Volume IX – Number 1
Bruce Slagle
Abstract: The advent of nuclear weapons has undeniably changed how military conflicts will be conducted in the modern era. Many claim that due to the creation of these weapons, the use of conventional military force is no longer a credible instrument of foreign policy. However, I contend that the use of conventional military force in the nuclear age is not only credible and useful, but necessary if the world wants to escape a nuclear holocaust. Through analysis of the U.S. Armed Forces and defense policies such as NSC-68, and the creation of NATO, this article will prove the continued importance of conventional forces in the nuclear age. Discussion focused on the Kennedy-McNamara era of flexible response to the Nixon Doctrine will show the evolution and changes U.S. conventional forces underwent during this time, displaying their continued use and importance. Finally, the contemporary conventional force capabilities and their problems will be analyzed to show that the U.S. conventional forces remain a credible and important instrument of U.S. foreign policy despite facing cutbacks at home and continued civilian distrust and disrespect.
Keywords: conventional military, nuclear age, NSC-68, foreign policy U.S. Armed Forces
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