Category: Military

Introduction

Currently, the military service in the United States does not presuppose compulsory conscription. Nevertheless, there is still the current practice of recruiting men under the age category from 18 to 25 for the Armed Forces, which raises concerns from a human rights viewpoint. On the one hand, the recruitment procedure requires especial attention because it is put in effect in case of the threat of war.

On the other hand, the military service in the United States is based on volunteering technique. Such a contradiction creates significant problems in terms violation of human rights and most of these procedures are not supported by military and political experts.

Specific attention also requires the U.S. Selective Service System according to which the registration process excludes the volunteer-based conscription. It also highlights such moral and ethical problems as the right to conscientious objection, recruitment practice initiated by the U.S. Armed Forces, and limitation to the right to abandon the Military Service.

Background

The history of the Armed Forces in the United States focuses on the governments reliance on the civilians who should consider military service as their moral duty and obligation to contribute to the protection and equality in the American society.

Therefore, the United States relies on civil citizens to take part in military conflicts. Opinions and outlooks on the conscription and compulsory military services have been changed dramatically over centuries (Escott 28). Nevertheless, the historic evidence shows that the mandatory service in the United States has still flashbacks from the past.

The events of the World War II also contributed to the development of the selective service legislation and compulsory recruitment for military service. In this respect, the mandatory conscription was the only defense mechanism for the country to resist aggression during subsequent wars in Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq (Johnson 1).

As a result, over 25 years, marked by military actions and the Cold War, the Selective Service System had provided the U.S. citizens with new efficient responding mechanisms to react to varied challenges that contradicted the democratic principles.

Currently, the debate over the initiative of the Selective Service System to introduce the draft is predetermined by ambivalent vision on the rights and duties of citizens. On the one hand, the awareness of the military service is explained by the necessity to ensure protection and security of the American society (Johnson 1).

Consequently, though the government has integrated selective service during peaceful time, the policy is, first of all, oriented on enriching and broadening the common concept of citizenship, as well as on understanding the democratic aspects of equality, freedom, opportunities, and privileges.

Despite the fact that the military recruitment is recognized as a voluntary action, there is still the legislature that requires men from 18 to 25 to apply for the military service (Johnson 1).

Due to the fact that the current Selective Service Act is now obsolete, the number of men who are 18-year-old has increased by almost 60 % in the second half of the twentieth century (Johnson 1). The debates on equality of the mens duties in front of law confront the challenges of adherence to the principles of human freedom and rights.

Main Discussion

Considering the Legal Issues of Conscription

In 1917, at the threshold of the World War I, the Supreme Court made the decision to introduce mandate military services that excluded the use of the U.S.

Constitution, particularly the 13^th Amendment revealing human rights to freedom of choice and equality. In this respect, the introduction of the draft and its impact on the civilian population until 1970s has created serious problems in terms of the recruitment strategies and obligation to military conscription.

The legality of the military reforms could be severely undermined due to the governments negligence of civil rights during the Vietnam War. In particular, the case Holmes v. United States (1968) reveals that the government is entitled to recruit men in wartime. However, the Court also argued that much concern should be paid to the constitutionality of the conscription due to the absence of the official declaration of war.

The debates concerning the number of soldiers needed for ensuring defense system, as well as what expenses these selective service policies will endure provoke further contradictions.

In this respect, Cowen points to the numerous arguments that exclude the possibility of introducing two-fold social organization because the United States should decide whether it should remain a powerful state, or it should maintain the all-volunteer military reform (168).

History proves, however, that military service was once the central obligation of national citizenship, but today it is disconnected from the life of work of most members of the political community (Cowen 168). The current gap between civil and military obligations in the country has introduced a number of suggestions to reconsider the necessity for national conscription.

Therefore, the arguments against conscription take advantage over the conservative policy of the draft that lost its actuality since the introduction of neo-liberalist views on social development and democratic welfare. In fact, Cowen supports the idea that the American liberalism introduces stronger rationale for creating all-voluntary military system than the policies on mandate conscription (169).

Considering the Contradictions of the Selective Service System in the United States

An in-depth evaluation of the Selective Service reforms in the time of World War II concerning wartime strikes induces significant controversies on the policies in the United States. The debate reveals whether the draft should be restricted to the purpose of obligatory commitment to the countrys welfare and protection or it can be used as a tool for controlling nonmilitary workforce (Blum 381).

In this respect, the legal and ethical basis for developing the draft for other than main purposes is not justified because of the evident violation of civil rights (Foster 390).

According Blum, wartime strikes have triggered further contradictions related to the essential purposes of Selective Service Reforms according to which the recruitment for military purposes, but not for the purpose of controlling labor market, should not be approved (380). Though the modern conscription policies admit the conscientious objection to mandate service, there were still inadequate treatment of the U.S. citizens.

As an alternative to the Selective Service System, there is an option of conscientious objection, which implies that individual should be a conscientious objector to all wars, but not to a specific war (Blum 380). Therefore, the individual must express his/her protest against all wars; otherwise, he/she should be involved in accomplishing noncombat duties to prove his/her unanimous opinion on all wars.

Conscription Controversies at the Beginning of the Twenty-First Century

Apart from the violation of the civil rights of the U.S. citizens, the intended conscription has become the controversial issue due to the rise of discriminative policy. In particular, Cowen has stressed that the military services recruited men predominantly from the middle and working classes, which comprised mostly of ethnic minorities and women (170).

Therefore, the government has reconsidered the compulsory military recruitment to have found out that labor market dynamic allows to meet ethical and legal concerns regarding individual rights and equality. Unequal recruitment of population for military service has caused serious political debates concerning the rise of a warrior class that was composed mostly of African American women and people of color.

Rationale for Introducing Mandate Conscription

Certainly, the mandatory military service creates a number of contradictions concerning the justice and equality of recruiting people. To begin with, the failure to introduce the draft and Selective Service policy seem to be irrational for some reasons.

The proposed perspective reveals the necessity of introducing the conscription in the United States due to the previous events, including 9/11 attacks and War in Iraq. Specifically, the U.S. government should focus on the efficient defensive mechanism to maintain the image of a power-state. However, the introduced reforms should be used for other than military services.

Conclusion

With regard to the above-presented arguments, it should be stressed the Selective Service System provides contradictory issues concerning the cancellation of conscription in the United States. In particular, it contradicts the principle of equality and voluntary-based recruitment for military service.

Moreover, the conscription terms also violate the constitutional rights of individuals. This is of particular concern to equality, discrimination, and freedom of choice. The U.S. government, therefore, should reconsider its policy toward middle class population to eliminate the discriminative policy.

Annotated Bibliography

The article introduces the main contradictions of the draft and the selective reforms during the Second World War. In particular, the author criticizes the governments inappropriate policy toward the labor workforce and its irrelevant use of Conscription Act of 1917. The source, therefore, is relevant for the research because it introduces the major debates concerning the adequacy of the Selective Service reforms.

In the article, the author provides a wider picture on the conservative approach to treating conscription in the United States, as well as neo-liberalist trends in reshaping the terms of the military service in the United States. Therefore, the article is useful for understanding new solutions toward the reconstructing the military service and social organization.

The book refers to historical background of civil-military relations in the United States. It provides outlook on conscription at the end of nineteenth century and, therefore, it gives a better understanding of the problems related to current military debates.

The article produces an overview of conscientious objection to wartime, as well as contradictions toward Selective Service reform. Such an aspect is useful to consider in the research studies to define how it influences the debate on the mandatory military service.

The case under analysis focuses on the Court decision that undermined the constitutionality of the conscription during the Vietnam War. Such a perspective introduces a supportive argument against the mandatory military service in the United States.

