The United States is the most powerful country on Earth. It has the most powerful military, and it has a military presence in just about every other country on Earth. Given that the United States has taken the role of the world’s policeman, it should come as no surprise that US troops are everywhere. Even though the overwhelming majority of troops are stationed in the United States, there are plenty of United States soldiers scattered around the world as well.
For example, there are plenty of United States troops in Canada, just over the Border. There is also a very heavy troop presence in Europe and Asia. In some cases, United States troops are deployed for combat roles.
Are There United States Troops in Japan?
Some people may be surprised to hear that the United States has a very heavy troop presence in Japan. The United States has actually been present in Japan since the end of World War Two. In 1945, Japan surrendered, and the country was occupied by United States soldiers. Several years later, the government of Japan was turned over to the newly-formed Democratic Republic. At that time, the United States and Japan struck a peace treaty, meaning that United States soldiers would remain in Japan to guard the country. That is because Japan is forbidden from having a standing army under its new constitution. United States Naval bases continue to remain operational in Japan to this day.
Are There United States Troops in South Korea?
Yes, there are lots of United States troops in South Korea as well. Even though South Korea has a formidable military, North Korea has one of the largest militaries on Earth. Given that South Korea and North Korea are still technically at war, South Korea is heavily dependent on the United States for its protection. Therefore, the United States has had soldiers in South Korea since a ceasefire was struck at the end of the Korean War. The United States continues to conduct regular military drills in the waters surrounding South Korea to show North Korea that it is ready for military action at any time. It is likely that the United States will keep its soldiers in South Korea for the foreseeable future.
Are There United States Troops in Europe?
Yes, there are lots of United States soldiers in Europe as well. The United States is largely responsible for protecting Western Europe against incursions from Russia. The United States is also the de-facto leader of NATO. As a result, the United States has a very heavy military presence in Western Europe. Some of the countries with a large number of United States soldiers include Great Britain, Italy, Germany, and France. A lot of people are also wondering if the United States will begin to move its soldiers farther to the east, towards countries such as Poland and Ukraine. It will depend on how Russia responds to these military changes in the future.
- Data include active duty personnel as of September 2023.
- Data include personnel who are assigned to the State Department and Embassies overseas.
- Data excludes all personnel on temporary duty, or deployed in support of contingency operations.
