The Transparency of the American Military: Why U.S. Forces Embrace Public Insights into Sensitive Hardware

Introduction

Why is the U.S. military quite open to recordings and pictures of the internals of sensitive military hardware, while it is much harder to find such content for other nations, even for those nations that are democracies? This article explores the unique combination of U.S. societal, governmental, and military structures that contribute to this transparency. We will unravel the layers that make the U.S. Defense Department more forthcoming with detailed insights into its cutting-edge technology.

The Democratic Society and the U.S. Military

The United States operates as a democracy, despite the imperfections that come with any political system. The principles of transparency and accountability are embedded in the U.S. Constitution, which in turn impacts how the military functions and is perceived.

The Uniqueness of the U.S. Governmental Structure

One of the key features of the U.S. government is its tripartite division: local, state, and federal. This structure can appear unusual to foreign observers, yet it plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of power and ensuring that no branch oversteps its authority, including the military.

Another cornerstone is the all-volunteer military. Unlike conscription systems found in other nations, where individuals are selected from a pool of candidates, the U.S. military relies on voluntary enlistment. This means the U.S. military must engage in extensive marketing and public relations efforts to attract young men and women who aspire to serve.

Marketing and Public Relations: The Backbone of Military Transparency

The U.S. military faces the immense challenge of justifying its substantial budget to the American public and the government. According to the Congressional Research Service, in 2018, the defense budget was approximately $800 billion. This vast sum not only justifies the need for transparency but also necessitates demonstrating how funds are spent to ensure public trust and support.

Transparency is not only about accounting for the money but also showcasing how it is used in developing cutting-edge technology and maintaining state-of-the-art equipment. This is why we see numerous videos and other materials detailing the intricacies of sensitive military hardware. The goal is to ignite a sense of pride and admiration among the public, particularly among young people, who may one day enlist.

For the U.S. military, transparency is a strategy to ensure long-term support from the public and maintain the legitimacy of the institution. This is in stark contrast to many other nations, where the military operates with less public oversight and scrutiny.

Comparison: The Case of Other Nations

Other nations, even those with democratic systems, often have different priorities and structures. For instance, in Russia, the debate on procurement of new weaponry typically occurs within closed sessions of the Duma, with limited public involvement. Unlike the U.S., where CSPAN and similar platforms provide live coverage of key military and defense discussions, Russia operates with fewer public-facing mechanisms to explain its military strategies and spending.

This stark difference in transparency can be attributed to the cultural and political norms that govern each country. The U.S. military, with its all-volunteer force and democratic roots, places a high value on public trust and support, leading to a more transparent approach to its operations and technology.

Conclusion

The openness of the U.S. military regarding sensitive hardware is a result of its unique societal, governmental, and military structures. From the principles of democratic governance to the all-volunteer model, transparency is not just an option but a necessity for long-term support and maintenance of public trust. This transparency serves as a critical mechanism for garnering support, ensuring legitimacy, and securing the resources needed to maintain the highest level of readiness and technology in the armed forces.