The article under analysis describes the advantages and disadvantages of the Selective Service due to the equality and freedom concerns. Once again, the source can contribute significantly to the research studies because it explains how conscription constrains violate the civil and moral rights of the U.S. citizens.

Works Cited

Blum, Albert A. Work or Fight: The Use of the Draft as a Manpower Sanction During The Second World War. Industrial & Labor Relations Review, vol. 16, no. 3, 1963, pp. 366-380.

Cowen, Deborah. Fighting for Freedom: The End of Conscription in the United States and Neoliberal Project of Citizenship. Citizenship Studies, vol. 10, no. 2, 2006, pp. 167-183.

Escott, Paul. Military Necessity: Civil-Military Relations in the Confederacy. Greenwood Publishing Group, 2006.

Foster, Gregory. Selective Conscientious Objection. Society, vol. 46, no. 5, 2009, p. 390.

Holmes v United States, 391 U.S. 936. 1968.

Johnson, Lyndon. 92 Special Message to the Congress on Selective Service. March 6, 1967. American Reference Library  Primary Source Documents, 2001, pp. 277-288.

Introduction

Is the huge spending in the U.S military ethical and warranted? The justification of an act is based on whether or not the act in question adheres to the moral laws and the common good of all the concerned parties.

The doctrine of military justice and the just war theory dictates that military spending and acts should not only safeguard the common good but rather enhance societal wellbeing, ethos and values of all interested parties. U.S military spending is ethical and fully justified since it aims to enforce law and order by ensuring that the military forces are well equipped to safeguard the common good of citizens.

Military spending has in the recent past been a critical issue to most governments. Economic scholars argue that a lot of money is invested into the military to make it look more important than other key sectors of the economies of many states.

The general view of the citizens of the U.S. is that a lot of funds need to be channelled to other sectors of the economy such as education, research, health care and clean energy. In this study, we shall evaluate the impact of spending on the military as measured against other sectors of the economy of the U.S.

Background

The United States government has over the years increased its national security budget even when it does not seem to have any external threats from its neighbours. Its military spending is equal to no other country with economic figures showing that the spending on its military by the U.S. is half of the total spent on national security around the world.

Ethical argument on military spending

The U.S. government is said to have spent 689 billion on military budget in the year 2010(Lamothe, 45). The mentioned figure has been on the rise for the last 7 years. The figure rose marginally in the year 2001.

Other countries also respond to security threats in the same manner as the U.S when faced with situations of insecurity to their well being. It is worth noting that every other state can also be faced with threats to its security but the manner in which the national budget of every country is harmonized to meet security challenges is what is most important.

Evidence based on figures

The U.S military budget may seem insignificant since it is around 4.9 percent of the countrys GDP (Thompson, 26). Compared to other countries, the U.S. may seem to be using less than what it earlier spent on the hot and cold war times.

However, by absolute standards, these are huge amounts since they constitute 5000 dollars per family. Compared to expenses on others sectors of the economy, the federal government expenditures in 2004 were 14billion for energy, 1.8billion for transit and railroad networks and 4.7billion for recreation and culture.

There is an argument by the U.S. government that military spending offers stable, decent and well paying jobs to many. This gives rise to the view that military spending is a major pillar of the U.S. economy. However, research shows that other sectors that do not receive the same funding from the budget seem to provide similar and at times better opportunities for job creation. One way of scrutinizing the size of U.S. military expenditure is by comparing it with other countries (Bender, 34).

Counter argument

The U.S. does not have bigger security threats than other countries to justify its huge spending on its military as compared to countries like Israel, India and China. The military budget of the U.S is normally considered to be wasteful as there are other sectors of the U.S national economy that need to be adequately funded like health, education and housing.

At a time when the economy of the U.S is undergoing recession, there is need to channel funds to more productive sectors of the economy. The U.S. has not been invaded directly by any country since the Nineteenth Century. This fact shows that the U.S. has only been picking fights with other countries and invading countries that are not at war with it in the role of restoring peace in the said countries.

Economists tend to object such policies by the U.S. government hence preferring that the government would spend more money on other sectors of the economy. One good scenario that explains how some people viewed the military was during Clintons administration. U.S. citizens were happy that during Clintons administration, the U.S. did not engage in war. It is evident that the U.S. undertakes these wars by choice due to the fact that it has a huge military presence (Barber, 23).

It is also clear that countries without military capability cannot embark on such undertakings of wars of choice whose purposes evolve, as in Iraq, from disassembling wars of mass destruction, fighting terrorists and promoting democracy (Miles, 10).

Conclusion

The U.S has in the past been viewed as promoting conflict rather than stopping it. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are major cases in point in demonstrating this fact.

President Bush Jr. was warned by the U.N Security Council against invading Iraq but he ignored the advice of the council and directed the U.S. military to attack Iraq. The U.S military invasion of Iraq is seen by many people in the world and especially the citizens of the U.S. as having contributed immensely to the economic recession of the U.S. that has persisted for many years.

The war in Afghanistan as another case in point also serves to indicate that a lot of money was wasted in funding the war which seemed to have no direct significance to the U.S. The U.S military budget was constrained as the soldiers had to be paid high allowances on their salaries among other expenses. The military equipment was also costly to maintain for the U.S government taking into account the number of years the U.S military stayed in Afghanistan.

Works Cited

Barber, Barrie. Military looking for more tech-savvy recruits. Springfield News-Sun. 2012:13. Print.

Bender, Bryan.Gates calls for build up in troops. The Boston Globe. Print.

Lamothe, Dan. Corps ends year with 203,000 active Marines. Marine Corps Times. Gannett Company. 2009:12. Print.

Miles, Donna. Review to Consider Consequences of Budget Cuts. American Forces Press Service. 2011:19.Print.

Thompson, Loren. How to Waste $100 Billion: Weapons That Didnt Work Out. Forbes Magazine. 2011:23.Print.

Introduction

Unfortunately, natural and human-made disasters may occur every day worldwide and take thousands of human lives. Since responding to such catastrophes is challenging and requires a certain plan of actions in which all departments have their tasks but act together, it is essential to know how this structure works. Being aware of every departments responsibilities and their interfaces with other support sectors may lessen any confusion when an actual disaster occurs. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the humanitarian and support role of the military partnerships and the NATO command structure, involvement of the National Guard and military branches, and some vital functions of the armed services.

NATO Response Force (NRF)

The NATO Response Force (NRF) is a special multinational force that is considered technologically advanced and eminently prepared to be rapidly deployed by the Alliance. The core goal of NRF is always to be able to ensure a quick military response to any emerging disaster and for all crisis response operations, including collective defense (NATO response force, 2018). For example, in 2005, it launched a major humanitarian operation to help the Pakistani government after a severe earthquake (Reis, 2018). The support provided by the NATO Response Force is invaluable.

Command Structure of NRF

The two main elements of the command structure of NATO include Allied Command Transformation headed by the Supreme Allied Commander Transformation and Allied Command Operations headed by the Supreme Allied Commander Europe. The first strategic commands responsibility is to lead and control the military adaptation of the Alliance (NATO response force, 2018). It coordinates national efforts in ensuring interoperability and coherence, as well as assists the Command Structure itself to effectively support, control, and command all military tasks and operations (NATO response force, 2018). Allied Command Transformation increases NATO postures credibility and readiness and makes the transition to conflict and crisis as stable and secure as possible.

The purpose of the Allied Command Operations is to plan and execute all military operations that belong to NATO. By performing at three overlapping levels, namely, tactical, operational, and strategic, this department contributes greatly to Allied security and defense, which is its overall responsibility (NATO response force, 2018). It restores and preserves Alliance members security, safeguards freedom and safety of economic lifelines and the seas, and maintains Alliance territorys integrity.

