An Examination: Preemption as a U.S. Military Strategy
Abstract
The first serious thought by the United States towards a strategy of preemption appeared soon after the close of World War II. The issue became the core of a volatile controversy that ensued throughout the 1950s. The subject was finally discarded when the proponents were unable to counter the argument that preemption and preventive war are identical. This paper attempts to establish and illuminate the relationship between a preemptive attack strategy and our stated policy of deterrence. Deterrence and preemption are described as being identical in both character and objective. Preemption is further viewed as a necessary measure towards strengthening our deterrence policy. The compelling reasons for examining preemption are the continuing Soviet nuclear threat and quantum leaps in weapons technology. The cultural resistance of the American people to a policy of first strike is identified as the overriding objection to preemption. The author contends, however, that if the self-defense aspects of preemption were clearly understood, the American people would not reject the strategy. He attempts to rebut the contention that preemption is unthinkable because the United States has an invulnerable "second strike force." The British would likely support the strategy, whereas the French would likely respond with an attitude of detachment like that shown by President Charles de Gaulle. There is growing evidence that the United States will soon achieve the capability to better detect the enemy's preparations and intent to attack. Indisputable evidence of an impending attack could be acquired by means of earth orbiting reconnaissance vehicles. The government's obligation to assure the nation's security under all conditions is the basis upon which this paper recommends a U.S. study of preemption as an element of military strategy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 08, 1966
- Accession Number
- ADA497985
Entities
People
- Thomas H. Curtis
Organizations
- United States Army War College