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384 Annals Am. Acad. Pol. & Soc. Sci. 1 (1969)

handle is hein.cow/anamacp0384 and id is 1 raw text is: American Armed Strength and Its Influence By MAJOR GENERAL RICHARD A. YUDKIN ABSTRACT: Two questions arise in dealing with this issue: (1) To what extent is our existing military power relevant? (2) What forms of power are needed to enable the United States to achieve its objectives? The process for developing a relevant military posture can best be described as a rational, iterative method involving the interaction of four elements: (1) policy objectives which are derivatives of more transcen- dent national goals, (2) environment, (3) strategy, and (4) military capabilities. To the degree that we can control and utilize the interaction of these elements, we can begin to formu- late positive responses to the two questions posed. Our social and political heritage weighs heavily against military power ever becoming an end in itself. A goal-oriented military force structured according to this process, while still responding to the realities of the environment, acts against such an eventu- ality. Military power remains relevant to the attainment of both domestic and international goals, since security from ex- ternal threat is a precondition for internal development and progress. Until substantive changes in the international en- vironment occur, our military power should take those forms which enable it to (1) deter nuclear attack on the United States; (2) contain the level of potential conflict with another nuclear power; (3) insure our national survival should nuclear war occur; (4) protect United States interests; and (5) pro- mote the cause of peace abroad. Major General Richard A. Yudkin, Washington, D.C., is currently Director, Doctrine, Concepts and Objectives, DCS/Plans and Operations, Headquarters, United States Air Force, Washington, D.C. His previous assignments include: Assistant Chief of Staf, Plans, Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces; and Plans Officer, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe. He has also served as USAF Member and Chairman of United States delegations to the Inter-American Defense Board, the Joint Brazil-United States Defense Commission and Joint Mexican-United States Defense Commission. General Yudkin is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. 1

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