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Past & Futures: Afghanistan & the Military Ahead

With the closing of one chapter of a long-term war, United States military members across the world are asking what the future of conflict looks like. In this special section, cadets consider the long-term effects of warfare, the potential—and sometimes unintended—consequences, and the road ahead.

  • Amber María Norman
    The Protection of Freedom According to H.R. McMaster

    “This is not the book that most people wanted me to write” states author H.R. McMaster in the preface of his book Battlegrounds: The Fight to Defend the Free World. As a seasoned military professional and former National Security Advisor, McMaster knew that after serving time in office under President Trump, many remained anxious to hear the details of his personal experience and opinions with regard to the former president. Erring on the side of typical military apoliticism, however, McMaster sought instead “to write a book that might help transcend the vitriol of partisan political discourse,” and focus American society on significant security threats concerning the United States today.

    In general, the book offers a broad insight into the complexities of domestic security and international diplomacy. Themes like “strategic narcissism” and global networking connect the author’s historical and cultural reflection to personal anecdotes starring important world leaders throughout his service. First-hand accounts of his meetings with distinguished political figures (Security Council of Russia Nikolai Patrushev, and Prime Minister of Iraq Haider al-Abadi to name a few) introduce the reader to a ‘behind-the-scenes’ look at the negotiations of global politics. 

    In his first few chapters, McMaster offers meaningful suggestions concerning potential counter-measures that the United States and other European countries should consider to protect the West’s strategic advantages long-term. He emphasizes the importance of unity concerning Western countries, not only with each other, but also within their own societies. The book sensibly warns that one of the most powerful tactics used by adversaries such as Russia and China is the weakening of Western cohesion and confidence by fostering polarity, misinformation, and instability from the inside.

    Another one of McMaster’s most sound observations is the idea that studying a country’s social and political past is largely important to understanding any threatening maneuvers made today or in the future. In a forewarning chapter discussing China, the author asserts that China’s use of “co-option, coercion, and concealment” remains prevalent throughout history; an understanding of China’s internal tactics is therefore extremely important for the future of national security and strengthening of strategic competence over time. An informed awareness of China’s tumultuous sociopolitical past as well, especially concerning civilian uprisings, exposes vulnerabilities that military professionals could manipulate to compete with the country’s repressive and power-hungry efforts. McMaster’s detailed examinations reveal certain intricacies within military conflict that many readers perhaps had not formerly considered. 

    This is not to say every one of McMaster’s theories is without flaw. Although the book never intends to serve as a specific outline for future military development, sometimes the author’s thoughts leave the reader waiting for further elaboration. One such occurrence lies within McMaster’s assertions that “to avoid the trap” of advanced military conflict in the future, the United States must “find a middle way” to utilize its “need to compete fairly as the best means of avoiding confrontation”. This is one of McMaster’s few declarations that passivity may be better for international diplomacy short term, and lacks further defense or explanation. Arguably, increased diplomatic and peace-making efforts, while applicable, could not satiate an aggressive nation’s determination to acquire power and influence any time soon. This theory leads the reader to question whether such passive action may only cause adversary nations to maneuver the execution of their strategy around global condemnation, and not significantly change their ways. Renowned Australian historian Geoffrey Blainey’s argument remains that “wars usually begin when two nations disagree on their relative strength,” suggesting that McMaster’s strategy “of avoiding confrontation” concerning adversaries might actually lead us more quickly towards such a disagreement. 

    A further critique concerning the woes of strategic narcissism also prevails; although he advocates against a disposition of narcissism in foreign policy throughout the book, McMaster’s thoughts on international negotiations often appear largely laced with it. We cannot continue to treat our enemies with the assumption that, in the end, the US is bound to win solely because we defend what is “right,” a.k.a. the ideals of a free society. McMaster advocates for the deeper analysis of issues in order to combat this, but he also frequently poses advice that seems to advocate a subconscious bias of American superiority. 