The National Guard

The National Guard is composed of National Guard military units and members located in every state, Washington DC, and United States territories. This is a special reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces that serve a dual federal and state mission. Though it is generally a state agency, Americas president can mobilize its units if the national armed forces require assistance (Gambino, 2014). There are and army national and air national guards in each state, and the governor serves as commander-in-chief (Gambino, 2014). Typically, the forces involve engineering, aviation, medical, and military units. The National Guard is the United States miracle and one of the best achievements. It provides invaluable help and support before and after natural and man-made disasters that are extremely severe and cannot be addressed properly by local authorities.

Involvement of the National Guard in Disasters Response

The National Guard is generally not the first sector to be called out to address a catastrophe. Only in case the disaster events size is extremely large and thus overwhelms the capabilities and resources of local responders and exceeds local governments capacity, the National Guards help is required (Gambino, 2014). The county executive or mayor then turns to the governor for assistance in responding to the event and helping the population recover. According to Gambino (2014), the governor is not required to notify the U.S. president of the administration before calling the National Guard into service (para. 6). In turn, the governor may activate National Guard personnel to State Active Duty and control and command Airmen and Soldiers addressing either Homeland Defense missions or human-made or natural disasters.

Some Examples of the National Guard Involvement

In the history of the United States, there were several disasters so powerful that conventional forces could not cope with them. As mentioned above, in such cases, the National Guard takes the responsibility of helping people and eliminating the catastrophe. For instance, its participation in response to Hurricane Katrina is considered the National Guards finest hour, and millions of people are still thankful for the support and help they received during that horrible time (Gambino, 2014). It was the Guards most considerable relief and rescue effort that involved approximately fifty thousand members from each state and territory. Moreover, it was also the most massive, powerful, and fastest military response to a natural disaster in the United States history.

On the eve of the disaster, about three thousand Louisiana National Guards airmen and soldiers began preparing vehicles, equipment, and supplies. Immediately after the storm passed, Guard members throughout the Gulf Coast and Louisiana started responding and helping people. Apart from organizing and providing rescue and search, security, evacuation, and medical treatment, the National Guard needed to supply New Orleans citizens who decided to stay with food, water, and protection. Despite the fact that the aftermath was devastating and soldiers themselves were terrified and shocked, their support came as fast as possible.

Another example is the National Guards response to the 2020 Mid-Michigan flooding. Soldiers were assisting to rescue residents from floods and other disasters, serve meals at food banks, and test people who feared they were infected with the COVID-19 (Witsil, 2020). Because of the pandemic, the National Guards members had to find some ways of helping people while keeping social distance, which is even more challenging than their usual missions. Without its help, citizens and local responders were unlikely to address the emergency quickly and adequately.

The Military Involvement

Although it is the primary purpose and responsibility of civilian agencies at federal, state, and local levels to address disasters, armed forces help may also be required in some cases. Only the military has the necessary organization, training, equipment, and manpower that allow it to provide professional relief effort needed during recovery from a catastrophic incident (Emergency Management Institute, 2011). In some certain areas, the military may offer specific capabilities, namely in immediate help deployment, logistics, and transport (Page, 2018). Thus, the armed forces role during and after disasters is unquestionable. Several branches of the military may become involved in emergency response, including the army and the air force. As for the Army, they typically work together with the National Guard members (Kapucu, n.d.). For example, they rescue pets and people, transport first responders, and deliver necessary supplies, which are their main functions during a disaster response.

Air Force emergency management specialists purpose is to reduce the number of casualties and support those who got affected by a catastrophe. These members are trained to perform response and recovery missions after man-made and natural disasters (Fischer, 2020). Emergency management specialists create special procedures and plan to protect Air Force personnel, members of which are sent to address various dangerous situations (Emergency Management Institute, 2011). Some of their duties include conducting chemical, biological, and nuclear warning and detection activities, keeping track of inventories, managing supplies and equipment, assisting with contingency planning and recovery and response operations, and preparing Civil Engineer operations.

What is more, when there is, for example, a storm coming, the task of Air Force specialists is to fly into it to gather necessary data and send it back to forecasters. This is an essential mission that makes storm response easier (Emergency Management Institute, 2011). Finally, these airmen should mobilize government organizations and resources, coordinate a prompt response, and minimize damage and casualties. In particular, Air Force members roles during and after an emergency involve civil assistance, peacekeeping, disaster relief, search and rescue, maritime surveillance, transportation, and logistics.

Conclusion

To conclude, one may say that the role of NATO and the National Guard in emergency response is hard to be overestimated. Man-made and natural disasters are not always easy to be addressed by local authorities, so the help of military forces may be vital. Members of the National Guard, the Army, and the Air Force save people, supply them with food, water, and support, plan and perform rescue operations, and do their best to quickly respond to disasters and minimize the damage and casualties.

References

Emergency Management Institute. (2011). FEMA IS-75: Military resources in emergency management. Web.

Fischer, E. (2020). Disaster response: The role of a humanitarian military. Army Technology. Web.

Gambino, L. (2014). What is the US national guard and when is it called up?The Guardian. Web.

Kapucu, N. (n.d.). The role of the military in disaster response in the U.S. European Journal of Economic and Political Science (EJEPS), 4(2), 7-33.

NATO response force. (2018). NATO. Web.

Page, A. (2018). FEMA national preparedness report 2018. Homeland Security Digital Library. Web.

Reis, F. A. (2018). Military logistics in natural disasters: The use of the NATO response force in assistance to the Pakistan earthquake relief efforts. Contexto Internacional, 40(1), 73-96.

Witsil, F. (2020). National Guard rescues residents  and pets  after Michigan flooding. Detroit Free Press. Web.

Military Law in the USA has repeatedly been reorganized, but it has always provided reliable legal protection of each soldier and American citizen. Currently, JAG (Judge Advocate Generals Corps) is a complex system of interconnected bodies of Military Justice, which is intended to address a large set of legal and military tasks and activities. First, it ensures the legal support of the troops in peacetime and in wartime in accordance with the US and international law.

Second, it facilitates control of the legal activities of the relevant bodies in the field of civil defense tasks (About the army, n.d.). Third, it oversees the activities of the military and the judiciary, the observance of the disciplinary practices, and the legality of actions in order to determine the legal validity of the decisions taken. Fourth, it is to ensure the legal protection of service members and their families, as well as civil servants, including assistance in matters of civil law procedures.

Effective soldiers of the Judge Advocate Generals Corps are not only full-fledged members of the army, but they are excellent professionals in the legal profession as well. The need to be progressive, proactive, and experienced in both areas (military and legal) is mandatory to be a multifunctional member of the Total Army. Each team member must have equal expertise in both areas, and he or she should strive for lifelong education in these areas (Demarest, 2014).

The dual profession implies the commitment to standards as both soldiers and lawyers. Every soldier in the Army has practical skills in the use of military technology, is trained to furnish tactical activities effectively, can make appropriate solutions regardless of conditions or setting, and is in impeccable physical and intellectual shape. Each soldier must constantly hone their tactical skills and knowledge and be progressive to improve their competence continuously.

All members of the army are committed to education in the field of international politics and foreign affairs in order to be able to respond to the current changes immediately in the most effective way (Pratt, 2014). In addition to military duties, all soldiers have corresponding legal duties. Due to the maneuverability and variability of laws at present, it is necessary for all the soldiers to be flexible and to educate themselves in accordance with the changes of modern norms and social acceptability (Lauritzen, 2013).

