The Good Ship Lollipop?

I've always viewed our military strength as an intimidation factor in times of peace. It's not a new thought, otherwise our enemies wouldn't be afraid of attacking us or our allies. If you are not afraid of the consequences of your actions, you have no reason to fear acting.

The Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard have just come to a similar conclusion.

In the first major revision of U.S. naval strategy in 25 years, maritime officials said Wednesday they plan to focus more on humanitarian missions and improving international cooperation as a way to prevent conflicts.

"We believe that preventing wars is as important as winning wars," said the new strategy announced by the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

The strategy reflects a broader Defense Department effort to use aid, training and other cooperative efforts to encourage stability in fledgling democracies and create relationships around the globe that can be leveraged if a crisis does break out in a region.

Navy Admiral Gary Roughead, chief of naval operations, announced at the Naval War College that the new strategy is the result of a two-year study. The conclusion? That our security and prosperity depends upon the security and prosperity of other countries around the world. In other words, if we expect to be successful, we have to depend upon the successes of our allies.

Although I agree with that assessment, I find it interesting that it took a special two-year study, involving three military branches, to reach that conclusion. It makes me speculate that the study was a result of fears our government would let our allies flounder instead of getting involved in their struggles. Sorta like pulling out of Afghanistan and Iraq before they are ready to stand on their own.

Interesting days, eh, when our military has to take such drastic steps as proving their worth to our own government.