A Global Defense Policy for the United States - Admission/Application Essay Example

A Global Defense Policy for the United s Introduction Internal and international security has remained a core value of the United States for a long time now as reflected in the policies adopted and the national budgetary allocation to security and military apparatus. The country, through its leadership emphasizes the need for securing the lives and properties of the American citizens and those of their close associates and collaborating countries. In the face of the rising local and global security threat attributed to the rising international terror groups and militant countries, the United States security strategies and approaches remain critical to both scholars and the country’s congress. National security strategy is a well laid down program prepared by the security and defense department of the United States and addressed to the congress highlighting the security approach of the government (Colucci 37). Through the enactment of the Goldwater-Nichols act, the national congress made it mandatory for the federal government to provide a periodical overview of national security strategies, highlighting some of the current security challenges and the mitigation measures that the government has adopted. This paper will provide a review of the United States security approach to the current challenges. The military approach to the current and previous external threats to the United States security and that of its key partners will also be evaluated. The paper will also identify the emerging security threats to the country and how the military and the security apparatus have responded to ensure the integrity of the country’s system (Doyle 625). Executive summary Since the end of the cold war and the emergence of the country as the key pillar in world security and peace, the United States has continued to play a transformative role in international security. Through collaborative approach with likeminded countries, the United States has worked towards the creation of a stable and prosperous American country, the emergence of secure and stable allies and the prosperity of other world nations after the end of the Second World War. The nature of security threat to the country has changed over the years and the United States today faces a more organized enemy as compared to the years before. This explains the catastrophic attacks like 9/11 that our swift and effective intelligence was unable to detect. However, the national security and defense mechanism has remained at the forefront of ensuring that any threat to the country’s security is neutralized promptly. Over the last decade, the country has engaged in combatant conflict with two countries who leadership has promoted the operation and growth of terror groups that pose a danger to the country’s security (Colucci 37). The Iraqi and afghan wars fought at the beginning of this millennium destroyed the porous regimes in the Middle East who were collaborative and supporting of the operations of al Qaeda, a terror group whose operation has created immense security lapse in the country. Under the leadership of Osama bin laden, the al-Qaida terror group terrorized the residents of the United States and targeted other allies of the country as a way of forcing a change in policy by the country. However, the gulf wars exposed the group and enabled the elimination of the ringleader in 2012 (Caudle 14). Despite the advances in security and military strategies in the face of adversity, the united is currently faced with an inflection point that calls for a more collaborative and economically viable approach to security and military strategy. The changing geopolitical environment and the fiscal mandate of the country have led to a need to evaluate the security and military strategy of the country with an aim of further ensuring security integrity (Colucci 37). The global security environment With increased globalization, the security of the United States is today influenced by forces beyond its domestic control, making it essential for the country to respond beyond its national needs. In 2012, the united states a tremendous progress towards the elimination of the global leader of the terror network, al Qaeda. Through the collaboration with its security apparatus, the military was able to eliminate the top leadership of the group and it has worked towards capturing other senior leaders (Caudle 14). This has neutralized the threat posed by the group but has not eliminated the threats presented by the group and other similar organizations to the country. Affiliates of the group remain active in different parts of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen and Somali whose operations continue to threaten the peace and stability of other nations. The presence of conflict and revolution in the Arab peninsula presents an opportunity for these groups to access weapons whose impacts can be devastating. The current challenges facing the stability of the Arab countries especially Syria has led to the diffusion of destructive technology, which could increase security threats to the country (Colucci 37). To mitigate these emerging threats, the United States will continue to develop and adopt austerity measures to assist in the countering and elimination of the threats to the country, its neighbors and allies in different parts of the world. In the elimination of these threats, the security apparatus will concentrate on the elimination of the establishment of these groups within non-governed territories like parts of Somalia where these groups have continue to stage their operations (Doyle 625). New developments within this region have continued to increase opportunities and challenges to the United States security and military instruments. Though the country has focused on a well distributed global security campaign targeting different parts of the globe, there is need to rebalance focus towards the Asia-pacific region. This can be achieved through the strengthening of allies within the Asian region and increasing security partnership, which is critical for the growth and prosperity of the region (Caudle 14). The United States will thus strengthen the existing ties and security collaboration processes with the aim of eliminating the threats to our interests in the region. India currently plays a significant role in the economy of Asia and other countries across the globe through their security and trade ties. Collaboration and partnership with India is a sure way of increasing our presence in the region and working towards the elimination of security threats to the Indian Ocean region. The Korean peninsula is also a region that plays a critical role in monitoring the security and operation of terror groups within the Asian region. Through the maintenance of our networks and collaborations in the region, the United States will be able to protect friendly partners like South Korea from provocation by North Korea (Davis 17). Our continued presence in the Asian region has been affected by the emergence of china as a regional power both through the development of its security and economic