In 1640, In a nationalist revolution on this day, Spanish garrisons were driven out of Portugal.

CNN: Tuesday

For now, the army will not reinforce the 6, 000 troops in its frontier garrisons.

ECONOMIST: Colombia and its neighbours

American garrisons in places such as Gardez, the capital of Paktia province, already labour under rocket attacks.

ECONOMIST: Dealing with the rising violence

But the town's threadbare garrisons suggest the army and gendarmerie would be ill-prepared to take the offensive.

CNN: Islamist militants taking advantage of chaos in Mali

If American resources were infinite, then it might make sense to shower bases and garrisons all over the globe.

FORBES: Why Are U.S. Troops Still In Korea?

The answer is that in a national emergency, almost anything is possible: leave can be cancelled, reservists called up, garrisons in odd places like Brunei and Gibraltar closed down.

ECONOMIST: The army

Many of them still house sizable French garrisons.

CNN: HE BRITISH FORCES LANDED