As lawyers, members of the Judge Advocate Generals Corps react to every change immediately and help to maintain the discipline and order in the country in compliance with the US Constitution. The concept of One Team gets its best expression in the concept and the essence of the dual profession (One team, one fight, 1998). In this regard, the members maintain discipline through the administration of military justice.

Each team member contributes to the preservation of national security and is able to fight, meanwhile providing legal services (Shah, 2014). Needless to say that One Team, One Fight, One Future is a commitment to nothing less than a complete transformation of the Total Army (One team, one fight, 1998, p. 26). The core of the One Team concept is in ensuring the security of the American people at the same time preserving the Constitution.

In conclusion, the One Team concept reveals in the dual profession of being soldiers, Paralegals, and Attorneys at the same time. It requires dedication, discipline, and integrity. Each team member has high moral principles and has the desire to master him or herself in both professions. Judge Advocate Generals Corps soldiers respect heritage, effectively use the resources, and demonstrate exceptional initiative when implementing the core tenets of the American army.

References

About the army. (n.d.). Web.

Demarest, G. (2014). Geoproperty. New York, NY: Routledge.

Lauritzen, P. (2013). The ethics of interrogation. Washington, D. C.: Georgetown University Press.

One team, one fight, one future, total army integration. (1998). Web.

Pratt, M. (2014). US army. Edina, MN: ABDO.

Shah, S. (2014). International law and drone strikes in Pakistan. New York, NY: Routledge.

Communists and Nationalists in China

Japan had a strong hand in the formation of nationalism and communism in China. During WWI Japan had managed to capture Shandong province. Several other regions of China including Manchuria and some parts of Mongolia remained under the Japanese control. This was attributed to the Twenty-One Demands. Chinas unsuccessful war against Germany later made them resort to accepting the Japanese stipulations. Therefore, they accepted to offer Shandong Province to Japan during the Paris Conference of 1919.

When the signing of the pact between China and Japan became public, several people including students and politicians staged demonstrations that eventually resulted into the formation of the Guomindang under Sun Yat-Sen. Not being recognized by the West, he sought assistance from the Soviets who resorted to assist both Sun and the CCP Party. The main target of the Soviet was to ensure that the two parties merged. After the death of Sun, Chiang Kai-Shek, who had been trained in Moscow continued the Nationalist movement and conquered half of China in 1925.

Due to frictions between Guomindang and CCP, there was a split in 1926. This split resulted into three distinct capitals within China which were the internationally valid one in Beijing, the Guomindang capital in Wuhan and the CCP capital in Nanjing. By 1927, the CCP and the communists had experienced a complete failure. The power rested in the hands of the nationalists. Progress was witnessed during the reign of the Nationalists under Chiang Kai-Shek.

What brought the Communists to power was the revival of the power of the peasantry through Mao Zedong. Despite his failure during the Autumn Harvest Uprising, Zedong continued with his mobilizing of civilians until he formed his headquarters at Jiangxi. Zedongs final effort that promoted his communist movement in China came when he became the head of the CCP party and organized the Long March of the Red Army that saw communism and Zedong acquire publicity. The March amassed followers to communism from 11 Chinese provinces after a 12,500 kilometer walk and crossing of 24 rivers. By the end of the mobilization, communism was the most popular movement in China.

Friction between Japan and the US

During the ensuing war, Japanese fatal decisions led them into total conflict with the United States which had decided to abandon its policy of non-participation. To begin with, the Japanese had coercively acquired Indochina form Vincy France. Also, fearing a likely attack from the UUSR, the Japanese had resorted to signing a neutrality treaty with this country for their safety. Another fatal decision from Japan was their decision to further extend their territory further south. This led them into an occupation over Southern Indochina.

None of these decisions had augured well with the US and Britain. To begin with, the US had frozen their supply of steel, gasoline and iron to Japan after the attack on northern Indochina. Later, the decision by Japan to extend their occupation to Southern Indochina led to the freezing of all assets that belonged to Japan. This meant that Japan would not access oil and hence their military powers would be contained. These games of decision making and retaliation led to the bombing of the Pearl Harbor.

To begin with, the US decision to deprive Japan of access to oil made Japan decide to come up with the only way that would allow them conquer the regions they wanted and at the same time have access to oil. On the other side, the US was against this. They demanded Japans withdrawal from the China regions. Japan having set a deadline and an attack plan to surprise the US, war was inevitable. Though the US was expecting an attack, Japanese two hour destruction of the Navy base at Pearl Harbor was a surprise. A total of eight battle ships were destroyed. This led to Americas declaration of war. Immediately, the Germans and the Italians also declared war against the US.

Japan continued to increase their territory immediately after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. It took into possession several regions that were initially occupied by the US and its allies. However, US were able to read their codes hence blocking Japan from occupying Port Moresby during the battle of the Coral Sea. After this, Japan was planning another surprise attack on the US marines under the commandership of Yamamoto Isoroko. To their surprise, Chester Nimitz who had assumed command at Pearl Harbor had read their radio. As a result, the Japanese fleet of nine battleships and backed up by four careers was attacked and three of them were destroyed. Henceforth, the Japanese military force was weakened.

World II: The worlds greatest catastrophe

The Second World War is identified as the largest catastrophe that has ever existed since civilization of humankind. To understand the truth behind these allegations, different perspectives can be assumed. To begin with, the intensity of the war can be examined from the number of deaths, the total amount of money used to facilitate the war, the vastness of the region of participation and the physical losses that were experienced during the war.

Taking the number of deaths approach, studies point out that the Second World War accounted for a total of 50 million deaths. Sadly, half of this population was comprised of civilians. However, most recent studies show that between 64 and 78 million people is true number of deaths experienced during the war.

Considering the expanse of the region of participation, studies point out that the Second World War involved all the Oceans of the planet earth. The navies of different countries used the oceans to implement their strategies. Considering the amount of money used, the Second World War still stands out as one of the global events that cost the planet the largest amount of money to facilitate. Studies show that the sum of money used, if measured from the current value of the dollar, is estimated to have involved several trillions that were used to facilitate the movements of the 100 million or more military personnel.

Why Sadat went to war with Israel

In October 1973, President Sadats troops waited patiently by the Suez Canals west bank fro orders from the president to march in and recapture the Arab territories that had been forcibly taken by Israel during the 1967 war. One question can be asked, however. Why did President Sadat decide to wage a war with Israel which was stronger than Egypt military-wise? To answer this question, one has to understand the prior conditions that had marked the relationship between Israel and Egypt.

To begin with, the Arab countries under the leadership of Egypt had gone to war with Israel in 1967 had been defeated terribly. This war had several implications. It changed the status quo of power in the Middle East giving Israel an upper hand. Secondly, it had resulted into Israelis occupation of the initially Arab regions of Golan Heights and the Sinai, and thirdly, it implicated negatively on the image of Egypt on the world plat form and the Arab eyes that had looked at it as the leader.

Sadats war against Israel was not intended for victory. It was only intended to reverse the mentioned effects of the 1967 war. To recapture the occupied regions from Israel, to reinstate the good image of Egypt, revert to the pre-1967 status quo of power and above all, Sadat wanted to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict by the assistance of the super powers. By doing going to war, he was sure that he would attract the attention of the super powers who would hasten the progress in solving the conflict. And the end of the war, much was not achieved. However, the most important achievement was that the attention of the US was gained. It got involved in the resolving of the Arab Israeli conflict.

Later, the Arabs felt that Sadat was a traitor who sold their people. He lost popularity, a factor that led him into misuse of power in his final years of rule. Eventually, he was assassinated by Al Jihad movement members while commemorating the October war.