system. Though the country’s security and economic policy analysts does not see the emergence of china as a regional leader to affect our interest in the region, the country must demonstrate a willingness to marshal military power while working towards achieving the stability of the region. Through our partnership in the region, the security and military division will continue to make the necessary investment in the region in increase access and free operation within the region in line with the spirit of the treaties ratified (Doyle 625). The country will achieve this through the promotion of rules based international order that aims at achieving stability and peaceful coexistence of the different countries in the region. Though the Arab uprising has increased security threats to the united states due to the volatility of the region, a number of opportunities are available that can be pursued to enable the country strengthen its security agenda in the region. The pressure for regime changes in the region has the potential of putting in place governments that can work towards achieving the aspiration of the people and developing partnership with the United States. Through such partnership, the country can effectively monitor the activities of the terror groups whose existence have affected the peace and security of the region (Caudle 14). The defense effort towards Middle East will work towards the elimination of the presence of the extremist groups whose activities continue to affect the stability of the region. With the hostility and porosity of the Syrian region, the country’s chemical weapon reserves can be transferred to the terror groups whose activities and actions can influence international peace and stability. Through close cooperation with the gulf cooperation council, the country will seek to eliminate the proliferation of terror-linked weapons in the region, including preventing the development of weapon grade uranium systems in Iran (Davis 27). Europe has played a strategic role in the success of the United States and remains a key partner in the successful development of security approaches and mitigation measures targeting the current challenges. During the afghan and Iraqi war, a number of European soldiers sacrificed for an international security course together with our forces and this demonstrates their commitment to international peace and stability. As a result, Europe remains our critical partner in achieving a secure global economic and social environment despite the presence of unforeseeable security challenges (Colucci 37). Despite the relative stability that has been enjoyed by the region, unresolved conflicts continue in some parts of Europe and Eurasia but the United States has played a critical role in ensuring the progression of peace and stability in the region. Through the north Atlantic trade organization, the United States has continued to invest in global security through collaboration with the European partners. To demonstrate the fruitful benefits of this corporation, a number of European countries are today producers of security as opposed to being mere consumers. This was demonstrated during the gulf war when soldiers from the United Kingdom, France and other European countries joined our forces to eliminate the terror threat from the region (Caudle 14). Role of United States armed forces With the aim of protecting the United States interests and enable the country achieve its 2014 national security strategy and goals, the armed forces with have a critical role to play. To succeed in the missions that will be discussed in this section, the United States joint force must reassess its capabilities and increase the security investments. The role of countering terrorism and illegal warfare in the globe remain a central role of the armed forces and this must be through a concerted effort that involves the input of partners (Davis 23). The fight against the threats presented by the al Qaeda group and its affiliates must be advanced to enable the complete elimination of the group from their different locations. With the last batch of our forces in Afghanistan arriving home soon, the country’s focus on terrorism will be advanced and distributed in different regions. As a result of the challenges from the previous challenges in our security approaches, the United States will continue to build strong vigilante approaches to assist in the elimination of terrorist organizations (Colucci 37). Apart from effort towards the elimination of terrorist threats, the United States military forces are also working towards deterring and defeating any potential external aggression. Through well-coordinated approaches, the country will able to effectively deter aggressors and place the liability of the act of aggression on them. Due to the multi-regional interest that our country holds, the ability of our forces to deter aggression must be improved to ensure that our regional position remains intact in the face of adversities. Through the development of all military domains including land, space, air, maritime and cyberspace, the United States military will be well placed to achieve its security objectives against an able aggressor. As a country, we must not just eliminate the threat of eternal aggression but also work towards achieving stability for regions faced with aggressive activities using standing forces and transitional governance systems (Caudle 14). Despite the continued growth of aggressive acts and groups in different parts of the world, the United States must work towards projecting its global power in the face of these threats. By projecting its powers in the areas where its dominance and capabilities are under doubt, the united states will able to develop a strong countering mechanism supported by international interests. The use of electronic, cyber tools, ballistic and cruise missile will be helpful demonstrating the capabilities and influence of the country’s military. Due to the asymmetric approaches pursued by Iran and china to challenge the dominance of the country in the global arena, the United States military will remain steadfast and use its technological abilities to demonstrate its abilities and influence (Davis 23). Weapons of mass destruction remain a key challenge to global peace and the implementation of disarmament programs that seek to eliminate the development of weapon grade radioactive isotopes. Through the implementation of the corporative threat reduction protocol, the country will be able to locate, monitor and eliminate any threat presented by the development of weapons of mass destruction. As a result, the department of defense will continue to invest in ways of protecting the country against activities of other aggressive nations like Iran whose nuclear plans goes against international agreements (Colucci 37). The maintenance of a secure cyberspace and space also remain a critical role of our armed forces that is influenced by the development of stronger information and communication networks. The activities of other aggressive forces within the space have led to the development of systems that have the ability to destroy and degrade the