The Importance of Military Security to Our National Security

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Military security has always been an integral part of national security. During the Cold War, the majority of threats that policymakers and analysts saw as risks to national security were military threats (Snow, 2014, p. 25). Nonmilitary elements were added to national security policy during this period, and today nonmilitary, semi military, and military elements all remain important. The September 11th attacks saw an increased focus on national security. Concerns of terrorism led to the Department of Defense working more closely with federal, state, and local agencies (Bowman, 2003). The military has always relied on civilian control, yet there are some characteristics that complicate the relationship between military and civilian society. In The Soldier and the State, Samuel P. Huntington argues that the nature of the military makes it incompatible with civilian society (Sarkesian, Williams, & Cimbala, 2013, p. 258). Three characteristics, expertise, responsibility, and corporateness, distinguish the military profession from civilian professions. Huntington believes that norms of military professionalism maintains that the military will always remain loyal to its civilian leaders, however, there can be tension in trying to meet the demands of the military while staying true to American liberalism. Morris Janowitz believes that since military society comes from civilian society, military society reflects the values of civilians (Sarkesian, Williams, & Cimbala, 2013, p. 259). It seems that there is a growing gap between the military and civilian society, and there are several reasons as to why this may be the case. Americans now have fewer familial connections to the military than ever before. A smaller number of Americans c... ... middle of paper ... ...itations that are placed upon the President may affect his ability to successfully implement U.S. foreign and national security policies. In the time spent seeking and waiting on Congress to authorize the use of force, a situation could have changed and worsened. President Obama meant well by wanting to consult with Congress, but in the future he should act on his own, as he did with Libya. As you can see, the War Powers Act was introduced with good intentions during a period when it was definitely needed. Thousands of American soldiers had died in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, fighting in conflicts when war had not even been declared. Since then, presidents have obeyed the War Powers Resolution when they felt like it. President Obama meant well by going to Congress first, and his actions should lead to a serious look into whether the WPR is necessary.

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