National secur it y

NATIONAL SECURITY STRATEGY

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U.S. forces will continue to defend the homeland, conduct global counterterrorism operations, assure 

allies, and deter aggression through forward presence and engagement. If deterrence fails, U.S. forces 

will be ready to project power globally to defeat and deny aggression in multiple theaters. 

As we modernize, we will apply the lessons of past drawdowns. Although our military will be smaller, it 

must remain dominant in every domain. With the Congress, we must end sequestration and enact critical 

reforms to build a versatile and responsive force prepared for a more diverse set of contingencies. We 

will protect our investment in foundational capabilities like the nuclear deterrent, and we will grow our 

investment in crucial capabilities like cyber; space; and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. 

We will safeguard our science and technology base to keep our edge in the capabilities needed to pre-

vail against any adversary. Above all, we will take care of our people. We will recruit and retain the best 

talent while developing leaders committed to an ethical and expert profession of arms. We will honor 

our sacred trust with Veterans and the families and communities that support them, making sure those 

who have served have the benefits, education, and opportunities they have earned.

We will be principled and selective in the use of force. The use of force should not be our first choice, but it 

will sometimes be the necessary choice. The United States will use military force, unilaterally if necessary, 

when our enduring interests demand it:  when our people are threatened; when our livelihoods are at 

stake; and when the security of our allies is in danger. In these circumstances, we prefer to act with allies 

and partners. The threshold for military action is higher when our interests are not directly threatened. In 

such cases, we will seek to mobilize allies and partners to share the burden and achieve lasting outcomes. 

In all cases, the decision to use force must reflect a clear mandate and feasible objectives, and we must 

ensure our actions are effective, just, and consistent with the rule of law. It should be based on a serious 

appreciation for the risk to our mission, our global responsibilities, and the opportunity costs at home 

and abroad. Whenever and wherever we use force, we will do so in a way that reflects our values and 

strengthens our legitimacy.