    Despite this blip in self-awareness, the author successfully conveys his general assessment of foreign politics and security to the reader. Further themes worthy of mention include McMaster’s emphasis on increased public accountability of adversaries on the global stage to aid in dodging military escalation. He claims that public opposition to controversial diplomatic maneuvers will eventually progress aggressive nations towards a realization that such abuses of power and influence fail to promote the overall progression of peace and prosperity worldwide. McMaster also argues that, without proper planning beyond the initial execution of military action, the real causes of violence around the world are bound to regenerate over time. The proper establishment of increased “pressure” and “costs” mentioned by McMaster requires thorough strategic planning and prompt adaptation to evolving issues overseas. Most notably, the author heavily advocates for stronger offensive action when countering future conflict. He believes problematic governments, such as Iran and North Korea, will not change their ways unless the United States demonstrates serious commitment towards enforcing a sense of responsibility in such relationships. 

    Overall, Battlegrounds presents a well-rounded and interesting take on the past, present, and future of military potential and foreign policy. Although the reader may find him or herself occasionally wanting more than McMaster offers in his broad plans for the future, his emphasis on the greater picture of global complexities offers a unique look into the threats posed by different adversaries around the world. The author’s compelling anecdotes paired with his extensive experience make for a very engaging read. This book serves as a stepping-stone for future political and military professionals to grow in their understanding that the United States must unite its efforts towards building meaningful relationships, studying the history of nations, and developing multi-layered plans of attack to secure future success.

  • Kelsey Monaghan-Bergson
    The American Mosaic

    America as a cultural melting pot is an often-lauded notion. That theme has been widely foisted upon us in an effort to downplay the contribution diversity plays in the American dream. The problem with this concept is that it overlooks unique cultural inputs, denies personal character, and generally devalues a truly diverse environment; it promotes the need to adopt the American cultural hegemony practices.  Assimilation relies on sacrifice; it dulls details and camouflages differences. One must shed themselves of their individuality in order to be part of the whole. An assimilated society sounds the same, eats the same foods, dresses the same, and has the same beliefs. Creative power is lost.

    Instead, I believe a mosaic is a better analogy to illustrate the beautiful melding of our differences.

    Contrary to the melting pot model, a mosaic forms an image by piecing together individuals.  Each piece has a unique shape, color, and nature that, when fully assembled, creates a beautiful image of our nation. It recognizes the importance of our differences. With a mosaic model, we are able to embody our national identity without surrendering our individual identity. 

       Assimilation is something with which I have firsthand experience. I am a part of a diverse household.  With a first-generation Thai-American mother and Jewish father, I spent much of my early life trying to figure out where I fit in.  I felt ashamed to wear my kippah or bring my ethnic lunches to school. For years, I concealed my values so as to feel a sense of belonging in the community. No one came right out and told me I needed to conform to my environment but hiding my roots made things easier. Certainly, no one was encouraging me to celebrate my diversity.  Even as a young adult, I struggled to embrace an identity. I found it difficult to subscribe to one culture, while mixing traditions resulted in further confusion. I was uncertain of what group I belonged to; by leaning toward one side, I lost a part of myself on the other.

    I came to the realization that cultural differences are what should unify a community, not divide it. Our differences are strengths – not weaknesses. Our perspectives and experiences allow us to see the world through different lenses. Conversely, “melting” results in a homogenous society that centers on the most prominent power and downplays issues of inequality and discrimination. Our culturally identifying features should not degrade us, they should give us strength and pride. This appreciation of each piece of a mosaic is a perfect expression of American values because it promotes the freedom to express individual identities. With each tile representing an individual, glued together by a common goal, a collage depicts an accurate interpretation of our nation. It cannot be completed in the absence of a single color, shape, or texture.

    Piece by piece, we add details to the mosaic. I would not be who I am without my background, and I take pride in expressing my true self. I recognize that being American is not about sharing the same perspective or opinion. Embracing a diverse American identity enables us to recognize our cultural differences and progress in order to grow. Each distinctive tile is worthy of inclusion and appreciation. I embrace my duty as a member of this community to help continue to build this mosaic in order to reach our full national potential.

