America’s Compass Series – Part I
Lack of Defined US Strategy
Continues
By Paul E. Vallely
March 17, 2011
Paraphrasing General Of the Army Douglas MacArthur’s speech – West Point in 1962:
“Duty, Honor, Country: Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be …
They build your basic character. They mold you for your future roles as the custodians of the nation’s defense…They teach you to be proud and unbending in honest failure, but humble and gentle in success; not to substitute words for action;…
to learn to stand up in the storm…to master yourself before you seek to master others…
to reach into the future, yet never neglect the past; to be serious, yet never take yourself too seriously; to be modest so that you will remember the simplicity of true greatness; the open mind of true wisdom, the meekness of true strength.”
America – it is time to reposition American Armed Forces to protect America first. I want our leaders (both civilian and military) to clearly define and prioritize the foreign and domestic threats to America and its people. To date, government policy elitists in the United States have demonstrated an almost complete ignorance of history in matters regarding forward strategic planning. While virtually every military officer and many policy “wonks” have been taught strategic planning at some level, it is obvious many have thrown most of the lessons out the door upon graduating. This is demonstrated more than ever by our senior commanders and State Department political appointees that seem to be void of vision and wisdom. One only needs to observe the international scene and turmoil in Libya, the Middle East and our Southern Border.
Since the 80s, we have been engaged in conflicts throughout the Middle East, from the Iranian hostage crisis, to the Beirut bombing of our Marines in 1982, to Iraq, and Afghanistan. We have witnessed one debacle after another. Why do our leaders and strategists still languish in failed strategies? Before we commit our military we must ask: “is this enemy a threat to the United States and the American people?” Never should this sovereign nation bow to edicts, mandates, and direction from the UN, the Arab League, or anyone else. Continue reading »
