Dear History Lover:

          I hope this message finds you well. History At Play, LLC is enjoying an unique opportunity which has taken me on the road to Carlisle Barracks, in Pennsylvania. After last year's performance of World War Women: The Unsung Heroines of WWII at the United States Army Heritage & Education Center, I was invited to attend the prestigious National Security Seminar (NSS), hosted by the United States Army War College, in which civilians from diversified industries are invited to a weeklong course to offer input and personal experience on issues of military health, evolving technologies, and international diplomacy. I write to you today from the Army War College in recognition and appreciation of the opportunity that has been afforded to me, along with a plea to recognize the importance of this past month of May, which was Military Appreciation Month.

          At the inception of the Democratic Republic of the United States of America, our Founding Fathers recognized the extraordinary value of our ally nations. The United States, having an extensive history of fomenting military agreements, recognized its first diplomatic annuity in the late 18th Century with its symbiosis with France in a mutual initiative to dismantle the imperialistic endeavors of the British Empire. The Franco-American Alliance during the American War for Independence is one of the most successful diplomatic and military alliances in recent history, during which France's fiscal contributions were significantly greater than those of all other ally nations combined (i.e. Netherlands, Spain, Portugal), and which played a crucial role in securing sovereignty from Great Britain. It is said that as many as 63 French war ships were deployed to the United American Colonies of Great Britain and many of the firearms utilized by the Continental Army during the latter years of the Revolutionary Campaign were of French origin (i.e. French Charleville muskets dating back to 1763-1765), which were remnants of the French and Indian War, smuggled in by way of Canada.

          Throughout United States' history, international military alliances have been an integral part of peace-keeping missions and the promotion of peacetime stability worldwide. Military alliances are a cornerstone of U.S. Foreign Policy, providing strategic advantages, enhancing national security, and aiming to foster democratic systems. These alliances have not only safeguarded American interests, but they have also contributed to the security and prosperity of all aligned nations.

          For example, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is one of the United States’ most significant and enduring military alliances. Established in 1949, after World War II, NATO is an alliance of 32 member states, created to counter Soviet expansion during the Cold War. It operates as a collective security system whereupon members agree to defend one another in the event of an attack. (For a list of current NATO member nations, click HERE.) NATO has played a vital role in key operations, such as leading the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan (2003-2014) after invoking its collective defense provision for the first time in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the United States Pentagon. It has also conducted security operations in locations such as Kosovo, and is currently advising Iraqi forces to fight terrorism in NATO Mission Iraq. Most significantly, NATO remains the pillar of military cooperation with Europe and foments defense against current and potential future acts of Russian aggression. The organizational alliance recently expanded to include Finland in April 2023 and Sweden in March 2024 (a reaction to Russia's February 24, '22 attack of Ukraine). Although Ukraine remains a non-member nation of NATO at this time, expedition of its membership credentials has been discussed. As geopolitical tensions rise, NATO continues to be the strongest international alliance for the promotion of peace, security, and stability.

          Similarly, Australia and the United States celebrated the 72nd anniversary of the ANZUS Treaty last September; an agreement signed to protect the security of the Pacific after World War II. It provided a framework for a collective action

in response to global threats, while promoting regional stability and upholding democratic values. Despite New Zealand dropping out of ANZUS in 1986, ANZUS has remained a vital alliance for the cooperation of the United States and Australia.      

          The (now defunct) Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO), established in 1954, served as another critical ally organization to prevent the spread of Communism in Southeast Asia, particularly due to threats from China and the former nation of North Vietnam. SEATO strengthened its member nations through the execution of military exercises, the procurement of military equipment, personnel training, and advisory meetings. Despite its limitations and eventual dissolution in 1977, SEATO's formation highlighted the Western powers' determination to counter communism's influence in Southeast Asia during the Cold War era.  

          Following the Cold War, the United States initiated engagement in Joint Military Exchange Training operations (JCETs) with many countries, including NATO allies. The purpose of the JCETs varied by region, designed to provide training for the American Special Forces in areas where a future conflict may occur, in addition to providing training and support for the host countries, many of which are based in Africa.

 “Global integration is the arrangement of military actions in time, space, and purpose, executed as a whole to address transregional, all-domain, and multifunctional challenges. The intent of global integration is to enable senior leader decision-making in a complex environment, strategically integrate operations and resources globally, and develop a force capable of competing and winning against any adversary. Global integration rests on several foundations: plans, force management, decision-making, force development, and force design.”

-National Military Strategy, 2020

          Reframing our focus, major non-NATO allies (MnNA’s) include Israel, South Korea, and Japan. The alliance between the United States and South Korea has been the base of stability and security on the Korean Peninsula and the broader Asia-Pacific region. It has facilitated close military cooperation through joint exercises, intelligence sharing, and the deployment of U.S. troops, leveraging South Korea's advanced defense industry and technological capabilities. This alliance plays a crucial role in deterring potential North Korean aggression, promoting regional stability, maintaining a rules-based order, and fostering economic cooperation. Similarly, the United States alliance with Israel commenced in 1948, as the United States was the first nation to recognize the independence of the State of Israel, which reclaimed ownership of its ancient tribal lands, dating back 3,000 years. The two nations are rooted in shared democratic values, strategic interests, technological and intelligence capabilities, and an enduring effort to promote Middle Eastern stability, despite horrific humanitarian challenges plaguing the region since October 7th.  The American-Israeli alliance enables intimate military cooperation, joint exercises, intelligence sharing, and access to advanced technologies, bolstered by Israel's robust defense and tech industries.

          These alliances not only enhance collective security, but they also foster economic trade agreements, technological advances, and the promotion of shared democratic values. As the geopolitical landscape evolves, one thing that endures is the United States of America's dedication to nurturing crucial alliances as a cornerstone of its diplomatic and military foreign policy.

Historically yours,