The Dilemma of Humanitarian Operations: The U.S. Military's Perspective

Why didn’t the American army deploy a lot of soldiers in humanitarian operations? After viewing a number of films such as Lone Survivor (2013), which depicts Operation Red Wings, one might be led to believe that the U.S. military has a preference for combat over humanitarian aid. However, this perspective overlooks several critical factors that influence the U.S. military’s approach to these operations.

Military Training and Operational Focus

The primary objective of a military force is to engage in combat operations to kill people and destroy infrastructure as directed by the government. This specific operational focus is rooted in the extensive training and specialized education that military personnel undergo. While some might argue that the U.S. military has ventured into more humanitarian roles, it’s important to recognize that this is not the core mission. Military personnel are not trained to function as social welfare organizations or social engineering groups.

Thechallenges of Rotational Deployments

Another significant factor that hinders the consistent and effective execution of humanitarian operations is the rotation of military units. The primary purpose of deploying soldiers is to achieve a specific missions and objectives, and when units rotate out, the work they have built over time often crumbles. The new units that come in are unfamiliar with the local populace and must start anew in terms of building relationships and establishing trust.

Historical Evidence of U.S. Military Humanitarian Efforts

Despite the primary focus on combat, the U.S. military has a long and commendable history of engaging in humanitarian operations and providing critical aid to helpless populations. No other military force in the world has demonstrated the same level of commitment and sacrifice in the pursuit of humanitarian goals. This includes the provision of aid and assistance in times of crisis, as well as efforts to stop the oppression of vulnerable peoples.

Scope of Humanitarian Operations

The argument that the U.S. military hasn’t helped enough is both misguided and overlooks the significant contributions made. While it is true that certain regions or groups may have received more or less assistance, the overarching response from the U.S. military has been overwhelmingly positive in nature. When the U.S. military comes to your aid in times of need, you should feel profoundly blessed, as they have made significant sacrifices to provide such assistance.

Conclusion

While the U.S. military’s primary role is combat operations, it is not devoid of humanitarian efforts. The idea that the military has an obligation to improve life for everyone on the planet is a misconception. Instead, the military’s role is to protect national security and interests, and where appropriate, provide support to humanitarian endeavours. The United States military has shown that it can and will step up to help when necessary, but its primary mission remains firmly rooted in combat readiness and national defence.