The military is a machine, which has produced all kinds of amazing technology (e.g., GPS, internet, drones), but like many large machines, tends to make a mess of people. I know a lot of people are pro-military, even those who are anti-war, and I understand that our strong military (in the USA) affords us a lot of privileges, but it really is a deeply defective institution, which causes quite a lot of harm.
In terms of leadership and purpose, the military exists to enforce policy and protect state interests, which do not necessarily coincide with interests of the population (either in the military’s home country or in the country being occupied or attacked). The state leadership cares about status, world politics, economic and materials/energy security (e.g., oil). Contrary to popular belief, the military does not exist solely to protect a country’s citizen population; although that is “one” purpose, it is seldom the actual purpose it is used for.
In terms of enactment, violence and killing has been consistently pursued as the desired course of action. While American military-driven Research & Development has been off the charts, creating astounding technologies, it has been focused almost entirely on more efficient killing. If a fraction of the same resources had been devoted to non-lethal combat (and better armor / protection for our own soldiers), we could be living in a very different world, one where we could win a war without devastating the population and infrastructure of our target country.
In terms of people, the soldiers, it chews them up and spits them out, using them for tour after unrelenting tour of duty. It is no surprise that some soldiers go haywire and massacre Afghani villagers or “accidentally” burn Qur’ans during occupation of a volatile Muslim country. It’s no surprise that mental and emotional problems (e.g., PTSD) and even suicide are common in soldiers – the stress of the war machine on sentient human beings is immense. While most soldiers have the best intentions, they are drilled and virtually brainwashed into following orders unquestioningly and taught to value hyper-masculinity, conformity and violence, while compassion and critical thinking are devalued – this is an environment where bullying can flourish (as well as sexual assaults). Then these “trained” soldier-machines are sent far away from home, into extremely stressful combat situations where they may invade a sovereign nation and be surrounded by unfriendly indigenous people whose language they understand little, if any of.
In terms of money, the US military swamps all other concerns: “budget cuts” simply means that the yearly increase is not as big as desired (but not that the actual spending has decreased). The military budget has been a significant portion of government spending for many years, with some decrease after the Cold War and then a sharp increase with the beginning of the so-called War on Terror. Given our extreme debt, economic crisis and budget concerns, it is shocking that severe cuts to the defense budget are not being discussed. In fact, the 2012 budget has a military portion of more than $1-TRILLION (including interest on past war borrowing) and we’ve are aimlessly continuing the unwinnable war in Afghanistan even after the ostensible target was accomplished (killing 9/11/01 architect Osama bin Laden, notably found outside of Afhanistan).
In summary, the military could be lean and efficient, reserved for defense of the home country population with priority on development of non-lethal technology, while foreign policy could be focused on communication/negotiation, but instead, it continues to be the “big stick” in Teddy Roosevelt’s legacy, severely damaging its victims (other countries), banging up the stick itself in the process (our soldiers) and pretty darn heavy to carry around (costing a fortune).
I think in 2012 the US will spend more than that on military. Proposed butdegs and estimated spending on military are usually a lot lower than they are in reality.Other programs like the Social Security branch of spending need restructuring in the next several years in order to stay within their bounds as well.