Why does the US have/need such a big military?

Question

The last country I remember picking a fight with us was Japan.

Answer 1

From past history. The United States was very unprepared for both world wars. At the start of hostilities troops were training with wooden 'rifles' and plywood 'tanks' with signs attached to indicate what they were. Even since then the U.S. has tried to be as prepared as possible for the inevitable conflicts that will arise.

Besides the size of our military today is less that one half of one pecent of the population.

Answer 2

The United States created a strong military in the buildup to World War 2. Due to the outcome of the war and strong geographical advantages, the United States came out of World War 2 with less damage than any other reasonable military power.

After that, the United States engaged in an arms race with the Soviet Union, requiring a huge military budget with preparations to take on the Soviets should anything happen. Generally, it was much like the Mutually Assured Destruction doctrine in that there was simply enough power on each side that it was foolhardy to use it openly.

After the fall of the Soviet Union, the United States has taken on a hegemonic role, and maintained the strength of military in order to maintain both political and military muscle above rivals and potential threats.

In the end though, the United States spends a reasonable portion of its GDP on the military, proportionately similar to most wealthy and powerful nations except Japan, which is constitutionally restricted from spending over 1% GDP on military. It's as much a question of economics and population as it is necessity.

Answer 3

The U.S. has a high amount of foreign interest. The U.S. wants to be sure that if there is a crisis that affects its global interests (oil, oil, oil, cheap labor, tourism, and any other foreign investments) the country wants to know that it has at least one army base manned by an adequate number of troops to put down the problems. There are also the conflicts with Iraq and Afghanistan but I'd rather not talk about that because that it a another question in its self. But Iraq still falls into my foreign interest theory.

Answer 4

It is really a general question but we can list some replies to your Q.

1) To Force and terrorise other nations to submit to its agenda

2) To Defend the US soil from possible attacks that will NEVER COME! (Don't beleive 9 /11 ****)

3) To increase military and weapons industry and production through money coming from Tax and social funds.

4) To make sure that its colonial dreams are achievable. WRONG Assumption!

5) To Back UP and Defend ZIONISM and a lot of bad and racist ideologies.

That's enough for you now.

Answer 5

They need more protection than any one else in the world and for that they have to keep a big army becuse they have more enemies around the world who are always ready to attck them !and thats why their army is there in Iraq and Afghanistan to "protect" them from these 'biggest" threats !! and they are planing to send their troops to Iran becuase Iran is the Biggest danger for them these days !!

Answer 6

Cause when you are the best, everyone wants a piece of you. So when someone comes along challenging your authority in the world, you better be able to answer with force and might.

Answer 7

We don't have that large of a military for our size. We can't even keep a contingent of troops in Iraq without draining the reserves. We have no where near the troops it would take for a real war.

Answer 8

because other countries keep picking fights with us.which turns out ain't to smart.

Answer 9

To protect us from the dirty god less hordes of the third world....that and your mom

Answer 10

human nature... hic!