down with that

  What is the purpose of the military? To defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic. That is the mission and the oath taken. So, what is defending the constitution? The constitution is our nations mission statement. The preamble states that mission clearly and concisely. To form a more perfect union, establish justice, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.  It was ordained and established. To be ordained means to enact by law. The choice of using that term "ordained" was to imply divine approval for the actions taken. "When it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them to another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and natures God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind require that they should declare the causes which impel them to that separation. " That's where ordained came from, a previous declaration before composing the constitution.

  The first order of business in order to accomplish this mission was to do what? To create an army! Yes, military force was required, as diplomacy had failed at every turn to resolve the issue. What was the issue? Well, taxation without representation is tyranny! Wasn't that the battle cry? We had to fight for our independence, for our right to pursue happiness. And what is happiness? Getting the things you want. That's what makes you happy. You are willing to fight for that, aren't you? Yes, the vast majority of us will do just that in whatever way we can. The objective always being to defeat the enemy. It is the imposition of your will! It is true on an individual level and a national one. That is what the military does! It remains to this day as the first order of business. You only remain on top by defending the hill! 

  Readiness is the term used in conjunction with that. Our troops need to be trained, equipped and ready to go at a moments notice. What should they be ready to do? Impose the will of the United states upon the world is the short answer. It is offense that will win the battle. That was never made clearer than in August of 1945. The Japanese capitulated quickly after those displays of offensive abilities. I was present during Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm when they were met with shock and awe! Another offensive display that ended hostilities rather quickly. Diplomacy rarely results in a lasting peace. Before too long it will be tested. It is usually seen as a sign of weakness, a temporary thing to gain time. That is why we must remain ready at all times to respond. 

  The big question is will we ever fight another war with troops, on the ground, hand to hand. Is the physical readiness of the troops to perform that action a necessity? That is to say, be physically fit, ready to fight in that manner. One could say no, it doesn't matter anymore because we can just push a button, launch missiles, fly drones and destroy the enemy without ever having to even see him. And that's true, except for one problem, they can do the same to us. Remember that thing they called the cold war? Isn't that what that was all about? And then we started making treaties and agreements regarding the proliferation of those weapons of mass destruction. The reason is easy to understand, no one will win the battle. 

  Perception is often stronger than reality. We see the pictures of thousands of Chinese soldiers marching together, all in tip top shape, determined looking, like machines. The Chinese are showing the world their strength with those displays, including their missiles, tanks and war equipment. North Korea is developing nuclear capabilities as well as several other nations. The fear being they will use them. It's a possibility that can not be dismissed. More likely however is the advancement of actual ground troops to occupy the land, to gain whatever resources that land promises. It really does you little good to destroy the resources you want in order to gain those resources. Consider Russia invading Ukraine as an example of that. Russia certainly has the capability to simply crush Ukraine if they choose that path. Why didn't they? Well, because they want the resources, and they don't want the rest of the world to attack them. It is really more of a war of diplomacy than actual combat, although those being shot, killed, displaced and living in constant fear would disagree with me on that. They're not wrong. 

  What are those other armies in the world seeing of our military? Are we presenting a perception of absolute readiness and indeed, willingness to fight? Is that what other nations are seeing today? We have allowed the military to become some sort of social experiment. We have not allowed our troops to "win" since WW2. Other nations watched as we allowed our own citizens to spit on those troops, to burn the flag they carried into battle and hear the stories of our veterans committing suicide. They see men dressed as women among the ranks. Are we really projecting an image of strength and resolve? They are listening to the cries from the left complaining about eliminating our enemies. They are listening as there are those that insist our military should never be used to defend the constitution! 

  The mission remains the same. To defend the constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic! If you aren't down with that, get out!