Defense Spending and Military Dynamics

Flashcards covering key concepts from lecture notes on defense spending, military dynamics, and international relations.

What are nondefense mandatory items?

Items that must be paid for as required by law.

What is the common debate in Congress regarding defense spending?

The struggle over how much money gets spent on defense compared to other government expenditures.

What is referred to as the standing military?

The one and a half million professional soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, and guardians who are always on duty.

What are the components of the nuclear triad?

Land-based ICBMs, submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and gravity-fed bombs.

What does MAD stand for in the context of nuclear deterrence?

Mutual Assured Destruction.

What was the result of arms reduction agreements between the US and Soviet Union?

A decrease in tensions and the reduction of nuclear arsenals, but currently no active agreements exist.

What is the estimated lifetime cost of the F-35 stealth fighter program?

Approximately 2 trillion dollars.

What does choosing isolationism equate to in terms of global relations?

A choice for less trust and influence in international matters.

How has defense spending as a percentage of federal outlays changed since 1960?

It has been decreasing over the years.

What is one of the concerns regarding global nuclear powers?

The potential for accidental launches or actions by rogue players.