According to a report by CEOWORLD magazine, the United States is the world’s leading military power and has an extensive network of at least 750 military bases across 80 countries and territories worldwide. This presence is three times larger than the combined total of all other nations and costs American taxpayers approximately $55 billion annually. The ranking only includes countries with four or more active bases. The key points highlighted in the report are:

Global Military Presence: The United States leads in global military power, with an extensive network of over 750 military bases situated in 80 countries and territories. This expansive footprint underscores the U.S.’s significant global influence and strategic reach.

Magnitude of Presence: The scope of the U.S. military presence is notably large, being three times the combined total of all other nations’ overseas bases. This reflects the country’s commitment to maintaining a robust global military posture.

Financial Implications: The maintenance of these military bases incurs a substantial cost, approximately $55 billion annually, borne by American taxpayers. This figure highlights the economic dimension of the U.S.’s global military strategy.

Geographical Spread: The U.S. military bases are distributed across almost every continent, with a notable absence in South America. The concentration of these bases in Europe and Asia stems from historical responsibilities related to World War II and the Cold War, particularly the need to counter communism.

Collaborative Operations: Although these are U.S. military facilities, many operate in partnership with host nations or through alliances, such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). This collaborative approach is a key aspect of the U.S. strategy, balancing national interests with those of allied countries.

Expansion in Africa: In recent times, there has been an expansion of the U.S. military base network into Africa, with new installations in countries like Niger and Somalia. This expansion is part of a broader strategic adjustment to emerging global security challenges.

Debate and Concerns: The extensive network of U.S. military bases abroad has sparked debates within the government and among policy analysts. Key concerns include the necessity and strategic value of maintaining such a widespread network, the cost implications, and the potential for these bases to attract hostility towards the U.S. and be used as recruitment tools by militant groups.

This report from CEOWORLD magazine offers a nuanced view of the U.S.’s military strategy, revealing the complexities and challenges of sustaining a global military presence. It underscores the ongoing debates about the role of military power in U.S. foreign policy, the balance between national security and international cooperation, and the financial and political implications of such a vast network of military installations. This comprehensive global military footprint reflects the United States’ position as a leading world power, with significant responsibilities and interests in multiple regions.

1. 1. Japan
      Total US military installations: 119
      Inception of first US base: 1946
      Active-duty US personnel in the country: 63,690
      Prominent bases: Camp Fuji, Camp Hansen, Kadena Air Base
   2. Germany
      Total US military installations: 119
      Inception of first US base: 1945
      Active-duty US personnel in the country: 46,562
      Prominent bases: Duelmen Tower Barracks, Kaiserslautern, Spangdahlem Air Base
   3. South Korea
      Total US military installations: 76
      Inception of first US base: 1946
      Active-duty US personnel in the country: 28,503
      Prominent bases: Camp Casey, Camp Humphreys, Kunsan Air Base
   4. Guam
      Total US military installations: 54
      Inception of first US base: 1899
      Active-duty US personnel in the country: 11,295
      Prominent bases: Agana, Andersen Air Force Base, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz

1. 1. Italy
      Total US military installations: 44
      Inception of first US base: 1951
      Active-duty US personnel in the country: 14,756
      Prominent bases: Camp Darby, Aviano Air Base, Naval Air Station Sigonella
   2. Puerto Rico
      Total US military bases: 34
      Inauguration of the first US base: 1902
      Active-duty US personnel stationed: 13,571
      Prominent bases: Mayaguez AFRC, Fort Buchanan, MTA Camp Santiago Rq
   3. United Kingdom
      Count of US military installations: 25
      Commencement of the first US base: 1942
      US active-duty personnel deployed: 10,770
      Notable bases: RAF Alconbury, RAF Molesworth, RAF Mildenhall
   4. Portugal
      Number of US military installations: 21
      Establishment of the first US base: 1944
      Active-duty US personnel stationed: 256
      Notable bases: Lajes Air Base, Cinco Picos Globecom Annex
   5. Turkey
      Total US military installations: 13
      Inception of the first US base: 1951
      Active-duty US personnel stationed: 1,758
      Noteworthy bases: Batman AB, Incirlik AB, Izmir AB
   6. Bahrain
      Total US military bases: 12
      Inauguration of the first US base: 1948
      Active-duty US personnel stationed: 4,603 – Ranked 8th out of 80
      Prominent bases: NSA Bahrain, Sheik Isa Air Base
   7. Marshall Islands
      Count of US military installations: 12
      Commencement of the first US base: 1944
      US active-duty personnel deployed: 96
      Notable bases: US Army Kwajalein Atoll, Meck Island

