C200 Exam

1. In President Obama’s speech at West Point, he announced that 30,000 additional troops would be sent to Afghanistan. He made this decision because he said it was vital to the United States’ national interest. The vital national interest at risk in President Obama’s address is the security and safety of the American people as well as the “security of our allies and the common security of the world.” By involving the military and increasing the troop strength, President Obama can achieve the objectives of his strategy. His objectives are to keep the Taliban from becoming powerful, prevent them from government rule, improve Afghanistan security forces and government so they can manage their own country and prevent Al Qaeda from establishing refuge in other countries. If you follow the framework of several important U.S. documents, such as the National Defense Strategy (NDS) and Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) they will outline this same strategy. The National Defense Strategy states that it is the responsibility of the military to protect ourselves and our allies from attack. It states that the military should help protect and secure our vital interests abroad. U.S. security is linked with the security of the international community. The physical integrity of our country is protected by the military through multiple security controls. One of these security controls is through deployments of the armed forces. The Quadrennial Defense Review states the mission of the U.S. military is to protect the American people and advance our nation’s interests. The vital interests of the United States are intertwined with the integrity and resilience of allies abroad. Our vital interests are security, prosperity, broad respect for universal values and an international order that promotes cooperation among our allies. The President’s vision is to become more powerful domestically while bringing together all elements of national power. We need to help our neighbors