Weinberger
|
Powell
|
U.S. forces should not be committed to combat unless the vital national interests of the U.S. or its allies are involved
|
Is a vital national security interest threatened?
|
U.S. troops should only be committed abroad wholeheartedly and with the intention of winning
|
Have all other non-violent policy means been fully exhausted?
|
U.S. troops should be committed abroad only to achieve clearly defined political and military objectives and with the means to achieve those objectives
|
Do we have a clear attainable objective?
|
The relationship between the objectives sought and the size and composition of the forces committed should be constantly reassessed and adjusted as necessary
|
Have the consequences of our action been fully considered?
|
U.S. troops should be committed to battle only with a “reasonable assurance” of the support of the Congress and the U.S. public
|
Is the action supported by the American people?
|
|
Do we have genuine broad international support?
|
|
Have the risks and costs been fully and frankly analyzed?
|
The commitment of U.S. armed forces should be considered only as a last resort.
|
Is there a plausible exit strategy to avoid endless entanglement?
|