Our national security strategy is one of engagement around the globe. The military is only a part of that complex strategy, but it is a substantial part. Our armed forces, today, are the most visible forward presence on the world stage. We are increasingly acting not simply as deterrent forces, but as agents who build peace. This is a dramatic shift from a more traditional view of the military establishment our armed forces are no longer only an insurance policy, if you will.
Insurance is a hedge against a rainy day.
In today s security environment it is raining somewhere on the globe, all the time, and the runoff affects all of us. The first two, to shape and respond, involve a daily process of engagement that we achieve by the forward presence and readiness of our combat arms. This is a joint effort that requires all of the resources available to us because of the increasing connectivity of issues as we carry out national security policy. Our many operations around the world rely more and more on what we call the interagency process. I am sure you will see those connections as you hear from other agencies during your week with Presidential Classroom.