Gorbachevs policies and Reagans policies and their role in the disintegration of the Soviet Union

To a great extent, the policies by Gorbachev and those by the then US President Ronald Reagan contributed to the disintegration of the Soviet Union. It is evident that the Soviet Union was among the most stable economies of the world. Its industrial capabilities were unmatched. In addition, their military was strong and powerful. Agriculture prospered in collectivity while education prospered with a massive production of engineers and scientists. In the fifties and sixties, rocketry in the Union was advanced and finally, natural resources abounded.

However, its economy started experiencing turmoil during the leadership of Brezhnev. By the time Gorbachev came to power, the economy was in shambles. Trying to come up with ways of redemption, he enacted rules that caused a misbalance in the trade of alcohol, imposed rules on industries that impeded their production, reduced rate of importing goods for consumers owing to the reduction in oil exports causing the consumers to have nothing to buy, had little emphasis on monetary policies hence allowing money to be printed uncontrollably this resulting into increased inflation and above all, his open policies that allowed for diplomacy with capitalists.

Given the open policies, Gorbachev allowed himself to enter into an arms deal with Ronald Reagan. The policies within the deal involved the reduction of spending on the military. As a result, the Soviet military was greatly weakened while the US military was being strongly armed. It is therefore true that the arms deal policies by Reagan and the strengthened relationship between the two countries led to the disintegration of the Soviet Union. This is because the constituent republics lacked confidence in the weakened army and thought that they could manage their economies outside the Union.

Works Cited

Alterman, Jon. (ed). Sadat and his Legacy: Egypt and the World, 1977-1997. 1998. Web.

Country Studies. Nationalism and Communism. n.d. Web.

Funk & Wagnalls New Encyclopedia. World War II. 2006. Web.

Samples, Kenneth. World War II: The Greatest Catastrophe in History. 2009. Web.

Smitha, Frank. The Soviet Union Disintegrates. Macrohistory and World Report. 2002. Web.

Recently, there have been qualms over the spread of Avian Flu among the local nationals in Okiwan. Avian Flu is a communicable disease that is commonly associated with birds, though it frequently develops other strains that human beings are not immune to(Capua et al., 2002; Lin et al., 2000; Stegeman et al., 2004; Tweed et al, 2004). So far, 238 cases of human infection by H5N1 have been established in 10 countries, with the largest numbers of infection being found in Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam (Fouchier et al., 2004, Li et al., 2004; Peiris et al., 1999; Tran et al., 2004; Ungchusak, 2005; Yuen et al., 1998).

More than half of the established human cases have resulted to death of infected persons (Kurtz et al., 1996; Puzelliet al., 2005; Webster et al., 1981). The military officials have been identified as a group that is highly at risk of contacting the virus. Thus, a review of the steps that the local and military officials are taking in preventing avian flu is essential.

So as to discuss this topic, I shall discuss; the issues that should be addressed in emergency management by use of examples; the steps that the local and military officials in Okiwan are taking; and make a conclusion that summarizes the key points discussed. I shall also give a final statement of opinion in the conclusion part.

There are three issues that must be considered while planning emergency management. These include: preparedness and communication; surveillance and detection; and response and containment (Liem & Lim, 2005)

Issue #1: Preparedness and Communication

This should entail:

• Planning for the virulent disease.
• Communicating duties and roles.
• Making and storing antiviral drugs, vaccines and other medical tools.
• Instituting distribution tactics for antiviral drugs and vaccines
• Promoting technological knowledge together with developing countermeasures.

All government ranks, divisions of society and persons should be well set and there duties communicated.

Issue #2: Surveillance and Detection

This is done through the national and international organizations that offer progressive situational alertness with the aim of giving the earliest possible warning signs of disease outbreak, so as to guard the residents (Koopmans, 2004). These organizations do the following:

• Ensure fast disclosure of outbreaks and global transparence.
• Make use of surveillance in controlling the outbreak.

Issue #3: Response and Containment

These comprise of activities that control the spread of the disease amid humans and lessen the economic, social and security impacts of the disease. They include:

• Controlling outbreaks.
• Maintaining the economy.
• Ensuring effectual risk awareness.
• Seeking state medical and public health flow capacity.

Strategies/Recommendations in Regard to Okiwan

Issue #1: Preparedness and Communications

• Residents and non residents will be educated on the threats of the disease.
• Proposals and directions for immunizations and the allotment of anti-viral drugs have been developed.
• Planning and management actions have been extended to other departments such as the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Department of Agriculture.
• The military officials have instituted a medical watch board that is accessible on the web, so as to offer the most recent information on the disease.
• The military officials are coordinating directly with the DHHS so as to acquire influenza vaccine.
• The officials are endeavoring to attain dependable sources of medical supply on stuff such as special protective tools

Since the disease will impact the personnel, it is vital that the local and military officials center planning efforts on the impending impact of an influenza endemic on its workers and the capacity to continue with crucial roles.

Issue #2: Surveillance and Detection

• The local and military officials are constantly performing influenza surveillance in laboratories.
• Policies have been constructed so as to enable detection means in the lowest stage.
• Information mechanisms that are capable of tracing outbreak of the ailment in recruited forces have been put in place.

Issue #3: Response and Containment.

• The local and military officials have laid down policies that are aimed at controlling the spread of the disease and lessening the economic, health, security, and communal impacts. Such policies include: clinical policies regarding the diagnosis, cure, and management of patients who have contracted the disease or those exposed to the virus.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there is no need for Okiwan residents to remain worried since the local and military officials have laid down adequate strategies to prevent the spread of the disease to the local nationals.

Definite proposals and directions for immunizations and the allotment of anti-viral drugs have been developed. Policies have been constructed so as to enable detection means in the lowest stage. Finally, the local and military officials have laid down policies that are aimed at controlling the spread of the disease and lessening the economic, health, security, and communal impacts.

References

Capua, I., Mutinelli, F. & Pozza, M.D. (2002). The 1999-2000 avian influenza (H7N1) epidemics in Italy: veterinary and human health implications. Acta Trop, 83(1), 7-11.

Fouchier, R.A., Schneeberger, P.M. & Rozendaal, F.W. (2004). Avian influenza A virus (H7N7) associated with human conjunctivitis and a fatal case of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 101, 1356-61.

Koopmans, M., Wilbrink, B., Conyn, M. & Natrop, G. (2004). Transmission of H7N7 avian influenza A virus to human beings during a large outbreak in commercial poultry farms in the Netherlands. Lancet, 363(9409), 587-93.

Kurtz, J., Manvell, R.J. & Banks, J. (1996). Avian influenza virus isolated from a woman with conjunctivitis. Lancet, 348(9031), 901-2.

Li, K.S., Wang, J. & Smith, G.J. (2004). Genesis of a highly pathogenic and potentially pandemic H5N1 influenza virus in eastern Asia. Nature, 430, 209-13.

Liem, N.T. & Lim, W. (2005). Lack of H5N1 avian influenza transmission to hospital employees, Hanoi, 2004. Emerg Infect Dis, 11, 210-215.

Lin, Y.P., Shaw, M. & Gregory, V. (2000). Avian-to-human transmission of H9N2 subtype influenza A viruses: relationship between H9N2 and H5N1 human isolates. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 97(17), 9654-9658.

Peiris, M., Yuen, K.Y. & Leung, C.W. (1999) Human infection with influenza H9N2. Lancet, 354: 916-7.

Puzelli, S., Di Trani, L. & Fabiani, C. (2005). Serological analysis of serum samples from humans exposed to avian H7 influenza viruses in Italy between 1999 and 2003. J Infect Dis, 192(8), 1318-22.

