U.S. military eradicating weeds worldwide. Why?

The real question is: why don't they eradicate all of those poppy plants in Afghanistan? HMMMM....

Originally posted by allenidaho
This product is used solely to kill weeds on pretty much every US-owned base because the bases have very high upkeep standards and this particular weed killer was approved by the GSA for purchase. So when any base orders "weed killer", this is what they get.

The purpose is to maintain visibility at all entry gates, along runways, along fence lines, and so on.

Yep. There is more to the need of keeping growth in check than just neat appearance. Keeping fences clear of obscuring growth is essential for security, keeping runways and navigational instruments clear are essential for safety, etc.

Star for your insight.

Originally posted by NavyDoc

Originally posted by allenidaho
This product is used solely to kill weeds on pretty much every US-owned base because the bases have very high upkeep standards and this particular weed killer was approved by the GSA for purchase. So when any base orders "weed killer", this is what they get.

The purpose is to maintain visibility at all entry gates, along runways, along fence lines, and so on.

Yep. There is more to the need of keeping growth in check than just neat appearance. Keeping fences clear of obscuring growth is essential for security, keeping runways and navigational instruments clear are essential for safety, etc.

Star for your insight.

Agreed. Also, it doesn't matter if the base is along the coastline or even central US (as some comments were directed towards locale in one manner or another). The idea being that during a period of invasion, bases further inland could be fallen back towards. No time for weed killin' at that point. It had better already be done. Future defensive position preparedness.

In order for golf courses, power companies, and the military to save mega money employing people to keep clearing vegetation they use highly poisonous chemical suites to keep life from growing where they don't want it.

Essentially versions of Agent Orange, very effective vegetation killer.