1. 1. Belgium
      Number of US military installations: 11
      Establishment of the first US base: 1962
      Active-duty US personnel stationed: 1,869
      Notable bases: Brussels, Zutendaal, Chievres AB
   2. Saudi Arabia
      Total US military installations: 11
      Inception of the first US base: 1951
      Active-duty US personnel stationed: 693
      Noteworthy bases: Drone Base, Jeddah, Prince Sultan AB

1. Panama
   Number of US military installations: 11
   Opening of the first US base: 2007
   US active-duty personnel stationed: 35
   Notable bases: Panama City Support Complex, North Coast Area Test Sites
2. Kuwait
   Total US military installations: 10
   Commencement of the first US base: 1991
   Active-duty US personnel stationed: 2,054
   Notable bases: Camp Arifjan, Camp Patriot, Camp Virginia
3. Greece
   Count of US military installations: 8
   Inauguration of the first US base: 1969
   Active-duty US personnel stationed: 446
   Prominent bases: NSA Souda Bay, NATO Ordnance Area
4. Philippines
   Number of US military installations: 8
   First US base opened: 2002
   US active-duty personnel stationed: 155 – Ranked 38th out of 80
   Notable bases: Basa Air Base, Camp Navarro
5. Niger
   Total US military installations: 8
   Commencement of the first US base: 2012
   Active-duty US personnel stationed: 21
   Notable bases: Dirkou, Arlit
6. Australia
   Number of US military installations: 7
   First US base opened: 1963
   Active-duty US personnel stationed: 1,736
   Notable bases: Alice Springs, Robertson Barracks, Tindal Air Base
7. Norway
   Number of US military installations: 7
   First US base opened: 2018
   Active-duty US personnel stationed: 167
   Notable base: Rygge
8. Virgin Islands
   Count of US military installations: 6
   Inception of the first US base: 1973
   Active-duty US personnel stationed: 787 – Ranked 20th out of 80
   Notable bases: NG Bethlehem Military Compound, NG Sprat Hall
9. Netherlands
   Total US military installations: 6
   Opening of the first US base: 1954
   Active-duty US personnel stationed: 641
   Notable bases: Eygelshoven Army Depot, Schinnen Emma Mine
10. Romania
    Number of US military installations: 6
    First US base opened: 2007
    Active-duty US personnel stationed: 165
    Notable bases: Smardan Training base, Cincu Training Base, Campia Turzii
11. Israel
    Count of US military installations: 6
    Inauguration of the first US base: 1979
    Active-duty US personnel stationed: 127
    Notable bases: Haifa, Mashabim Air Base
12. The Bahamas
    Count of US military installations: 6
    First US base established: 1966
    Active-duty US personnel stationed: 56
    Noteworthy bases: AUTEC Main Base, AUTEC Big Wood Cay
13. Oman
    Number of US military installations: 6
    Inauguration of the first US base: 1981
    Active-duty US personnel stationed: 25
    Notable bases: Masirah Island Mpt Site 1, Al Mussanah AB
14. Somalia
    Count of US military installations: 5
    First US base opened: 2013
    Active-duty US personnel stationed: 71
    Noteworthy bases: Bosasso, Camp Baledogle, Mogadishu
15. Northern Mariana Islands
    Number of US military installations: 5
    First US base opened: 1944
    Active-duty US personnel stationed: 45
    Notable base: NAVBASE Guam Tinian
16. Spain
    Count of US military installations: 4
    Inception of the first US base: 1953
    Active-duty US personnel stationed: 3,353
    Noteworthy bases: Moron AB, Naval Station Rota
17. Bulgaria
    Number of US military installations: 4
    First US base established: 2005
    Active-duty US personnel stationed: 2,500
    Notable bases: Bezmer Air Base, Aitos Logistics Center
18. Syria
    Total US military installations: 4
    Commencement of the first US base: 2016
    Active-duty US personnel stationed: 900
    Notable bases: Al-Tanf 1, Dier Ezzour
19. Poland
    Count of US military installations: 4
    Inauguration of the first US base: 2012
    Active-duty US personnel stationed: 226
    Noteworthy bases: Lask, Powidz