U.S Foreign Military Assistance
...World War II. Congress had “declared that U.S. freedom, security, and prosperity are best sustained in a community of free, secure, and prospering nations.” Military programs such as foreign assistance and foreign military sales were instituted to deter the growing communist threat. It was believed that to best counter that threat, a climate defined by individual liberty and political freedom was best suited for this purpose. In order to build this free community, the US military has concentrated on providing equipment, training, and support functions to the armed forces of friendly countries. [Brigadier General Blake]
Post WWII
One of the first moves in this effort was the Marshall Plan. Western Europe was in rambles, both politically and economically after WWII, and the Marshall plan was instituted to address this crisis. Although, the Marshall Plan was only aimed at economic measures, it set the stage for developing a strong military posture for free world. The main objective was to build self-defense by laying an economic foundation in order to provide for Allied rearmament. Most of the rearmament was accomplished by military support given from the US Military Assistance Program (MAP) which focused on providing equipment, services, and training. [Brigadier General Blake].
Military Assistance Program (MAP)
The US Military Assistance Program is a crucial part of US foreign policy that performs as an extension of the US defensive posture. Even though this program is mostly in the self-interest of the US, it does provide the governments of friendly nations with equipment, training, and support functions for their defense. MAP is not a form of economic aid, nor is it a handout of money or a food for peace program. [Brigadier General Blake]. MAP is first and foremost a program to assist foreign governments in providing for self-defense which...
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