Leaving that boast aside, Americans could certainly brag about one thing this country has beyond compare: the most expensive military around and possibly ever. In retrospect, the answer is all too straightforward: we need something to boast about, don't we? In the once-upon-a-time " exceptional nation," what else is there to praise to the skies or consider our pride and joy these days except our heroes? After all, this country can no longer boast of having anything like the world's best educational outcomes, or healthcare system, or the most advanced and safest infrastructure, or the best democratic politics, so we better damn well be able to boast about having "the greatest fighting force" ever. troops in Afghanistan in 2010, President Barack Obama declared them "the finest fighting force that the world has ever known." And yet, 15 years ago at TomDispatch, I was already wondering when Americans had first become so proud of, and insistent upon, declaring our military the world's absolute best, a force beyond compare, and what that meant for a republic that once had viewed large standing armies and constant warfare as anathemas to freedom. Bush boasted that this country had " the greatest force for human liberation the world has ever known." I also remember how, in a pep talk given to U.S. I still remember how, soon after the 9/11 attacks, President George W. having patriots of all colors, creeds, and backgrounds "who bravely volunteer to defend our country and our values."Īs a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel from a working-class background who volunteered to serve more than four decades ago, who am I to argue with Austin? Shouldn't I just bask in the glow of his praise for today's troops, reflecting on my own honorable service near the end of what now must be thought of as the First Cold War? "We have the greatest fighting force in human history," he tweeted, connecting that claim to the U.S. In his message to the troops prior to the July 4th weekend, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin offered high praise indeed. This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.
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