What impact will a possible war with North Korea have on American troops?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter Pattonias
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential impacts of a possible war with North Korea on American troops, exploring various military, political, and strategic implications. Participants express concerns about military logistics, the nature of North Korea's military capabilities, and the broader geopolitical context of such a conflict.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express anxiety about the inevitability of conflict, citing North Korea's military preparations and the U.S. and South Korea's obligations to respond to provocations.
  • Others argue that a war is unlikely due to the complexities involved, including military logistics and the potential for international repercussions.
  • One participant highlights the significant size of North Korea's military and its strategic positioning, while another questions the reliability of reports on North Korean military capabilities.
  • Concerns are raised about the implications of North Korea's nuclear capabilities, with some suggesting that even without ICBMs, the threat to South Korea and U.S. naval forces remains significant.
  • Some participants assert that North Korea's military spending and personnel numbers do not equate to effective military power against a developed nation like the U.S.
  • There are discussions about the potential role of China in the conflict, with some suggesting that China may not support North Korea in a military engagement.
  • Participants reflect on historical precedents and the motivations behind military interventions, questioning the strategic benefits of engaging in another conflict.
  • Questions are raised about the moral and political framing of the conflict, with references to the concept of "axis of evil" and the perception of good versus evil in international relations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of views, with some believing that war is unlikely while others consider it a real possibility. There is no consensus on the implications of North Korea's military capabilities or the potential involvement of China, leading to ongoing debate.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include varying interpretations of military capabilities, the uncertainty surrounding international alliances, and the speculative nature of potential outcomes in the event of conflict.

  • #91
Pattonias said:
It's the sinking of a war ship that makes this so awful. The S. Koreans can not let it go unanswered for fear of emboldening the N. Koreans in the future. There is no sign of the N. Koreans either apologizing our backing down. I will concede that the NK news is trying to keep the people from panicking by putting up a strong front, but they are really trying to stir the war-fever right now.

At the moment, unless something very different occurs war appears inevitable.

This is true.

But:
They are kicking off war hysteria, openly advertising the projected naval maneuvers as a "demonstration of forces to cope with additional provocations of the north".
http://www.kcna.co.jp/item/2010/201005/news26/20100526-18ee.html

They also say the same thing about us, and in my mind it looks like in this case what they are saying is more true. It seems that we are going more for a 'war-hysteria' approach and that North Korea is preparing a defensive position. Just food for thought :-p
 
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  • #92
It'd difficult to imagine why the NK may have fired on the SK Corvette. If it was an accident, it could show poor training on the part of the NKoreans. If it was intentional, but not ordered by the government; then perhaps the discipline in the NKorean armed forces is slipping. Finally, if the NKorean government ordered the attack; perhaps Kim is really losing it. He may honetly believe that his country can stand up to the combined forces of the rest of the world.
 
  • #93
Pattonias said:
It'd difficult to imagine why the NK may have fired on the SK Corvette.[...]
No it is not difficult. NK has a history of opening fire on SK, kidnapping SK and Japanese citizens, firing long range missiles over other countries, counterfeiting foreign currencies, and exploding a nuclear weapon. NK is a racist and horrific country sized cult. Imagining how the koolaid gets gulped down is not at all difficult.
 
  • #94
What would be the impact if no steps were taken against NK?

NK already said that they would behave as if attacked should harsher sanctions be put in place.

If we do nothing, they will most likely become even more reckless. I think the NK government believes its own propaganda.
 
  • #95
Glennage said:
In a sharp escalation of tensions with South Korea, North Korea says it is discarding military procedures the two sides have agreed to follow for years to ensure a conflict does not get out of hand.

The general staff of the North Korean People's Army issued a notice Thursday dismantling a wide range of security guarantees it has observed for years.

Pyongyang says it will completely nullify a bilateral agreement with the South that was put in place to prevent clashes in waters west of the Korean peninsula.


Any thoughts folks? This is becoming serious.

http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/asia/North-Korea-Reneges-On-Naval-Agreement-with-South-95004154.html"

they want concessions. this is NK diplomacy at work. every few years, they get like this and rattle their cage until someone tosses in a bunch of fruit.
 
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  • #96
Has this died down now or should we expect more I haven't seen anything in the news today about it?
 
  • #98
The DPRK (NK, whatever you prefer) has not mobilized land forces or supply lines in a manner that would allow for an invasion. That would seem to indicate that this is going to be more hostility without a land war in Asia, for which I am profoundly grateful.
 
