US Special Operations Forces: A Strategic Perspective
Abstract
The post-Cold War international environment presents the United States with security challenges that are unprecedented in ambiguity, diversity, risk, and--opportunity. For the first time since the 1930s, no single power confronts the United States as a clear and present military danger. However, the failure of communism and the end of the Cold War do not eliminate threats to US interests, negate US responsibilities to friends and allies, nor void the necessity for potent US military forces. In recent years, we have witnessed momentous events--dramatic progress in strategic arms control negotiations, the end of the Cold War, a stunning military victory in the Middle East by a coalition led by the United States, the withdrawal of Soviet forces from Eastern Europe, the collapse of the Warsaw Pact, and the demise of the Soviet Union as we have known it for the past 40 years. But in the midst of all this change, there remain certain constants which force us to temper hope with realism. Improved relations with the countries of Eastern Europe and the republics of the former Soviet Union, and the accompanying reduced risk of global nuclear warfare, should not obscure the realities of a world that will continue to grow more uncertain. The only thing definite is that the United States no longer faces a large monolithic national force intent on defeating it. International turmoil and aggression, however, remain with us.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA528113
Entities
People
- Carl W. Stiner
Organizations
- United States Army War College