American Armed Strength and Its Influence

Two questions arise in dealing with this issue: (1) To what extent is our existing military power relevant? (2) What forms of power are needed to enable the United States to achieve its objectives? The process for developing a relevant military posture can best be described as a rational, iterative method involving the interaction of four elements: (1) policy objectives which are derivatives of more transcendent national goals, (2) environment, (3) strategy, and (4) military capabilities. To the degree that we can control and utilize the interaction of these elements, we can begin to formulate positive responses to the two questions posed. Our social and political heritage weighs heavily against military power ever becoming an end in itself. A goal-oriented military force structured according to this process, while still responding to the realities of the environment, acts against such an eventuality. Military power remains relevant to the attainment of both domestic and international goals, since security from external threat is a precondition for internal development and progress. Until substantive changes in the international environment occur, our military power should take those forms which enable it to (1) deter nuclear attack on the United States; (2) contain the level of potential conflict with another nuclear power; (3) insure our national survival should nuclear war occur; (4) protect United States interests; and (5) promote the cause of peace abroad.