What do you think the role of the military is in America's foreign policy?

Missing from most of the responses here is the fact that the military does not make foreign policy. Sorry all you flag officers who think you do. The military simply enforces the will of the elected and appointed government officials on foreign policy matters. Despite all our lofty aspirations, the military is subordinate to POTUS, State Department and Congress in all matters of foreign policy. We may advise, but just because you are an advisor doesn't mean that the body making the decisions has to follow that advice. Look, I lived through Vietnam and saw/participated in all sorts of unwise military operations against the advice of the military, but the bottom line was the military did what we were told. Fortunately everyone learned much from Vietnam and the military now plays a more significant and respected role in supporting foreign policy. Good or bad that's our role in foreign policy; supporting.

My answer hasn't changed. Armed force is the snarling dog held on a tight leash. It provides incentive for would-be aggressors to be nice or we'll let it loose. Once loose, it is not to be restrained otherwise it is muzzled and not able to deter aggression.

The military's only role is to be the armed response offensive/defensive to the executive and legislative bodies that decide our fate. Unfortunately that is why we languished in Nam and repeat our PC mistakes in the Middle East. Great thought provoking question and thanks for asking my opinion COL Mikel J. Burroughs