearly Harbor, they invaded Guam at the same time…we were occupied by the Japanese for three and a half years. Now you’ve got South Korea-North Korea, Taiwan-China. There’s a lot of unrest. A lot of us remember the Japanese occupation and don’t want something like that to happen again” (Glantz).
While those such as Bordallo embrace the troop movement at hand, others remain skeptical over the troop re-alignment process. Those opposed to the move remain concerned that Guam alone will have to endure the brunt of the burden. Residents remain nervous about the overcrowding of Guam’s major tourist and recreational spots. Because Guam’s population remains around a meager 173, 000 people, the immediate addition of another 35,000 people on the island that spans a mere 30 miles remains a legitimate issue of concern. According to the Census Bureau in its 2000 population count for Guam, the island’s population increased by 21,653 over the previous decade, representing a 16 percent increase (Hovland and Buckley-Ess). The forthcoming addition of troops alone, without taking into account future civilian residents, will eclipse the 16 percent, decade-long growth watermark within the next several years. Guam, therefore, will be faced with an unprecedented population increase over such a short period of time, when historically the capacity for on-island construction projects is just under $500 million (Bordallo 8). Such a capacity that may have accommodated the gradual growth the island has faced in years past will likely not suffice this never-before seen growth in Guam’s population.
With such a large increase in population over a short period of time, those opposing the move also have reason to fear certain negative social and economic repercussions. Guam currently prides itself in its local hospitality and its welcoming, or “Hafa Adai” spirit (Hafa Adai). This feeling of warmth from the islanders is one reason why the tourism industry on Guam continues to thrive. Every year many Japanese, Chinese, and Korean, tourists make Guam their desired destination spot. However, the impending movement of such a large force of U.S. troops to Guam may alter their potential vacation plans. Throughout Asia, the U.S. military has been given somewhat of a negative reputation, largely due to rape accusations that have plastered headline news time and again, causing some concern to tourists and Guamanians alike who remain wary regarding the move. The large increase in population could potentially brew more crime, thus causing social unrest similar to the likes of those seen in Okinawa which has spurred numerous sit-ins, hunger strikes, and other anti-base movements (Mercier). With a larger presence of troops on Guam, tourists may be more reluctant to visit the island and instead opt for a true get-away elsewhere.
To help offset the loss in tourism on Guam, the Federal Government has pledged a total of about $15 billion in military spending for the transfer of the troops and dependents. Although much of these funds will be used to build housing for the troops and augmentations to other military facilities, some funding will be put forth to support much needed improvements in the local infrastructure including the building of roads, water distribution, wastewater treatment, and other utilities (Guam Civilian-Military). In addition, the U.S. government recently passed H.R. 1585, the Fiscal Year 2008 Defense Authorization Act, which would allocate another $300 million for construction projects needed to support the move (Bordallo 4). Moreover, with the promise of federal funding for improvements of Guam’s infrastructure, coupled with the anticipation of nearly 35,000 troops and dependents, property values have risen by 300% within the past year, which some state will equate to more wealth for the people of Guam. Therefore, proponents of the military build-up claim to already be “amazed at how much the island has already benefited from the initial phases of the build-up” (Bordallo 3).
Granted that the island’s infrastructure may be improved to benefit the development of the military bases with incoming federal dollars, many proponents who believe that such funding will further stimulate Guam’s local economy remain to an extent, somewhat misinformed. Guam currently lacks the human capital to work on most of the coming military projects. There is an immediate need of skilled workers in order to prove to the Federal Government that Guam’s local government and private agencies are fully capable of completing building projects that would meet the federal standards. If this fails to happen, the Federal Government will award contracts to off-island companies that are unlikely to pump their money back into the island for the purpose of further stimulating the economy. In fact, two multi-million dollar contracts have already been given to one company based in California and another in Virginia ( Aguon). Furthermore, speculation of the impending move and upgrades to the island’s infrastructure has driven real-estate prices up exponentially, thus making current property owners wealthier, however preventing new locals from entering the over-priced real-estate market. High real-estate prices will also further make it more expensive for local business owners to create and maintain locally owned businesses, thus inviting larger corporations with a substantial amount of financial backing to capitalize on the situation.
Along with the inevitable invasion of the local markets, also comes the incursion onto Guam’s tropical environment. Guam’s coastal areas and reefs remain home to a host of plants and animals, including a variety of corals, reef fish, dolphins, and sea turtles. Locals and tourists alike enjoy spending much of their time engaging in water-related recreational activity including fishing, snorkeling, diving and surfing. However, in order to accomplish the plan to support Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard, Army Reserves, and Guam National Guard tactical training, the Department of Defense seeks to utilize “multiple ranges and training areas of land, sea space (near shore and offshore), undersea space, and air space under different controlling authorities in the Territory of Guam…and surrounding waters” thereby threatening the island’s beloved natural resources (Notice of Intent). To justify such training in the area, the Marines believe that Guam’s region is one of the only places in the Western Pacific where servicemen can aptly train for skill-based work on ships, submarines, and aircraft in such a realistic environment. Aware of local concerns, the military has issued a statement pledging that “protecting marine environment of the Mariana Islands is an important goal for the Services. Because the Navy training could affect the marine environment, the Navy follows programs to care for the environment and continues to improve these programs” (Fact Sheet: Mariana).
