1997 Annual Defense Report Table of Contents - Air Force Magazine

MESSAGE OF THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
The world today is one that is constantly evolving with new security challenges. The threat of a nuclear
holocaust has been greatly diminished, but the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction threatens our
interests, our forces, and even our homeland. Hostile regimes, instability, and ethnic tensions threaten
American interests in key regions. Terrorism, international organized crime, and drug trafficking remain
threats to our national interests and to peace and stability. Finally, as recent history clearly reminds us,
new dangers can arise suddenly and unpredictably.
Even as our security picture evolves, the world is undergoing unprecedented economic, political, and
technological change -- at a pace that is sometimes breathtaking. These changes are binding our destiny
ever more closely to that of our allies and economic partners around the world. This works to our
advantage as we seek to promote free markets and principles of democracy, but it also increases the
degree to which we are affected by developments overseas. We should not -- and cannot -- insulate
ourselves from the forces that are sweeping the globe.
The Department of Defense is committed to pursuing national security policies designed not merely to
react to the changing environment, but also to shape the environment in ways that are favorable to our
interests -- to shift our focus from dealing with the end of one era toward shaping the next one.
In Europe, we have a real opportunity to finally overcome centuries of division that in the 20th century
culminated in two world wars and a cold war. We need to seize this opportunity by moving forward with
NATO enlargement, strengthening and expanding the Partnership for Peace, and continuing to forge a
new pragmatic partnership with Russia designed to increase our bilateral cooperation and decrease the
potential nuclear threat.
In the Asia-Pacific region, we must remain present and engaged to ensure the region's continued stability,
which has helped to fuel regional economic growth and to create opportunities for American businesses
and workers. We need to deter the near-term threat from North Korea, while over the long term shape the
security environment to prevent threats that could arise from rivalry among major regional powers.
In Southwest Asia, particularly in the Persian Gulf region, we need to continue to protect our interests,
especially the energy resources that remain critical to the world economy.
In the Western Hemisphere, we need to seize the unique opportunity presented by the changing strategic
environment -- the current burgeoning of democracy and open markets -- and seek to advance the
frontiers of military-to-military engagement and humanitarian assistance.
Finally, the proliferation of ballistic and cruise missile technologies presents an increasing threat to
Americans in their homes and at their workplaces. In conjunction with our allies, we must pursue
programs to thwart these threats.
Getting it right on these key components on the international security agenda depends not only on
pursuing the proper policies, but backing up those policies with military strength. Today, the United
States has the finest military in the nation's history, the finest the world has ever seen. We intend to keep
our military that way by focusing on the Department's top priorities:
• Attracting and retaining high quality people. This is vital to the preservation of U.S. military
superiority. Only the best men and women America has to offer can handle the increasing
complexity of technology, the quickening pace of warfare, and the growing unpredictability of
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