In a move to improve morale of US troops, and reduce anti-American sentiment, the US is closing 18 large military camps that have been overtaken by urbanization in South Korea. These camps now sit in the midst of prime real estate and the Koreans want to use it for commercial development. The move will consolidate the 37,000 American troops into 23 major bases (and a number of smaller ones.) This operation will cost some $2.5 billion (split between South Korea and the US) and will greatly improve the living conditions of US troops. The cost per soldier comes out to $67,000. Under this plan, land occupied by US bases will go from 95 square miles to 40 square miles.