Spring Break
Retired four-star general discusses future role of the military
John Coleman, Associate News Editor, jpcolema@smu.edu
Issue date: 11/18/08 Section: News
Lessons that should be learned by recent experiences are "national defense needs a broader definition," Clark said. "It is not about national defense, it is about national security. It starts with a strong economy, use of diplomacy, international law; it is really about heading off international conflicts before they begin. The best war is the one that you never have to fight."
The days of open range conflict are over, according to Clark.
"The next war will be a war among the populace," Clark said. "The days of fighting in the desert with tanks are over as our enemies know that stands no chance against the technology of the U.S. military."
Clark said that the future of the military is back at home in the U.S. with the partnership of the vast pools of talent not in uniform, in the civilian U.S. citizens.
"Theodore Roosevelt once said that the greatest prize life has to offer is to work hard at work worth doing," he said. "Well ladies and gentlemen, together we are here with the future of our nation, and you are going to work hard and it is definitely work worth doing."
The days of open range conflict are over, according to Clark.
"The next war will be a war among the populace," Clark said. "The days of fighting in the desert with tanks are over as our enemies know that stands no chance against the technology of the U.S. military."
Clark said that the future of the military is back at home in the U.S. with the partnership of the vast pools of talent not in uniform, in the civilian U.S. citizens.
"Theodore Roosevelt once said that the greatest prize life has to offer is to work hard at work worth doing," he said. "Well ladies and gentlemen, together we are here with the future of our nation, and you are going to work hard and it is definitely work worth doing."
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