country’s assets at will. As a result, the department of defense will continue working with its global allies and partners to develop stronger operational networks and capabilities to enable it continuously monitor activities within the cyberspace and counter any retrogressive actions (Davis 23). The continued presence of nuclear energy and the development of nuclear grade weapons by other countries make it essential for the United States to maintain a safe and effective arsenal. We must maintain our capability to confront any external aggression and ensure that our actions can create unacceptable damage to the enemy as a way of assuring our international allies and partners that the United States remains committed to global security and stability (Caudle 14). However, our security goals can be achieved with minimal nuclear force which makes it essential for us to reduce our arsenal and maintain a level that remain key to our security and not a threat to our own existence. Apart from acting on external aggression and protecting our interest in the global sphere, our armed forces will continue to collaborate with the homeland security apparatus to ensure peace and stability within our borders. This will be achieved through offering support to domestic civil authorities should need be to prevent the occurrence and impacts of natural disasters and catastrophes (Davis 23). Multinational force The success and security of our country and the growth of our allies and partners depend on the nature of our international presence and activities. The threats to security and stability in the world has revolutionized into a world threat that demand the action of a concerted effort of allies and partners. To achieve our goals and work towards the stability of the world and the regions where our interest lies, the United States will continue to pursue the development of joint forces and global effort in the fight against insurgency and terrorism (Doyle 625). The fact that our abilities to predict he strategic environment that we operate in makes in critical for our security apparatus to evolve and adopt a broader military approach beyond the borders of the united states. With the current demographic trends, the world will become populated and urbanized with an approximate 1.2 billion population by 2025. However, some parts of the world, especially Europe and Asia are expected to experience a decline in population growth and security needs. This will adversely affect the security needs of the regions and influence the overall position of the United States in exerting its power in these regions (Davis 23). As part of our effort to collectively eliminate threats to our existence and that of our key partners, the United States must continue to build stronger security partnership by other countries. This will enable different forces to work together towards the elimination of threats presented by terrorism and continue to secure our borders and the regions where our international interests lie. As part of its global activities, the United States security agency will maintain a broad portfolio of military capability with the ability to offer versatile security needs to the country and the globe. Distinctions must also be made between the key missions that can form part of the defense program and this must be based on the strategic capabilities of the US military forces. As a result, the department of defense will continue to manage its forces in a way that is capable of regenerating the needs of the future and eliminating potential security threat to the success of the country (Davis 23). To eliminate strains on the security investment within the global operations, the United States defense must differentiate between the investment that are of essence today and those that can be deferred to a future date. This will increase the efficiency of the department and eliminate any strains on the resources, which may impact negatively on the success of the department at any given time. Though international collaboration and the development of a global force remain our key goal, we must be able to differentiate these investments based on their priority and the availability of resources (Colucci 37). The projection of our military capabilities within the globe depends on the maintenance of capable and ready force as any action that fails to evaluate our abilities to effectively deter the actions of the aggressors can affect our influence in the globe. We will continue to emphasize and build readiness as a force, counting our historical failures and poor performances due to our inability to maintain a capable and ready force (Caudle 14). As part of global activities and efforts to promote peace and stability, the United States will continue to act in the interests of democracy and human rights by partnering with governments that have demonstrated respect for peaceful and legitimate leadership. This is because the success of such interest groups will continue to affect the global environment upon which our ability to monitor our interest are based. Historically, the United States has forged partnership as a way of sharing values and maintaining a successful environment with allies as a way of driving our global democratic and legitimate agenda in foreign countries (Davis 23). Countries that have been delivered from autocratic rule like Tunisia and Libya must also develop stronger democratic values and ideals and work towards the betterment of the citizens whose actions brought the change to the nation. The United States shall continue to offer support and resources to such nations to ensure that they adopt legitimate leadership and work towards broadening the democratic space of its people. This will be achieved through their willingness and ability to provide free and fair elections to enable the leaders of these countries to be elected through a universal suffrage system (Colucci 37). Conclusion The united states remain a dominant force in the global security and military abilities and this makes it essential for the country to review its current capabilities and strengths. The nature of threat to our security continues to evolve and change in ways that can threaten the operations of our military and security instruments. In this white paper, the United States security strategy for 2014 has been highlighted, making references to the emerging threats and global needs that affect the operations of our forces. As a global powerhouse, we will continue to monitor the operations of other emerging powers to ensure it does not affect the global stability and security. Works cited Caudle, Sharon L. "National Security Strategies: Security from What, For Whom, And By What Means." Journal of Homeland Security & Emergency Management 6.1 (2009): 1-26. Print. Colucci, Lamont. "U.S. National Security Strategy Must Go Beyond Counterterrorism." U.S. News Digital Weekly 5.3 (2013): 37. Print. Davis, Lynn E., et al. The U.S. Army and the New National Security Strategy. Santa Monica, CA: RAND, 2003. Print. Doyle, Richard B. "The U.S. National Security Strategy: Policy, Process, Problems." Public Administration Review 67.4 (2007): 624-629. Print. Read More