  • Ellard Stolze
    RPAs

    I visited an RPA squadron once. I thought the guys that ran it were obsessed with some obscure sport I didn’t know was in season. It looked like a superbowl party. They had projectors set up in the hangar—chips and dip, probably some Lieutenant grilling outside. It turned out they had a predator strike planned. They had been tracking some people for nine months and were finally going to blow them to hell. The pilot down the hallway from us struck a garbage truck in the middle east that was already full of explosives (what they referred to as a V.I.E.D) with a hellstorm missile. It was all cheers, like the home team won the championship. I felt the same as these men the last time my hometown team won a trophy, but that was basketball, and this was 37 people dead.

  • Matthew Lee
    The List

    Gentle waves crash onto the beach, the pastel sand painted by the slowly sinking sun in a final stroke before it vanishes. The fading glow is replaced by abrupt darkness as my bleating blaring alarm tears me from the scene. I move through the rituals of my morning, the tedious tempo set I awoke to is kept by subtle drips of coffee and the squeaking strokes made against my windshield in its attempts to push back the battering rain.

    Finally, a glimpse of sunlight as the door shuts behind me, plunged into an insipid symphony as the staccato of our ticking keys resonated around the dim room. I lean back in my chair, my posture leaving much to be desired, far from the days of being stract in formation, as I am bathed in the stale glow cast by the pair of monitors set before me. As my gaze bounces between them, my keystroke pauses every so often to steal a glance at the screen settled in my lap. The yellow silhouetted ghost is the only window in the room, giving me glimpses of the outside world through the eyes of my friends.

    Every buzz from a notification breaks me from the mundane cadence, small flashes of color as they finally begin their days. We discuss the upcoming weekend as they head to offices of their own, the same sounds and bleak emotions still present under their fluorescent lights that plague me in my monotonous darkness. Shooting back upright as messages begin to pour in on my monitor. The words form places and names, the intent is clear as I rise from my desk and head into the adjoining room. My eyes glaze over as the brief carries on, my mind drifting during the seeming eternity.

    Returning to my seat, a new notification a soft red glow caught on my surroundings backlighting the message “You have a new match” with a small heart-eyed face replacing the period. An audible sigh comes from within almost automatically. It had been no less than two weeks since a similar banner had danced its way across my screen, and leading me out to an enjoyable night, albeit meaningless, which ended with another in a series of random casual encounters. Her names dances on my tongue, much like a memory of our brief encounter, sweet and fleeting. Amber? Austin? No.

    Delving deep into my pit of vanity, I find my record, electronically etched into the notes app on my phone. Among the scarlet signature souvenirs, the last entry calls back the ephemeral encounter, Ashley. The cool desert presents itself among by display as questions run through my head. Would I even remember these names had I not taken the time to create such a conceited catalog? A tally, as hollow and empty in substance as the night cascading before me, until tail lights appear. They veer left pulling into the driveway of a one-story home, roughly the same size of the residence I share with three other 1st lieutenants.

    “You’ve matched with Katie” I read with a glance, will she find herself stacked among the rest by the end of the weekend? Three silhouettes appear, glowing like the sun that is still hours away from being theirs. I compare the scene unfolding before me to the still images I had been briefed upon, satisfied I pick up the phone. “Good to go” those words slowly sink into my ear seemingly without consequence, and I turn back for my approach. Painting the area I touch my finger down one last time and the final keystroke tolls before joining the others which float around the room. Shock before a smile spreads across my face, the flash fades and the three figures have been replaced by a smoking crater and scant remains of the guilty.

    The day draws to an end, the conversation between me and my potential addition continues, as the names of those smoking pieces leave my mind. Their names don’t make any list, they are forgotten as Friday becomes Saturday and the next week and brief is here. A list more numerous than my carnal collection is never recorded, a single keystroke lost in a symphony is the only reminder each time I take a life.

  • Jeremy Piñon
    What Was it For?

     

    God what was it for?

    The images bring terror

    Where did we go wrong?

     

    God what was it for?

    A nation plunged in turmoil

    So we fought terror

     

    God what was it for?

    My whole life we were fighting

    To pull out like that?

     

    God what was it for?

    So many people dead, tragic

    What will happen next?

     

    God what was it for?

    A new era of war dawns

    I just pray that I can…

  • Rachel Rowan
    Visions of Freedom

    Graphite pencil

    Rachel Rowan graphite pencil illustration