Lesson Title: Role and Purpose of the U.S. Armed Forces

Day(s) Required: 1 Day

Minnesota State Social Studies Standards:

• 9.1.5.11.1 Describe how individuals, businesses labor and other groups influence United States foreign policy.

Essential Question:

What is the role and purpose of the U.S. Armed Forces?

Engage:

The United States Armed Forces have been around since the inception of the United States of America. Their service has been seen at the local, state, national, and world level - which makes their unique role both part of public policy and foreign policy. Understanding the role and purpose of the U.S. Armed Forces is vitally important.

First we must understand that there are five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces: The U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Marine Corps, and the U.S. Coast Guard. The U.S. Armed Forces also have two distinct units, the National Guard and the Reserve. For example a member of the U.S. Air National Guard typically is someone who serves one weekend a month and two weekends a year, these airmen will take care of local and state issues. Whereas, a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserve would most likely be a full-time airman, could be stationed overseas, and takes care primarily of world issues.

For our opening reflection (Activity 6.2.3: Introduction) share:

• What do you know about the U.S. Armed Forces?
• What would you like to learn about the U.S. Armed Forces?
• What questions do you have about the U.S. Armed Forces?

Explain:

The United States Armed Forces are part of our national security. They have been around prior to the United States drafting of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Early in the history of the U.S. Armed Forces included defeating the British Army and establish independence for the United States. They are the first line of defense when it comes to national security.

The role of a guardsmen and reservist is extremely varied depending on current events of the country, they are a matter of both public policy and foreign policy. Understanding how congress and the US President can utilize the Armed Forces is an important step in understanding public policy and foreign policy.

To blend these ideas of foreign and public policy, by the 1970s the Vietnam War was becoming increasingly unpopular with the United States population. The Vietnam War started in the 1960s with the Johnson administration, by the 1970s the War had been inherited by the Nixon Administration. In order to not have another prolonged war, Congress began drafting this resolution that would ensure that if the armed forces were to remain in action for over 60 days that a declaration of war would need to be stated. In 1973 the United States House of Representatives and Senate passed a joint resolution, known formally as the War Powers Resolution, that would require congress to authorize sending troops abroad. This resolution was sent to President Nixon who subsequently vetoed the resolution. With a two-thirds passage the US Congress and US Senate overrode President Nixon’s veto.

Today the War Powers Resolution is still in effect. The benefit of this resolution it ensures that any branch of government does not have any absolute power, yet as you will see there have been instances where the US Congress and US Senate have overstepped the boundaries set forth by the War Powers Resolution or the US President has overstepped theirs.

Explore:

To understand how boundaries have been overstepped, we are going to look at a few recent military events where soldiers were sent in to further develop public or foreign policy. Summaries of these events are below, including to a link to a starting web resource.

• The War on Terror - This war was started in 2001 after Al-Qaeda used commercial airliners to attack the World Trade Center and the U.S. Pentagon. The goal of the war on terror was to remove Osama Bin Laden from power and establish democracy in Afghanistan.
  
• “Shock and Awe” and the 2003 Invasion of Iraq - The bombing campaign that started the Iraq War in 2003 was known as Shock and Awe lasted for about 48 hours. This invasion was started to remove from power current Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, who was the leader of Iraq at that time.
  
• Bombing Campaign of Kosovo - Part of the larger war that was happening in the former Yugoslavia, President Bill Clinton extended the bombing campaign of Kosovo for two weeks beyond the deadline set forth in the War Powers Resolution of 60 days.
  

Think about the War Powers Resolution and its impact on these events. Each of these events with the Legislature or President overstepped their boundaries. In fact, some people feel that the resolution gives Congress too much power. Whereas, the flipside believes that the US President has too much power. After reviewing these incidents what do you believe is the case. Complete your answer by writing in a reflection (Activity 6.2.3: Reflection)

Expand:

As we close today complete the last step and share what you learned. Go back to your original forum post and complete another post about what you learned. Also indicate where you still have questions or new questions that you do have. Finally look at classmates forum posts to see if you can help answer any of their questions, be sure to provide links to where you found your sources (Activity 6.2.3: Closing)