Stegeman, A., Bouma, A. & Elbers, A.R. (2004). Avian influenza A virus (H7N7) epidemic in Netherlands in 2003: course of the epidemic and effectiveness of control measures. J Infect Dis, 190(12), 2088-95.

Tran, T.H., Nguyen, T.L. & Nguyen, T.D. (2004). Avian influenza A (H5N1) in 10 patients in Vietnam. N Engl J Med, 350, 1179-88.

Tweed, S.A., Skowronski, D.M. & David, S.T. (2004). Human illness from avian influenza H7N3, British Columbia. Emerg Infect Dis, 10(12), 2196-9.

Ungchusak, K., Auewarakul, P., Dowell, S.F. (2005). Probable person-to-person transmission of avian influenza A (H5N1). N Engl J Med, 352(4), 333-40.

Webster, R.G., Geraci, J. & Petursson, G. (1981). Conjunctivitis in human beings caused by influenza A virus of seals. N Engl J Med, 304(15), 911.

Yuen, K.Y., Chan, P.K. & Peiris, M. (1998). Clinical features and rapid viral diagnosis of human disease associated with avian influenza A H5N1 virus. Lancet, 351,467-471.

Mass media platforms play an important role in contemporary warfare by virtue of the fact that they are closely associated with public opinion and public policy. Indeed, there is a communicative nexus between the mass media and modern warfare as media reporting is known to affect the justifications and means by which officers engage in war and how the military establishes military policies.² This paper discusses how the ubiquity of media continues to affect U.S. military interests and how contemporary military policy responds to media ubiquity.

Media ubiquity basically means that the activities undertaken by media are everywhere and influence the society in a substantial way. Indeed, media engagements are woven finely into the social fabric of the social environment in a manner that transcends patterns of use and nonuse. This implies that media activities are social in nature and notable in scope. When news about U.S. military engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan assume a ubiquitous nature, for example, a multiplicity of social institutions and practices are organized around them in spite of the fact that people and communities may choose to consume or ignore such news.

The described media capacity or state of being everywhere at all times continues to affect U.S. military operations and interests. This is because of the fact that global media platforms frame war news according to sociocultural perceptions and needs of those in power. The concept of flaming refers to the way events and issues are organized and made sense of In cross-cultural contexts, players have used the ubiquity of media to select some aspects of the U.S. military engagements and make them more salient in a communication context in such a manner as to promote a particular interpretation or moral assessment of Americas military efforts in various war fronts. For example, the U.S. military engagement in Iraq has continued to suffer adverse cultural reactions due to intensified media reports that accuse the force of shallow doctrine and vague mission objectives. Such media reports affect U.S. military interests by not only impacting its execution of the war, but also shaping government and public policies in military budgeting and foreign engagements.

The U.S. military policy has responded to media ubiquity in terms of undertaking up-to-date briefings and opening up more space for media scrutiny. It should be recalled that, although the media may frame military in negative light based on political or cultural contexts, communication is nevertheless important in ensuring the effective functioning of the military. It is only by facilitating a smooth information flow that the U.S. military can be able to shape public opinion by influencing the actions of the mass media. In recent years, the military has allowed reporters to be embedded in fighting units to enhance objectivity and accuracy in war reporting. This strategy has worked to the advantage of the military as the institution is now able to use media power to rally public support and influence public opinion. However, the military must be at the forefront in disseminating accurate and objective information to avoid negative media coverage and subsequent harmful depictions of its engagements in the global arena.

This paper has discussed important aspects regarding media ubiquity and how it affects U.S. military interests. It has been discovered that media omnipresence may negatively affect U.S. military interests depending on political, social, and cultural contexts. It has also been discovered that the military must engage the media more constructively if it is to influence public debate and policy. This realization has forced the military to change its engagement with mainstream media platforms. Today, the military neither avoids the media nor views it as an annoyance on the battlefield. On the contrary, it has expanded media space by becoming more responsive to the needs of reporters.

Bibliography

Dimitrova, Daniela V. and Jesper Stromback. Foreign Policy and the Framing of the 2003 Iraq War in Elite Swedish and U.S. Newspapers. Media, War & Conflict 1, no. 2 (2008): 203-220. 2015. Academic Search Premier File.

Fitzsimmons, Daniel. Media Power and American Military Strategy: Examining the Impact of Negative Media Coverage on U.S. Strategy in Somalia and the Iraq War. Innovations: A Journal of Politics 6, no. 2 (2006): 53-73. 2015. Web.

Ganesh, Shiv and Cynthia Stohl. From Wall Street to Wellington: Protests in an Era of Digital Ubiquity. Communication Monographs 80, no. 4 (2013): 425-451. Academic Search Premier File.

Schnell, Jim. Perspectives on the Iraq War: Mass Media Implications, U.S. Military Policy, and Cross-Cultural Communication.Media Psychology Review 4, no. 1 (2010): 1-11. Web.

Introduction

As of late, observers of global issues have upstretched the anxiety that the media have increased their capacity to influence the behavior of US international relations and foreign policies. Referred to as the CNN impact or CNN factor, the effect of these new international, actual media is characteristically viewed as substantial, if not deep (Ewing, 2004).

For numerous experts, policy-makers, and academicians, there truly is little uncertainty that media significantly influence international relations. Former Defense Secretary James Schlesinger, for instance, contends that in the last two decades the U.S. has been designing foreign policies based on impulse and image. In this case, the image reflects the media representation of specific personalities or issues (Kovach & Rosenstiel, 2001, p. 56).

Despite the recurrence and instinctive advancement of this contention, an increasing number of researchers and analysts have started to address whether media do have the capacity to influence public opinion. The key variable to medias impact on public opinion is not the existence or nonexistence of cameras, but somewhat the existence or nonexistence of political leadership (Kovach & Rosenstiel, 2001, p. 55).

According to Beale (2006, p. 399), subjects related to stereotypes continue to be among the most debated topics in modern society. The mass media has been documented to be a very significant influence on public opinion. Studies show that Americans gather a lot of information through the mass. Therefore, media representation is increasingly becoming very significant, particularly in connection to political decisions (Beale, 2006, p. 400).

In an attempt to create more understanding of the ways through which media influence readers perception, this study builds on the CNN factor. The theory assumes that the balance of representation envisages public opinion and policy decisions. To analyze how the press influences the readers perception and policy decisions, the paper examines two articles from the CNN website which covered North Koreas military parading on 11^th October 2015. The analysis will be accomplished through the exploration of different theories and concepts and key arguments between theorists and different theoretical positions.

Summary of the CNNS Articles on North Koreas Military Parading on 11^th October 2015

According to the CNN, 11^th October 2015 was a historical moment for North Korea: it provided an exceptional glimpse of the countrys military might. The previous parades offered a rare preview of the size and configuration of North Koreas military capacity. However, the 2015 parade was one of the greatest in the countrys history (Hunt & Park, 2015).

The event was carried out in the nations capital and was presided over by the North Korean leader Kim II Jong who was viewing the part-old-school Hollywood extravaganza from a review stage and gave an uncommon live broadcast speech. As stated by Kim II Jong, the countrys progressive combat hardware in the present day can manage any sort of war American imperialists brings, and North Korea was prepared to protect the nations blue sky and the prosperity of the general population (Hunt & Park, 2015).

In a deliberately choreographed show of superiority and festivity to stamp the 70th commemoration of the reigning Workers Party, tens of thousands of soldiers walked in an intricate arrangement over Pyongyangs Kim Il Sung Square, which was decorated with the party and country flags (Hunt & Park, 2015). The country has one of the biggest ground forces around the globe with over 1.2 million active combatants and an additional 7.7 million soldiers on standby. The armed forces are boosted by 200 thousand extremely-trained paramilitary troops. Nevertheless, the countrys military is the most impoverished employers notwithstanding their special access to resources. They are poorly paid and every so often undernourished (McCafferty, 2015).

