U.S. military spending: efficiency, equality, and liberty concerns

Military Spending

In today's society, military spending is on the minds of American citizens more than ever. With the constant threat of terrorism and imminent war on the horizon, the United States government is spending billions of dollars on drastic measures to fight a large-scale war as well as to continue to combat terrorism. Critics against increased military spending argue that the funds set aside for such defense measures could be better utilized in other areas that directly affect Americans, including education, healthcare, and economic stimulus packages. However, supporters of increased military defense spending argue that such expenses are critical for the United States to reassure Americans in their fears concerning terrorism and other threats against the homeland. Furthermore, the continued threats from Iraq have triggered strong concern for American safety in areas all over the world, and the only possible solution is to engage in warfare with Iraq and its allies in dramatic fashion with a loaded arsenal of weapons and well-trained soldiers. Each of these measures is quite costly, but more importantly, their benefits outweigh the costs because they provide Americans with a sense of pride, liberty, and security in a world occupied by sheer chaos. Furthermore, increased military spending performs a twofold process as it contributes to the economic growth of some industries through increased defense contracts to firms that make weapons, machinery, technology, and other military requirements. The following discussion will demonstrate the importance of three significant issues in relation to military defense spending: efficiency, equality, and liberty.

Efficiency in Increased Military Spending

The importance of efficiency in military spending is essential to the welfare of all Americans. U.S. human and financial interests span the globe, and as a result, they must be protected as best as possible, but also as economically as possible. It is widely known that the volatility of many smaller governments and their citizens plays a significant role in the amount of military action that takes place at any given time. Furthermore, the United States has always played the role of dominant leader, particularly over allied countries in the United Nations, in the development of comprehensive military technology and weapons. Currently, the U.S. is faced with a delicate situation in regards to homeland security. In response to existing feelings of apprehension and continuous threats against U.S. soil, a new department of homeland security was established. Now it is up to U.S. lawmakers and the President to maximize its potential while maintaining a cost-effective budget. The FY 2003 military budget was almost $400 billion, an increase of $48 billion over FY 2002, with the majority of those funds ($29 billion) allocated for pay raises for troops, excessive health benefits for retirees, and the purchase of outdated or unneeded weapons (Isenberg & Eland 10). The remaining increase of $19 billion was specifically designated for war activities and other areas related to global unrest. Since military spending is likely to continue to rise in the same fashion as tensions increase in the Middle East, U.S. lawmakers must spend those funds wisely, perhaps earmarking more funds for war activities and eliminate allocations to wasteful activities such as pay raises and excess benefit packages for retirees. Increased military spending is absolutely necessary in today's tumultuous society, but it must be demonstrated that lawmakers can utilize their resources wisely on the issues most concerning Americans.

Liberty and Increased Military Spending

Military spending provides the United States government with an arsenal of tools to combat hostility and other acts of aggression. In order to remain an independent nation with the greatest freedoms ever given, antagonism must be fought directly without fear. It is widely accepted that in order to protect American freedom, the occupation of territories all over the world is a critical need. Therefore, those who are strongly committed to preserving freedom will often enlist in the armed forces to fulfill their duties as an American citizen. Fortunately, in today's society, there are substantial allocations for military activities and ample numbers of men and women currently classified as soldiers. Therefore, the concept of nonvoluntary enlistment through a draft is not necessary. However, the time may come someday that the reinstatement of a draft will be the only option from which to recruit qualified military personnel. This action strongly depends on the loss of casualties in combat. If the numbers are significant, then the draft may be the only option. In this case, males within a specific age group who qualify based on personal circumstances would have no choice but to enroll in the armed forces. It is only at this time that liberty and the right to choose can act as limiting factors. However, the onset of advanced technology and weapons has made this a very remote alternative for governmental leaders. Increased spending that is used wisely will permit the creation of technologically advanced weapons, equipment, and computers that eliminate a significant amount of face-to-face combat.

U.S. intelligence measures are highly regarded as the most sophisticated techniques and minds in the world. However, this position of authority and knowledge did not occur by accident. Billions of dollars have been spent to create and constantly improve on existing intelligence in order to remain ahead of the rest in regards to military intellect. As intelligence has improved and now leads the rest of the world, these measures have not gone without notice, particularly by the enemy as a result of a worldwide media frenzy. Therefore, the United States must continue to spend the available dollars wisely in order to remain ahead of all others in their attempts to remain the top military authority in the world. This distinction reassures Americans that the enormous spending and efforts are worth the expense.

Many opponents of increased military spending argue that instead of providing increased security for American citizens, an inflated military structure amplifies their fears since the manpower and technology is available to engage in combat at any given time (Felice 33). Furthermore, this theory considers the idea that the United States military is an almighty power that may invade any disturbed area at any time, regardless of necessity or the approval of the general public. However, a well-designed military structure allows the United States to intervene and exercise their muscle in areas around the globe that experience unrest and tension that affects the safety and well-being of their citizens. It is most reassuring to many Americans that the power and intelligence within the military sector possesses the capability to defend countries that do not possess the resources of the United States as well as protect and preserve the homeland. It is only with a steady increase in military spending that the United States will be able to continue these activities in order to secure liberty and well-being.

Conclusion

Increased military spending in today's society is generally accepted by U.S. residents because it permits the Department of Defense and other related agencies to exercise their authority and intelligence in defending the rights and liberties of all U.S. residents. Generally, national defense provides benefits to everyone who can call themselves a U.S. citizen, including protection against foreign aggressors, the protection of individual liberty, political freedom, and the domestic political system (Zycher 2).

Many Americans are constantly fearful for their safety in a post-911 era. Therefore, they are willing to make the necessary sacrifices in order to experience a sense of relief and confidence in their government. Finally, those who have lost loved ones in brutal acts of terrorism are willing to endorse any activities that will improve the U.S. position in enemy territories, including Iraq and Afghanistan, regardless of their cost. Americans are so concerned about their families, their safety, and their rights to remain free that they will support the necessary measures required to sustain those ideals, including steady increases in military spending. The United States was founded on the principle of freedom for all, and Americans are willing to make the necessary sacrifices to maintain their liberty.