Geographic and Historical Factors That Have Influenced the Development of American Military Doctrine

GEOGRAPHIC AND HISTORIC FACTORS THAT INFLUENCED THE DEVELOPMENT OF AMERICAN MILITARY DOCTRINE
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Geographic and Historic Factors that Influenced the Development of American Military Doctrine
Introduction
Geographic and historical considerations have impacted American military strategy over centuries. Since its founding, the US's unique geography and history have shaped its military policy. This article examines fundamental variables that have shaped American military doctrine, revealing its strategic attitude and operational methods.
Geographic Factors
Geographic Expanse
The vastness of the US has shaped military doctrine; the nation has had to adapt to different operational conditions across mountains, deserts, plains, and coastlines from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. American military doctrine emphasizes versatility, flexibility, and adaptability to meet different geographic problems. Joint operations are influenced by geography in American military doctrine. The US military needs to cooperate and coordinate to navigate its vast region. Joint operations allow the military to combine air, ground, and sea assets to maximize effectiveness. This method enables complete coverage and rapid switching between air-to-ground combat, amphibious operations, and mountain warfare depending on the geographic situation.[Sanjaya Baru, “Geo-Economics and Strategy,” (May 18, 2012): 47.]
American military doctrine also encourages combined arms tactics, which integrate multiple military forces to create synergy on the battlefield. The US must integrate infantry, armor, artillery, and aircraft forces to overcome geographic limitations. Combined weapons tactics help the military project power nationwide by efficiently using resources and adapting to changing conditions. American military doctrine similarly emphasizes specialized troops for specific conditions.
Continental Defense and Isolationism
Continental defense and isolationism have long shaped American military philosophy. This policy is rooted in American history and prioritizes homeland defense and defensive capabilities over ambitious expansion. Military strategy is greatly affected by the "Fortress America" attitude, which sees the vast oceans as natural barriers to possible enemies. The US military prioritizes homeland defense. The US has always considered itself a continental power whose security depends on defending its vast territory. Military doctrine is to protect the nation's borders and deter assault. The US has prioritized continental security to establish a strong military presence and defensive infrastructure.[Patrick Porter, “Why America’s Grand Strategy has not Changed: Power, Habit, and the U.S. Foreign Policy Establishment,” International Security 42, no. 04 (May 2018): 9]
American military doctrine also reflects isolationism. Unless its national interests were jeopardized, the US has avoided overseas confrontations. This strategy is meant to minimize foreign wars and focus on local issues. Thus, American military doctrine favors non-interventionism and avoids protracted wars. Despite its isolationism, the US has projected strength abroad to safeguard its interests. Though not the primary goal, this power projection protects vital national interests and maintains peace in strategic regions.
Historical Factors
Revolutionary Heritage
The Revolutionary War of 1812 affected American military thought. These wars elevated irregular warfare and citizen-soldiers to national defense. American military doctrine stresses integrating regular and reserve components since the National Guard is both a state-based and reserve component. The American forces faced tremendous adversaries and resource and personnel shortages during the Revolutionary War of 1812. American military strategy relied on a well-regulated militia during these conflicts. The militias-volunteer troops who fought for their country supplemented the regular army and defended the new republic.[Patrick Porter, “Why America’s Grand Strategy has not Changed: Power, Habit, and the U.S. Foreign Policy Establishment,” International Security 42, no. 04 (May 2018): 15.]
The Asymmetric warfare in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 shaped American military philosophy. Small, motivated units can defeat greater forces in ir...