February 1, 2005

Bush, military forces, and a strategic vision

By Douglas Hanson
Most of the punditry got it right about GW's second inaugural address: it was a monumental speech that prescribed a major shift in our foreign policy and national security posture.  Not only was it a true description of the dangerous world we live in, it also established the framework for our military operations in the years to come. Some analysts have examined the implications of the speech for our armed forces and their roles and responsibilities in ensuring freedom and promotion of democracy around the world. But they lose sight of the historical context of how this changes our strategic outlook. GW's speech portends not so much changes in the organization and equipping of our forces, but rather changes in the mindset of our military leadership, especially regarding our decade—long rest and 'years of repose' from our responsibilities in safeguarding liberty, the period of time otherwise known as the Clinton Administration.  If you read between the lines, he was...(Read Full Article)