    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
    [November 25, 2003]
    [Page 1631]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Ongoing Review of the Overseas Force Posture
    November 25, 2003

        Since the end of the cold war, the once-familiar threats facing our
    Nation, our friends, and our allies have given way to the less
    predictable dangers associated with rogue nations, global terrorism, and
    weapons of mass destruction. We have been actively transforming our
    defenses to address these changes. While we continue to make progress in
    the transformation of our uniformed military, it remains for us to
    realign the global posture of our forces to better address these new
    challenges.
        Beginning today, the United States will intensify our consultations
    with the Congress and our friends, allies, and partners overseas on our
    ongoing review of our overseas force posture. We will ensure that we
    place the right capabilities in the most appropriate locations to best
    address the new security environment.
        U.S. national security is closely linked to the security of our
    friends, allies, and global partners, and this review will serve to
    strengthen existing relationships and increase our ability to carry out
    our defense commitments more effectively. To meet this objective, we
    will invite the full participation of our friends and allies. And
    because any initiatives and adjustments resulting from this review must
    necessarily be comprehensive and affordable, it will be conducted in
    close consultation with the Congress of the United States. Secretary
    Powell and Secretary Rumsfeld will describe further our efforts at the NATO
    ministerial meetings in early December. High-level U.S. teams will begin
    consultations in foreign capitals in Europe, Asia, and elsewhere
    following those meetings.
        The collective security of free nations depends now more than ever
    on modern capabilities and security cooperation. A fully transformed and
    strengthened overseas force posture will underscore the commitment of
    the United States to effective collective action in the common cause of
    peace and liberty.