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Andrew Marshall And The Shaping Of Modern American Defense Strategy

Eliot Foster

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The Last Warrior: Andrew Marshall and the Shaping of Modern American Defense Strategy

by Andrew F Krepinevich

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4935 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	338 pages

In the annals of national security, few figures stand as tall as Andrew Marshall. As the principal architect of modern American defense strategy, Marshall's brilliance and foresight shaped the very foundation of the United States' military posture. His strategic vision, forged during the crucible of the Cold War, has had a profound and lasting impact on global security.

Early Life and Influences

Born in 1921, Marshall's formative years were marked by the rise of Nazi Germany and the outbreak of World War II. These tumultuous events ignited his deep passion for international affairs and instilled in him a profound appreciation for the importance of military preparedness.

After graduating from Yale University, Marshall served as an intelligence officer during the war, gaining firsthand experience in the complexities of military strategy and global power dynamics. These wartime experiences would prove invaluable as he embarked on his career in defense policy.

The Cold War and the Birth of a New Strategy

The end of World War II ushered in an era of heightened tension between the United States and the Soviet Union. Marshall recognized that the traditional strategies of the past were no longer adequate to meet the challenges of this new era.

In response, Marshall developed a groundbreaking defense strategy that emphasized deterrence, flexibility, and innovation. He argued that the United States needed to maintain a robust military capable of deterring Soviet aggression, while also being adaptable enough to respond to a wide range of threats.

Marshall's strategy also stressed the importance of alliances and international cooperation. He believed that the United States could not go it alone in the face of global threats. Instead, it needed to work closely with its allies to build a collective security system.

From Think Tank to the Pentagon

Marshall's ideas gained prominence in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He served as a senior analyst at the RAND Corporation, a leading defense think tank, where he developed his theories on nuclear strategy and the balance of power.

In 1961, Marshall was appointed Deputy Secretary of Defense by President John F. Kennedy. In this role, he played a pivotal role in shaping the administration's national security policies. He helped develop the strategy of "flexible response," which aimed to provide the United States with a range of options between nuclear war and total surrender.

Marshall also oversaw the expansion of the US nuclear arsenal and the development of new weapons systems, including the Polaris missile. These measures were designed to strengthen deterrence and maintain America's nuclear superiority.

Legacy and Impact

Andrew Marshall retired from government service in 1969, but his legacy continued to shape American defense policy for decades to come. His writings and ideas inspired generations of strategists and policymakers.

Marshall's emphasis on deterrence, flexibility, and alliances remains a cornerstone of US defense strategy today. His belief in the importance of international cooperation has been instrumental in maintaining global stability and preventing the outbreak of major wars.

Andrew Marshall's contributions to American defense policy were profound. He was a visionary strategist who recognized the changing nature of warfare and developed innovative strategies to meet the challenges of the nuclear age. His legacy will continue to inform and inspire generations of defense professionals in the years to come.

The Last Warrior: Andrew Marshall and the Shaping of Modern American Defense Strategy

by Andrew F Krepinevich

4.3 out of 5