ABSTRACT

The 9/11 attacks reawakened the United States (US) to the fact that the world is a hazardous place deserving renewed vigilance and a proactive foreign policy. Any conception of American military strategy in the war on terrorism and beyond must begin with the reality that the military is only one of many tools available for concluding a conflict and deterring threats. The US is unique among the states of the world in being able to project a full array of overwhelming and sustainable military power over vast distances. The US needs to design a comprehensive cultural awareness program to provide staff at all levels with the sensitivity and understanding they will need in the field. Transforming the military in the areas of doctrine, strategy, force structure, and personnel policies will allow the US military to triumph against terrorism and provide security and defense against other threats to national security.