Why the United States Maintains a Strong Military Presence

One of the core questions often raised is the necessity of maintaining a large military in the United States. The reasons behind this intricate and multi-layered decision process can be traced back to a myriad of historical, strategic, and political factors. This article delves into the various dimensions that necessitate the continuous existence and modernization of the U.S. armed forces, addressing key aspects such as international interests, defense commitments, economic implications, and global commitments.

Historical Context and National Security Concerns

The establishment of a robust military is inherently linked to the country’s broader interests, allies, and security concerns both domestically and globally. Following World War II, the decision was made to not be overly insular and to proactively safeguard against the emergence of another authoritarian threat like Nazism. The guiding principle here was clear: maintaining a strong military is essential to prevent such catastrophes from recurring.

However, it's important to note that while the military structure has evolve, it hasn't always achieved perfect results. As highlighted by various historical events, evil and greedy individuals will consistently seek to exploit vulnerabilities. Yet, the basic principle remains as relevant as ever.

Funding and Economic Impact

The U.S. government provides substantial funding to support the military, which is a critical aspect of its defensive strategy. Today, despite scaling down in all branches, including the Army, the United States still spends more than the next 17 countries combined on defense. This significant budget allocation ensures that the military remains one of the most powerful and technologically advanced forces in the world.

There is a direct connection between military expenditures and job markets. The U.S. military directly and indirectly supports over 10 million American jobs. Reducing the defense budget would result in widespread job losses, a scenario which would likely have political consequences and could impact election outcomes. Political stability and economic prosperity are often intertwined with defense spending, making this an essential consideration for policymakers.

Global Defense Commitments and Strategic Interests

The United States is committed to defending approximately one-quarter of the world's population and has a significant influence over at least another quarter, either directly or through implied security. This extensive defense network also facilitates the maintenance of freedom of navigation for the world, which is crucial for international trade and economic stability.

The U.S. also maintains strategic support in areas like Ukraine, where a robust military presence helps to counterbalance adversarial forces. This level of global engagement is achieved through the principle of full spectrum dominance, meaning the U.S. must maintain superiority across land, sea, air, and space operations. This strategy has historical roots that can be traced back to the aftermath of World War II, when the U.S. government prioritized military spending to manage social welfare initiatives.

Historical Background and Military Modernization

For most of the first 150 years of its existence, the United States did not maintain a large standing force. Instead, it relied on a combination of professional and volunteer forces. Notable examples include the War of 1812 and the early stages of the Civil War. In 1938, prior to the onset of World War II, the U.S. military ranked 17th globally, with the Army size comparable to that of Romania, and only about two-thirds of service members had any significant combat experience.

Despite this, the United States continued to face persistent external threats, particularly from East Asia and Europe, regions known for their geopolitical volatility. The Monroe Doctrine further complicates the narrative, as it aimed to bar foreign powers from the Western Hemisphere. The consistent need to respond to these challenges led to the modernization and expansion of the U.S. military to ensure both national security and global stability.