A Nation in a Perpetual State of War The United States has been in a continuous state of war since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centers. In response to these attacks, the United States has deployed over two million troops amongst all five of its military branches combined. In 2014 the US withdrew a majority of its troops from the combat zones in the middle east, however the war still wages on. Many military leaders, as well as the American population entered the war with a gung ho attitude following the terrorist attacks, however as time has gone on, military personnel and civilians alike have had a change in attitude over a seemingly endless war. This paper will examine four articles written by high ranking military officials and civilian military experts to assess just how Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring
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Kroesen, retired US Army. General Kroesen opens his article by referencing an article published in the New York Times that brought up the difficulty in knowing how to fight modern wars. General Kroesen argues that boots on the ground, “promise a return to long, drawn-out conflicts, serious casualty rates for both soldiers and civilians, and inconclusive declarations of mission accomplishments.” General Kroesen goes on to state that, “wars are won when soldiers occupy terrain, dominate populations, and achieve the political objectives of their parent government.” In wrapping up his piece, he states that the article is, “meant to encourage military leaders to consider the cost, time, and objectives associated with any military campaign to avoid adding another “not so successful war” to the US Military’s list. This article was also published in a military magazine, but was more of an opinion piece than an educative one. However, the General’s military experience establishes a sense of trust with the
Kroesen, retired US Army. General Kroesen opens his article by referencing an article published in the New York Times that brought up the difficulty in knowing how to fight modern wars. General Kroesen argues that boots on the ground, “promise a return to long, drawn-out conflicts, serious casualty rates for both soldiers and civilians, and inconclusive declarations of mission accomplishments.” General Kroesen goes on to state that, “wars are won when soldiers occupy terrain, dominate populations, and achieve the political objectives of their parent government.” In wrapping up his piece, he states that the article is, “meant to encourage military leaders to consider the cost, time, and objectives associated with any military campaign to avoid adding another “not so successful war” to the US Military’s list. This article was also published in a military magazine, but was more of an opinion piece than an educative one. However, the General’s military experience establishes a sense of trust with the