Since tourism remains Guam’s economic mainstay, the island strives to maintain a healthy environment. Anything that would serve to threaten the island’s natural beauty would not only negatively impact plant and wildlife on the island, but would furthermore be detrimental to Guam’s economic livelihood. Pristine beaches and coastal areas will be transformed into staging grounds and training facilities that will host a number of troops engaging in the testing of weapons systems which will undoubtedly alter the terrain of various training areas. In the military’s attempt to prepare their troops for combat in the region, the various military services would require the “testing, training, and fielding of advanced platforms and weapons systems into service force structure” (Notice of Intent) which would increase the risk of unexploded ordinances, toxic waste residue, in addition to potentially damaging a number of exotic plants and wildlife. Past military exercises in the surrounding region have already left the people of Guam to deal with “PCB-contamination in the waters, and down-winder’s radiation, as well as, radiation from the washing down of airplanes and ships used in monitoring nuclear testing in the Pacific” (Aguon). Those affected by such contamination want no more. Although the military claims that it will stay committed to protecting Guam’s environment during its attempt to enhance the nation’s capability to defend critical military assets in the Western Pacific Region, such promises have yet to be seen.
As the United States government finalizes its base relocation plans, Guamanians nervously await what lies in store for their island’s communities, economy, and environment. Well aware that rising tensions in the Western Pacific Region continues to threaten American soil, Guamanians remain torn in their sentiment. As residents of the local community, Guamanians are obligated to ensure the protection and well being of their island; as loyal citizens and patriots, they also recognize their allegiance to the American flag thereby realizing that they too must contribute to the larger national security effort. Indeed, negative repercussions that the island of Guam may face for their increased strategic role in the Western Pacific Region should not be taken in vain.
Works Cited
Aguon, Julian. "Activist and Author Speaks Out Against US Troop Deployment to Guam At UN." News Blaze. 10 Sept. 2007
Bordallo, Madelein Z. "Remarks to Guam Chamber of Commerce." Guam Chamber of Commerce Speech. Guam Chamber of Commerce General Membership Meeting, Guam. 30 May 2006. 9 Sept. 2007 <http://www.guamgovernor.net/content/view/645/2/>.
Daleno, Gaynor D. "Residents Speak Out on the Military Buildup." Peace and Justice for Guam and the Pacific. 17 Aug. 2007. 11 Sept. 2007 <http://decolonizeguam.blogspot.com/search/label/Military%20Build-Up>.
Glantz, Aaron. "Natives of Guam Decry US Expansion Plan." Anti War. 13 Dec. 2006. 10 Sept. 2007 <http://www.antiwar.com/glantz/?articleid=10156>.
"Guam Celebrates 60th Anniversary of WWII Liberation." Commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Liberation of Guam. 2007. Guam Visitors Bureau. 10 Sept. 2007 <http://www.liberationday.com/2004/pages/index.php>.
"Hafa Adai...Means Hello!" Guam Visitors Bureau. 13 Sept. 2007 <http://www.visitguam.org/main/>.
Hovland, Idabelle B., and Julia Buckley-Ess. "Census Bureau Releases Census 2000 Population." Census Bureau News. 3 July 2001. U.S. Census Bureau. 09 Sept. 2007 <http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/2001/cb01cn174.html>.
Mercier, Rick. "The Peace Movement in Okinawa." ZMagazine. Feb. 1996. 10 Sept. 2007 <http://www.zmag.org/zmag/articles/feb96mercier.htm>.
United States. Civilian Military Task Force. Department of Defense. Guam-Civilian Military Task Force Contributions for Inclusion in "Scoping Process" for the Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement. May 2007. <http://www.guamgovernor.net/content/view/645/2/>.
United States. Department of Defense. Mariana Islands Range Complex Environmental Impact Statement/Overseas Environmental Impact Statement. 11 Sept. 2007.
United States. Joint Guam Program Office. Department of Defense. Proposed Action Fact Sheet. Apr.-May 2007. 09 Sept. 2007 <http://www.guampdn.com>.
United States. Representative Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau. Department of Defense. Notice of Inent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Mariana Islands Range Complex and to Announce Public Scoping Meetings. 12 June. 11 Sept. 2007 <http://www.guamgovernor.net/content/view/645/2/>.
1 comment:
Is it possible that with the influx of troops moving into Guam that will in itself help Guam's economy because they will spend the money that they earn. Also what is Guam's government stance on the situation?
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