  • #99
Geigerclick said:
The DPRK (NK, whatever you prefer) has not mobilized land forces or supply lines in a manner that would allow for an invasion. That would seem to indicate that this is going to be more hostility without a land war in Asia, for which I am profoundly grateful.

From reading the NK news off their website it would appear they are on the offensive. Politically that is. Like you said thank goodness this isn't escalating into all out war.

NK has just been reporting on South Koeras military actions and exercises citing claims that South Koreans and other nations are also condemning their actions. (how true this is I'm not entirely sure). So it seems that instead of heading towards an all out war they are playing the propaganda game again, 'their evil' game.
 
  • #100
zomgwtf said:
From reading the NK news off their website it would appear they are on the offensive. Politically that is. Like you said thank goodness this isn't escalating into all out war.

NK has just been reporting on South Koeras military actions and exercises citing claims that South Koreans and other nations are also condemning their actions. (how true this is I'm not entirely sure). So it seems that instead of heading towards an all out war they are playing the propaganda game again, 'their evil' game.

Yeah, it looks like internal politics to enhance phobia of the west, and increase the chances for a smooth succession.
 
  • #101
I'm not concerned with war as much as North Korea's sanctions - Will we no longer enjoy the blessings of sunny weather from Kim Jong-il?Tasteless jokes aside, I really don't think that NK want to take on anyone. They wouldn't be able to keep their propaganda up while their troops are slaughtered. Kim Jong-il may be crazy, but he's not stupid.
 
  • #102
TubbaBlubba said:
I'm not concerned with war as much as North Korea's sanctions - Will we no longer enjoy the blessings of sunny weather from Kim Jong-il?


Tasteless jokes aside, I really don't think that NK want to take on anyone. They wouldn't be able to keep their propaganda up while their troops are slaughtered. Kim Jong-il may be crazy, but he's not stupid.

I hope you're right, and certainly that seems to be the case. The way this plays in NK is that an SK ship invaded NK (really contested) waters, and NK acted in self defense. Now they must put aside famine and misery and be even MORE patriotic... and in greater support for KJI's son. Hell, it could be the result of internal political tensions, real or perceived, of which we're not aware. Fortunately, the bottom line is that this does not seem to be the opening shot of a war.
 
  • #103


I'm sure it's been mentioned and linked already, but the Vice Guide to North Korea is a series of short documentary videos which really goes to show how far the propaganda brainwashing really goes there.
 
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  • #104
I speculate the first NK aggressive action in response to SK sanctions will be attempts to continue running NK shipping through SK waters from which they are about to be (already?) banned. That's high profile, antagonistic, and incremental action, which seems to fit the Pyongyang MO so far.
 
  • #105
This seems to be good news. I think NK will have to back down now.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/asia_pacific/10201876.stm"

It seems China decided not to side with North Korea this time.
 
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  • #106
Looks like the South blinked first. No telling what kind of back-door discussions are going on though.

http://www.seoulnews.net/story/641915"
 
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  • #107
Thread cleaned and reopened.
 
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  • #108
US sends carrier group to Yellow Sea; will arrive "early next week". Sources say they will conduct joint anti-submarine exercises with South Korea.
AFP said:
US carrier to join S.Korea anti-submarine drill

PANMUNJOM, Korea — A nuclear-powered US aircraft carrier will join a major anti-submarine naval exercise with South Korea next week in a show of defiance against communist North Korea, sources said Wednesday.

...

Yonhap quoted one military source as saying the joint drill was initially planned for late June or early July, but was brought forward to send a "strong signal and show off a firm defence posture".

The George Washington will head a US battle fleet comprising some 10 ships including an Aegis destroyer and nuclear-powered submarines, it said.


http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iFz0_2u3nzRFZ30YtPM8sX9UhYJA
 
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  • #109
russ_watters said:
Thread cleaned and reopened.

Thanks Russ
 
  • #110
I have not read the entirety of replies in this thread, but I would like to point out that while a full-out war with North Korea is currently unlikely, I feel North Korea - U.S. relations will be at the apex of diplomatic tensions before the fall to nuclear warfare and World War 3.

Whenever you have an unstable nation which is hungry, with the world's second largest military, a people so patriotic they religiously worship the leader, and a violently irrational level of xenophobia with a past history of violence, there are major grounds for issue.
 

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