The entire event was televised by the state telecaster KCTV. The countrys administration is known for perilous pronouncement and has made a lot of threats sometime recently. Nerve-racking words about the U.S. and South Korea have been more of a norm for quite some time (Hunt & Park, 2015). Foreign dignitaries, especially the Chinese delegation led by Liu Yunshan-a top leader of the Communist Party-were present to witness the exhibition which saw an avalanche of combatant jets soaring in a 70 formation (McCafferty, 2015).

According to CNN, the military parade was the second biggest event in North Korea after the birthdays of the nations founder and his son who is the current leader (Hunt & Park, 2015). The Workers Party flag which decorated the entire Pyongyangs Kim Il Sung Square was a sign of power and influence. The party reigns over nearly everything in North Korea.

Kim II Jong is the leader of the party, and membership is extremely sought-after as it means better employment opportunities, position, and standard of living for the citizens. The party even controls the armed forces. In simple terms, the party makes all the crucial decisions in the forces; for instance, it prevails over the promotions and executions (McCafferty, 2015).

Analysis of the CNN Coverage of the Event

It is generally acknowledged among the general public that news coverage is the foundation of democracy  a calling in which the journalists work is to give viewers/readers the information they require to be self-determining. Kovach and Rosenstiel (2001, p. 7) argue that the fundamental standards of news coverage are to have the news in the comparative part and make it all-inclusive.

They compare news composition to designing a map and, therefore, a news article that omits some contents resembles a map that lacks crucial links. The omission of crucial components of a story or failure to provide a wider context of news is generally referred to as fragmentation. News fragmentation often arises when a journalist fails to establish and report recorded parallels or associations crosswise over issues making it difficult for readers to comprehend the basis of a story by concealing some facts (Kovach & Rosenstiel, 2001, p. 8).

In the complete-text search for North Koreas Military Parade 2015 on the CNN website, two editorial articles appeared. The information in these articles is very much fragmented and, therefore, readers must sort out the paragraphs to get a perfect picture. None of the articles satisfactorily addresses the motivation behind the military parading or gives an analysis that surpasses the formal speech marks.

According to one of the articles, the military parade was a mere show of military might and a habitual threat to the U.S. and South Korea (McCafferty, 2015). The event is described as part-autocratic gathering and part-old-school Hollywood presentation. Moreover, there was also a huge delegation of foreign dignitaries, but the articles only focused on the Chinese delegation (Hunt & Park, 2015). As a result, there is an absence of exhaustive scope regarding chronological patterns and no significant connections are formed in the event.

The two articles fall deeply under the authority-disorder prejudice by emphasizing exclusively on Kim II Jong and his leadership instead of focusing on the event: one describes North Koreas leadership as totalitarian and immoral; and one emphasizes on the welfare of the troops (McCafferty, 2015; Hunt & Park, 2015). The former expounds on how the ruling party led by Kim II Jong controls everything in the country, including the military. Also, party membership is extremely sought-after because it is the means for getting jobs, acquiring a superior status and improved standard of living for the residents (Hunt & Park, 2015).

On the other hand, the latter focuses on the deplorable state of the soldiers welfare even though they have preferential access to the countrys assets. The article describes how the country has one of the largest militaries, but they are poorly remunerated and underfed (McCafferty, 2015. By highlighting the deplorable state of the countrys military, the article aims at discrediting the objective of the event. Undernourishment made them ineffective and weak compared to their Southern counterpart. It also portrays a lack of leadership and incentive which is associated with autocratic systems. Also, it leaves the readers wondering how the common citizens are faring on given the prevailing conditions.

Herman and Chomsky (2002, p. 33) define the sourcing filter as the journalistic routine of depending on the state for news and sourcing particularly when not appended with alternative standpoints. In this case, the relationship between the state and the press is mutually beneficial. The press wants a steady wellspring of news considered valid by citizens to provide an objective image and the state requires a platform to drive its agenda.

In this relationship, the state creates an advantageous information circle that prompts journalists to abide by government constraints to get the much sought-after news. Those who do not abide by the set-up limits are expelled from the circle. The states use of conventional media channels to advance its agenda transforms the press into a propaganda machine (Herman & Chomsky, 2002, p. 34).

The U.S. is known for the use of media to generate public support. The mainstream media including CNN depend on the government for information on national security and global relations. From the two articles, it is stated that the event was exclusively aired by the state telecaster KCTV, which is influenced by the ruling party. As a result, additional information was sourced from government agencies, particularly during public speech and press conferences (Ewing, 2004).

The current CNN reporting of North Koreas military activities has a distinct probability to advance to a calamitous war. Speculative war situations are as inexhaustible as Kim Jongs nail-biting words about the U.S. and South Korea. The U.S. has already fought two wars based on media propaganda and it is highly likely that they could garner public support for another war (Ewing, 2004). Studies have shown that the majority of Americans are always ready to take any pro-active measures whenever required to protect their freedom and lives. As a result, the government always creates fear of external adversaries to gain support for its global security policies. This makes it much more crucial that the media presents a biased coverage of North Koreas military activities (Ewing, 2004).

Conclusion

The greater part of the CNN articles explored in this study show some degree of authority- disorder inclination, fragmentation and sourcing filters to a certain level in their coverage of North Koreas military parade in October 2015. These reporting predispositions are perilous in that they misrepresent facts and outline anew sociopolitical dimension that makes individuals think they understand what is happening locally and globally when they are not. The general focus on pseudo issues instead of the fundamental governmental issues is one of the political costs of misrepresentation of facts.

Fragmentation and authority-disorder inclination encourages failure to deliberate in theoretical and rationally coordinated ways regarding political matters. Therefore, the biggest question is how a journalist can handle the preconceived notion exhibited by CNN reporters in their coverage of North Koreas military operations. What is more, how can they compose an exhaustive article that advances expository and sensible analysis and furnish numerous perspectives with context and chronological contrasts, specifically for remote and secluded countries like North Korea?

It is contended that the whole media fraternity should be streamlined. Independent analysis and composition of news will assist readers to fathom issues more distinctly since there is little proof to support the idea that objectivity reduces confusion. In the case of North Korea, giving a complete chronological foundation would help readers to decode underlying factors and journalists to comprehend the issues that they are covering. A mixed scope of perspectives and sources, particularly non-state sources, would support better comprehension of intricate matters and encourage readers to frame their analysis.

References

Beale, S. (2006). The News Medias Influence on Criminal Justice Policy: How Market-Driven News Promotes Punitiveness. William and Mary Law Review, 48,397-481.

Ewing, R. (2004). American Media Coverage of North Korea: a look at the New York Times, Washington Post and Newsweek. Web.

Herman, E., & Chomsky, N. (2002). Manufacturing Consent. New York: Pantheon Books.

Hunt, K., & Park, M. (2015). North Korea Stages Massive Military Parade, Says Ready to Defend Itself against the U.S.

Kovach, B., & Rosenstiel, T. (2001). The Elements of Journalism. New York: Random House.

McCafferty, G. (2015). Anniversary Parade provides Rare Glimpse into North Koreas Military Might. Web.

