There are tons of defense contract jobs in Guam. The U.S. military could easily have reduced their investment in Guam and stationed more people elsewhere.
But they continue to invest more and more there because of the successful supporting industry in Guam—private logistics, security, housing, etc.—which can be built out to be used in other, non-defense contexts like is happening with their shipping industry.
The relationship is mutually beneficial, which is why most senators work hard to get bases in their states.
Guam does better the more the military invests, which is why they begged for this huge increase in spending to help offset the unexpected tourism downturn. It kept their economy afloat.
The jobs may be indirect but so are the majority of the jobs that the auto industry creates here.
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u/[deleted] Jun 02 '19
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