Military (Policy Proposal #8)

Proposed Policy

A) Military agreements and political agreements cannot be tied to any trade agreements. This must be clearly stated and put into law.

B) The military should be reconfigured to a model for rapid deployment only. We should NOT have military bases around the world. Any ally that wants us to support them militarily should provide a military base infrastructure. Their base would be ready for us to be deployed. This would be maintained with their funds and their people. We should not have our military reside in other countries.

C) With the savings of pulling back our offshore operations, spending can be diverted to build the best high tech, rapid deployment force available. Promote aircraft, ship building, drones, and other high technology instead of maintaining offshore operations.

D) Develop a protection plan to secure our country. Missile shield for one.

E) Create a clear vision for troop deployment. We must only deploy our troops to assist countries that are truly our ally and do not have internal strive. We need to be welcomed to assist them and be able to leave the country in their hands. We must NOT use our military means to push our agenda or democracy principles. No propping up leaders.

What would this accomplish?

A) We have no idea how many bad trade deals have been implemented to satisfy a country to accept our military bases or resolve a situation. Our workers and businesses should not be a bargaining chip. By having this in law, other countries will know in advance that this is not negotiable. North Korea instantly comes to mind, we don’t need to give away any future trade advantages to cut a deal that benefits Asia.

B) This should reduce costs dramatically while reducing resentment towards the US. This sends a clear message to our military and the world that our military function is to protect the homeland and our interests. Morale and worldwide prestige should return.

C) Each military confrontation in history is initially won on technical superiority. We must remain a leader.

D) As the proliferation of weapons expands in rogue countries, the need is self apparent.

E) The military mission statement must be clear. We may be able to win the initial war with our troops and technology, however true success is dependent on an effective exit strategy.

Commentary

As an example of how this model would work, think of when Iraq invaded Kuwait. We were able to deploy forces and push back Iraq. The exit strategy worked because the world and the Kuwait people supported our mission. Kuwait had prosperity, government, and laws in place before they were invaded. We did not stay to perform government and nation building.

Economics and technology won the cold war. Democracy without prosperity does not work. If the economic trend is not there, the military solution will not hold. Again, business and the internet is the best ambassador over time.