US unveils National Military Strategy, calls for redefined leadership

Top military officials on Tuesday unveiled the National Military Strategy, the first revision since 2004 and calls for redefining leadership in a changing world.

The document released portrays the ways and means that the military will employ to advance the national interest.

Our military power is most effective when employed in support and in concert with other elements of power as part of whole-of-nation approaches to foreign policy, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, wrote in the strategy. This strategy is designed to meet the expectations of the American people that their military reflect the best of this great nation at home and abroad.

Changing leadership in this whole-of-nation concept is key to the strategy. This strategy acknowledges the need for military leadership that is redefined for an increasingly complex strategic environment, it says. Military leadership will emphasize mutual responsibility and respect and will require a full spectrum of leadership approaches - facilitator, enabler, convener and guarantor.

The objectives of the newly released strategies are designed to counter violent extremism, deter and defeat aggression, strengthen international and regional security and shape the future force.

The military also identifies Al-Qaeda is the main group that directly threatens Americans, their way of life, and America's vital interests. The military will also work along with NATO and allies in Afghanistan to pursue the Taliban, strengthen the Afghan government, and train and equip Afghan security forces, the strategy outlined.

The biggest change in the strategy is the emphasis on strengthening international and regional security. Under the revision, the United States can stand alone if needed, but the strategy sees the future in coalitions. U.S. forces will remain globally positioned, and be able to use foreign bases, ports and airfields.

The United States will continue to work with friendly and responsible countries and also with alliances. NATO will remain its bedrock alliance, but Washington will work with the African Union, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other groups to promote military-to-military relations.

The strategy also notes that Asia-Pacific region will be of greater importance due to two rising powers India and China - and a number of regionally powerful nations.