Ever since Pearl Harbor brought the USA into the Pacific War, that country has been a dominant military power in Asia, challenged only by the former Soviet Union and China. This is an account of the US military stake and defensive and offensive capacity in Asia. It analyzes the role of US armed forces in the region, including deterrent nuclear forces, in the context of defence policy and strategy. The possible future of US forces in Asia is considered, taking into account developments in US domestic politics and their impact on the defence budget, and the book also discusses the views of Asian nations on America's continuing presence. Each service - army, navy, air force and marine corps - is described, as well as its role in the theatre strategy of "co-operative engagement".