U.S. Army - Era of Persistent Conflict lyrics

From the U.S. Army's "Modernization Strategy" We have entered an era of persistent conflict, which for the foreseeable future will place us in a security environment much more ambiguous and unpredictable than that faced during the Cold War. A key current threat is a radical, ideology-based, long-term terrorist threat bent on using any means available—to include weapons of ma** destruction—to achieve its political and ideological ends. And, unlike previous threats manifested in rationally-acting nation states, this one is not easily deterred nor defeated by the traditional elements of national power. We also face new security challenges influenced by the effects of globalization, especially in failing states and in ungoverned areas. Finally, we face a potential return to traditional security threats posed by emerging near-peers as we compete globally for depleting natural resources and overseas markets. Specific trends of this evolving security environment include: - An expanding, interconnected global economy supported by advancements in technology will continue to drive prosperity. However, this will also underscore wealth and power disparities between populations while providing the means to export terror and extremism around the world — to include the proliferation of weapons of ma** destruction. - Radicalism influenced by extremist ideologies and separatist movements will remain attractive to those who feel threatened and victimized by the cultural and economic impacts of globalization. - Population growth—especially in less-developed countries—will expose a resulting “youth bulge” to anti-government and radical ideologies that potentially threaten government stability. - Resource competition induced by growing populations and expanding economies will consume ever increasing amounts of food, water and energy. States or entities controlling these resources will leverage them as part of their security calculus. - Climate change and natural disasters will compound already difficult positions in many developing countries, thereby increasing the potential for humanitarian crises, epidemic disease and regionally destabilizing population migrations. - Proliferation of weapons of ma** destruction and effects will create the potential for catastrophic attacks. Attacks of this nature will be destabilizing globally, and will undercut the confidence that spurs economic development. - Safe havens that create opportunities for global and regional groups to organize and export terror will be created by states unable or unwilling to exercise control within their borders. This will also enable these organizations to challenge central government authority and launch broader security threats. From "Defense Support of Civilian Law Enforcement Agencies" (C) When permitted under emergency authority in accordance with 32 CFR part 185, Federal military commanders have the authority, in extraordinary emergency circumstances where prior authorization by the President is impossible and duly constituted local authorities are unable to control the situation, to engage temporarily in activities that are necessary to quell large-scale, unexpected civil disturbances because: (1) Such activities are necessary to prevent significant loss of life or wanton destruction of property and are necessary to restore governmental function and public order; or (2) When duly constituted Federal, State, or local authorities are unable or decline to provide adequate protection for Federal property or Federal governmental functions. Federal action, including the use of Federal military forces, is authorized when necessary to protect Federal property or functions. From the U.S. Joint Forces Command's 2010 "Joint Operating Environment" [T]sunamis, typhoons, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and other natural catastrophes have been and will continue to be a concern of Joint Force commanders. In particular, where natural disasters collide with growing urban sprawl, widespread human misery could be the final straw that breaks the back of a weak state. Furthermore, if such a catastrophe occurs within the United States itself - particularly when the nation's economy is in a fragile state or where U.S. military bases or key civilian infrastructure are broadly affected - the damage to U.S. security could be considerable. Areas of the U.S. where the potential is great to suffer large-scale effects from these natural disasters are the hurricane-prone areas of the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, and the earthquake zones on the west coast and along the New Madrid fault. In the 2030s, as in the past, the ability of U.S. military forces to relieve the victims of natural disasters will impact the reputation of the United States in the world. For example, the contribution of U.S. and partner forces to relieve the distress caused by the catastrophic Pacific tsunami of December 2004 reversed the perceptions of America held by many Indonesians. Perhaps no other mission performed by the Joint Force provides so much benefit to the interests of the United States at so little cost.