I won't give a history lesson. It's there for anyone who cares. What I'd like to talk about is one of the lessons we are supposed to have learned. On that day the United States was woefully unprepared for war. It took 2 1/2 years for America to gear up for the invasion of Europe.
How many people died because America wasn't ready? How much treasure was lost because America wasn't ready? What would the world look like today if America had been ready.
American militarily doctrine used to plan to fight two major wars and a minor war all at the same time and win all three. During the height of Viet Nam America had 550,000 troops there. Nobody was required to serve more than one tour. We couldn't field a 100,000 force in Iraq without requiring multiple deployments and almost breaking our Army.
The U S used to have 15 aircraft carrier battle groups. Three for each major ocean, the Atlantic, East Pacific, West Pacific, Mediterranean and Indian Ocean. One carrier wasdeployed at all times. One was in port for refit and r&r and the third was going to deployment or returning to port. Today we have 10 I believe.
In fairness we have maintained our technological advantage but as the Soviets once said, quantity is a quality all of it's own.
Today we see a resurgent Russia who has shown a willingness to invade and annex it's neighbors. We see a China who is militarizing the Spratley islands. Islands in international waters in sea lanes that a host of countries depend on. Islands that a number of countries lay claim to.
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Are we prepared for war?
Some you may think based on my comments that I'm a war monger. That could not be further from the truth. In the 80s long before the days of talking heads telling us what to think I used to watch c-span. That was often live footage of congress. One day a Congressman said and I'm paraphrasing, the best was to avoid war is to prepare for war. No country in the history has ever been attacked because they were to strong. Lots of countries have been attacked because they were not strong enough. His words but they struck a cord with me. I've seen it said that all that money is a waste. How much of a waste would it be to not be prepared? What is the value of lives lost because we're not prepared?
Are we prepared to prevent Russia from annexing another country? Can we defend the sea lanes around the Spratleys? How about s Korea or Taiwan?
I don't want war but the best way to prevent war is to be prepared for war. I fear we've forgotten our lessons. Just something to think about.
How many people died because America wasn't ready? How much treasure was lost because America wasn't ready? What would the world look like today if America had been ready.
American militarily doctrine used to plan to fight two major wars and a minor war all at the same time and win all three. During the height of Viet Nam America had 550,000 troops there. Nobody was required to serve more than one tour. We couldn't field a 100,000 force in Iraq without requiring multiple deployments and almost breaking our Army.
The U S used to have 15 aircraft carrier battle groups. Three for each major ocean, the Atlantic, East Pacific, West Pacific, Mediterranean and Indian Ocean. One carrier wasdeployed at all times. One was in port for refit and r&r and the third was going to deployment or returning to port. Today we have 10 I believe.
In fairness we have maintained our technological advantage but as the Soviets once said, quantity is a quality all of it's own.
Today we see a resurgent Russia who has shown a willingness to invade and annex it's neighbors. We see a China who is militarizing the Spratley islands. Islands in international waters in sea lanes that a host of countries depend on. Islands that a number of countries lay claim to.
(
Are we prepared for war?
Some you may think based on my comments that I'm a war monger. That could not be further from the truth. In the 80s long before the days of talking heads telling us what to think I used to watch c-span. That was often live footage of congress. One day a Congressman said and I'm paraphrasing, the best was to avoid war is to prepare for war. No country in the history has ever been attacked because they were to strong. Lots of countries have been attacked because they were not strong enough. His words but they struck a cord with me. I've seen it said that all that money is a waste. How much of a waste would it be to not be prepared? What is the value of lives lost because we're not prepared?
Are we prepared to prevent Russia from annexing another country? Can we defend the sea lanes around the Spratleys? How about s Korea or Taiwan?
I don't want war but the best way to prevent war is to be prepared for war. I fear we've forgotten our lessons. Just something to think about.
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