A Balanced Force Strategy for the New Security Environment
Abstract
To secure our goals as a nation the United States must remain actively engaged in regions of national interest. The military as an element of national power must contribute to the National Security Strategy. There is a proliferation of threats throughout the world. This inquiry argues that there must be a Balanced Force Strategy - balanced emphasis must be given to the military's missions in three critical areas: the war on terrorism peacetime engagement activities and warfighting. The military instrument directed toward terrorism must be powerful and must be able both to strike capabilities preemptively and retaliate effectively. Peacetime engagement activities must be a second military security strategy imperative. U.S. and NATO peacekeeping activities in Bosnia and Kosovo have created relatively stable conditions in chronically troubled regions. World military powers such as China Iran and North Korea retain considerable conventional warfighting capability. Even though the United States currently enjoys a technological edge its military must be ready to meet any conventional threat. Formulating an effective warfighting response will always be critical. This paper argues that a balanced approach to the use of military power is essential to create an effective National Security Strategy. In order to accomplish this the U.S. Army must increase the end-strength and undertake the recommended reorganization.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 03, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA423284
Entities
People
- Carl S. Amato
Organizations
- United States Army War College