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The dimensions and purposes of current deploy ments of American military personnel abroad are unprece dented. There are presently more than a million and one- half Americans stationed outside the continental United States as a direct consequence of United States defense policies. Most of the combat forces overseas are clustered strategically at advanced bases in western Europe, principally West Ger many, and in the Far East, increasingly in or near South Viet nam. American military garrisons abroad are not unlike mili tary installations in the United States except that American personnel are even more isolated from the surrounding com munities. In most regions the servicemen's dependents are allowed to accompany them. Dependents often live in hous ing provided by the military and have access to schools, hos pitals, churches, stores, and recreational facilities made avail able at the foreign bases, giving a decidedly "domestic" or "American" atmosphere to life on United States bases. Al though community relations are generally satisfactory, Ameri can bases are vulnerable to incidents that sometimes provoke anti-American expressions affecting United States relations with the host countries. Advances in technology and politi cal shifts may make adjustments in overseas deployments both practicable and necessary. Yet as long as the United States pursues its present policy goals abroad a large percent age of America's military personnel are likely to be stationed overseas.

The dimensions & purposes of current deployments of US military personnel abroad are unprecedented. There are presently more than 1.5 million Amer's stationed outside the continental US as a direct consequence of US defense policies. Most of the combat forces overseas are clustered strategically at advanced bases in Western Europe, principally West Germany, & in the Far East, increasingly in or near South Vietnam. US military garrisons abroad are not unlike military installations in the US except that US personnel are even more isolated from the surrounding communities. In most regions the servicemen's dependents are allowed to accompany them. Dependents often live in housing provided by the military & have access to Sch's, hosp's, churches, stores, & recreational facilities made available at the foreign bases, giving a decidely `domestic' or `US' atmosphere to life on the bases. Although community relations are generally satisfactory, US bases are vulnerable to incidents that sometimes provoke anti-US expressions affecting US relations with the host countries. Advances in technology & pol'al shifts may make adjustments in overseas deployments both practicable & necessary. Yet as long as the US pursues its present policy goals abroad, a large % of the US military personnel are likely to be stationed overseas. HA.