What are your thoughts on the new National Military Strategy? Course adjustment or something more?

2015-07-01T13:45:03-04:00

The National Defense Strategy was released today by CJCS Dempsey. It is accessible at jcs.mil:
http://www.jcs.mil/Portals/36/Documents/Publications/2015_National_Military_Strategy.pdf
I think it is primarily a course adjustment and not a significant change in direction. Below are primary comments from DoD News email sent out today.
A. Strategic Outlook
1. The strategy recognizes that the application of military power versus traditional state threats is far different than military power against non-state actors. It also posits that the most likely scenario is prolonged campaigns rather than short, intense battles.
2. The strategy also states that as a “hedge against unpredictability with reduced resources we may have to adjust our global posture.”
3. the U.S. military also must be ready to counter “revisionist states” such as Russia that are challenging international norms as well as violent extremist organizations such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. “We are working with allies to deter, deny and -- when necessary -- defeat potential state adversaries,” the document says. But at the same time, the U.S. military is building and leading an extensive network to take on ISIL.
4. Globalization Complicates Security Strategy. Globalization is allowing people and technology to move around the world in a way never seen before, complicating an already complex security situation, according to the strategy. Globalization has positive effects in stimulating trade and making many nations prosperous, but it also can exacerbate social tensions, cause competition for resources and may engender political instability.
5. Technology speeds everything up. The strategy noted that individuals and groups, today, have more information at their beck and call than governments had in the past.
6. Concerns About Russia, Iran, North Korea. While the document notes Russia’s contributions in some security areas such as counternarcotics and counterterrorism, it also points to that nation’s willingness to use force to achieve its goals. “It also has repeatedly demonstrated that it does not respect the sovereignty of its neighbors,” the strategy states. “Russia’s military actions are undermining regional security directly and through proxy forces.”
7. But Russia is not the only country of concern in the strategy document.
Iran’s nuclear program worries American allies in the region and beyond, according to the strategy. Iran sponsors terrorist groups in the region and is active in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon.
8. North Korea remains an outlaw state that has developed atomic weapons and is building missiles capable of reaching the United States.
9. China a Question Mark: China is in a different class, but could be a threat to the United States, according to the strategy. It is a rising great power and the strategy encourages China “to become a partner for greater international security.” Still, Chinese actions in the South China Sea are worrisome.
It is a complex strategic environment and the U.S. military cannot focus on one threat to the exclusion of all others, according to the strategy.
10. “[The U.S. military] must provide a full range of military options for addressing both revisionist states and [violent extremist organizations],” the strategy says. “Failure to do so will result in greater risk to our nation and the international order.”
http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=129191&source=GovDelivery

Dempsey Releases National Military Strategy

The National Military Strategy released by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff provides the blueprint for how the military will use its forces to protect and advance U.S. national and security

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jul 1 at 2015 1:47 PM

2015-07-01T13:47:34-04:00

I think that the new strategy is primarily a course adjustment although there is a shift in the concerns and approach towards Russia in terms of Europe primarily and ISIL has replaced Al Qaeda in the transnational terror section.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 5 at 2019 4:01 PM

2019-04-05T16:01:51-04:00

He was on the money in reference to globalization. China wants to have a stake in economies and infrastructure in various countries around the world, thus increasing their influence and footprint.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Apr 5 at 2019 10:24 PM

2019-04-05T22:24:35-04:00

Hope it's for the best!

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Apr 5 at 2019 10:25 PM

2019-04-05T22:25:43-04:00

It represents a logical, common sense approach to foreign policy. I would call it both a departure from the Obama Administration’s meddling in the Middle East, antagonizing both Russia and Israel... and a course adjustment from where our nation should have been -- one that takes into account the changing world situation.