WASHINGTON
— The Pentagon has released a new National Military Strategy, the
first update to that document since 2011 — one that warns the threat of
major war with another nation is "growing."
The strategy is being
updated to reflect the new global security situation, one in which the
US is facing near-peer adversaries like Russia and China while
simultaneously having to handle diffuse militant groups like the Islamic
State.
"Since the last National Military Strategy was published
in 2011, global disorder has significantly increased while some of our
comparative military advantage has begun to erode," Chairman of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey wrote in his introduction to
the strategy document.
"We now face multiple, simultaneous
security challenges from traditional state actors and transregional
networks of sub-state groups — all taking advantage of rapid
technological change," Dempsey continued. "We are more likely to face
prolonged campaigns than conflicts that are resolved quickly."
The
contents of the document should be no surprise to those who follow the
Pentagon. It is a straightforward military document, devoid of politics.
The words "budget" and "sequestration" are nowhere to be found.
Instead,
the document focuses on the importance of partnerships to maintain the
delicate security balance around the globe, something Pentagon officials
have been pushing over the last several months.
Speaking after
the release of the document, Dempsey said the strategy acknowledges that
American success "will increasingly depend on how well our military
instrument supports the other instruments of national power, and how it
enables our network of allies and partners.
The strategy
specifically calls out Iran, Russia and North Korea as aggressive
threats to global peace. It also mentions China, but notably starts that
paragraph by saying the Obama administration wants to "support China's
rise and encourage it to become a partner for greater international
security," continuing to thread the line between China the economic ally
and China the regional competitor.
"None of these nations are
believed to be seeking direct military conflict with the United States
or our allies," the strategy reads. "Nonetheless, they each pose serious
security concerns which the international community is working to
collectively address by way of common policies, shared messages, and
coordinated action."
Later, the strategy authors note that "today,
the probability of U.S. involvement in interstate war with a major
power is assessed to be low but growing."
However, "hybrid
conflicts" — not just the Islamic State, but forces such as the
Russian-backed rebels in Ukraine — are likely to expand.
The
strategy also hits on the concerns, highlighted by Secretary of Defense
Ash Carter and Deputy Secretary Bob Work over the last six months, that
the US is no longer guaranteed technological superiority, or that in
conflicts with groups like the Islamic State, that technological
superiority may not be a guarantee of victory.
The full strategy document can be read here.
This story has been updated.
Email: amehta@defensenews.com
Twitter: @AaronMehta
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