Our Military Might

A look at America’s armed forces and their history

BY CARLTON REESE

As a war machine, the United States has compiled quite an impressive record in its near 250-year history, from its rookie campaign resulting in defeat of the greatest global empire in history to leading the charge in freeing up European and Atlantic sea lanes from Barbary pirates to repeating the victorious feat over the hated Red Coats not soon after.

Through all the victories spanning the trenches and hedgerows of France, to the islands of the South Pacific and jungles of the Indochina peninsula, to the deserts of the Middle East, the United States armed forces have compiled a record that would be the envy of the ancient Romans, Ottomans and Mongols. The formidableness of the United States armed forces helped bring down the Soviet Union without firing a single shot.

As we ponder the glory that was, we stand in uncertain times with a world on fire and wonder if yet again we must look to our men and women in uniform to drag civilization from the mire. Sadly, we also wonder if today’s force can live up to its indomitable legacy.

With Russians and Ukrainians in a hot war seducing American involvement and relations with China at an all-time low, it’s difficult to stave off doubts as to our military capabilities that just decades ago seemed beyond question. The way of the world today makes confidence in our armed forces more important than ever, and with it the success of recruiting into what is still an all-volunteer force.

In times of war, they rush headlong into the bullets and the bombs when asked by a nation that calls; in times of peace they stand ever vigilant and at the ready, poised to face danger at a moment’s notice.

May is National Military Appreciation Month in which we honor those who are currently serving in any of the various armed services. Some find themselves in far-away outposts while others continue their preparedness stateside, but all have earned our honor and appreciation.