Task Cluster and Learning Activity

The acquisition of necessary skills by the military personals is a necessity required to help them undertake their various roles and duties that include guiding commanders and airmen on the various Human Resource Programs, acting as career advisors on various areas, and ensuring data integrity about the input and output of human Resource data within the military personnel information/ data system among other duties. The success of any organization requires a well-running human resource power. The military personals are charged with the role of ensuring that the human resource within the military firm is functioning as it should. The success of this however requires the personalized to have all the necessary skills that will effectively aid in ensuring that all members of staff produce quality in terms of rendered services, client customer satisfaction, and overall out put. The personalized need to know how to efficiently deal with all their staff members in terms of working conditions, rights and benefits, determination and driving force as well as the committed willingness to work bearing in mind that employees are the key to anybodys success. It is for this reason that training these military personalizes on how to handle their members of staff is a crucial undertaking and therefore a would be a task for me.

Training Methods

Lecture and discussion, self-study as well as performance & feedback methods of training were used to conduct the program. The lecture and discussion ensure that all information is provided with minimal or no interference and that the trainees get to actively participate through asking and answering questions as well as through raising their different experiences, ideas, and views. It is also highly effective in enhancing a change in attitudes on a given subject (Blanchard and Thacker, 1999). The transfer of information is done using spoken, written, or even body language/ use of gestures thus making it very easy for the learners to understand. Asking the learners to carry out and practice the learned skills does not only help them to understand more and to effectively take part in the learning process but also helps the instructor to assess the students level of understanding. A self-study also enhances more understanding and allows the learners a chance to come up with different ideas on how to handle different situations. The use of these methods ensures that the skills learned are not forgotten and that the learners are active participants of the training program (Wexley and Latham, 2002).

Delivery Techniques

The use of role-playing and instructor-led delivery techniques was to ensure that the learners get to interact and discuss the various issues and how to handle them about the skills learned. It is also through the role-play technique that they will be to act out varying occurrences thus sharpening their skills further (Blanchard and Thacker, 1999).

Instructional guidance

The instructional guidance used involved the use of workbooks, programmed texts, and the issuance of technical orders that the learners will be required to follow in carrying out their demonstrations. In a situation where the assistance of the trainer will be required for the learners to be able to carry out the various assigned tasks, then the trainer will provide it. Through this, each learner will be able to actively take part in the learning process making it possible for the trainer to independently assess the progress of each of them thus ensuring that everyone clearly understands and acquires all the skills (Goldstein, 1993).

Evaluating the training program

Ensuring that the training is a success requires effective evaluation which is done both during and after the training. Using the four evaluation levels of Kirkpatricks evaluation framework is one major way of checking for the effectiveness of the training. The first level in this framework is that of reaction whereby the attitude of the trainees is measured using a written questionnaire that measures their interests and motivation. a show of interest is a positive indication of the effectiveness of the training. The second level of this framework involves carrying out a test to find out what the trainees have achieved. Normally a pre-test will have been carried out to find out what the trainees know before the training and another carried out after the training. The difference between the two results determines the effectiveness or success of the training. The third level is that of performance. Here, the ability of the trainees to perform the attained skills while working is assessed mainly through observation or formal testing. Success is determined by the results produced by the learner at work depending on whether they are desirable or not. The fourth and last level measures the occurring results based on several impacts that include efficiency, economic value, customer satisfaction, creativity among others. This level of evaluation may take a lot of time and can also be very difficult. Assessment of all the impacts of the training determines the trainings success (Wexley and Latham, 2002).

References

1. Blanchard, P. and Thacker, J. (1999) Effective Training: Systems, Strategies and Practices. New York: Prentice Hall.
2. Goldstein, I. (1993) Training in Organizations.KY: Cole Publishing Company.
3. Wexley, N. and Latham, G. (2002) Developing and Training Human Resources in Organization. New York: Prentice hall.

Problem Identification

In organizations, development of models and plans facilitates the achievement of objectives through scientific approaches. Stanislaus Military Academy seeks to roll out a plan that will oversee the training of Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (MCJROTC). Through the plan, the institution aspires to develop informed and outstanding citizens in cadets.

The program also seeks to develop the trainees leadership skills by strengthening their character and comprehending the fundamental aspects of the national security. Through the training, the military academy will help in the formation of self-disciplined individuals who will not only be in a position to develop respect for the authority in a liberal society but also understand the factors that underpin the constituted authority in the American society.

Stanislaus Military Academy faces challenges in implementing the program that will see the cadets receive the training in line with the articulations of the constitution. With its main objectives being to instill virtues of discipline, respect, courage, commitment and honor among the cadets, the organization has apparent challenges in the achievement of these ends.

The institution should be in a position to conduct impeccable training by identifying the challenges and implement the proposed changes in the organization (Michael, DiPaola & Wayne, 2008). Notwithstanding the problems that the organization is facing, it has been in a position to solve real problems affecting the youth by developing their skills and forming their character in line with the needs of the country and dynamic American society.

Nonetheless, identification process and lack of consent by parents has been in the forefront in impeding the organizations ability to adopt necessary changes. Therefore, the main problem affecting the organization is the apparent lack of responsiveness to the needs of the young people and society. Addressing the needs will lead to improvement in the training process and achievement of desirable outcomes.

Research theories related to the problem

From the outset, Stanislaus Military Academy is categorical that it does not aim at training the young people as an entry point to a military career. It recruits young people in 9^th grade through 12^th grade. The young people stand a chance to learn in an environment that has high-level discipline and that which emphasizes on character modeling and high academic performance.

While we consider that that the institution is able to train cadets, it is a necessity that the academy be in a position to engage cadets in matters relating to training and have them understand the content and ways that the training can address their pertinent issues. To that end, it is imperative to consider the cadets as active learners and not just mere recipients of the training content (Michael et al., 2008).

Involvement of young people and cadets in the training activities facilitates the achievement of objectives since they comprehend the expectations of the society, institution and the community. According to cognitive and learning theorists, it is of fundamental importance to ensure that learners comprehend what the trainers expect from them (Buchanan & Huczynski, 2007).

This draws them closer to the main theme of the learning, which in turn arouses curiosity for them to perform to the expectations of the training. Therefore, the institute ought to equip the potential cadets with information on the content of the program instead of introducing new methodologies to them upon enrollment.

To equip the cadets with the information prior to the enrollment procedure, the organization ought to ensure it embraces changes to meet this demand. According to Buchanan & Huczynski (2007), there is the need to enhance institutional responsiveness to the process of change. The rationale is that numerous people rarely accept changes and is upon the change agents to convince the stakeholders on the necessity of changes.

In this respect, the staff at the military academy should be in a position to explain to all people that the changes that it is implementing are long overdue and are aimed at increasing the organizations ability to achieve its goals (Michael et al., 2008). In addition, it is important for the change agents to expect resistance to change since many people have emotional attachment with the status quo.

During the recruitment process of the cadets, the institute ought to be aware that the youths require cognitive development. This will enable them to attain professional progression and self-development. Michael et al. (2008) say that cadets skills development is largely dependent on the amount of time that the trainers use to develop the cadets academic needs.

This allows them the ability to bring out innovation and creativity in dealing with life situations and particularly, in military academy. To achieve these ends, the academy should have measurable results and monitor the progress of the changes and objectives.

Hoy & Hoy (2009) argue that evaluation and monitoring approaches that assess the skills development among the cadets are appropriate in highlighting the real achievement rather than theoretical comprehension of the skills. This will enhance the ability to make important real life decisions and attain problem-solving skills. Better still, the academy will be in a position to nurture a holistic individual who will not only suit the military but also in other careers.

It is essential to design a learning context that depicts the aspirations and expectations of the society. The society constitutes a high-level stakeholder of the military academy and as such, it should influence the learning environment of the cadets. To achieve this ends, the institute ought to ensure that the content and the environment it designs should be in a position to solve problems and address community needs.

Indeed, cognitive theorists argue that any learning experience ought to have the objective of solving problems and imparting suffice knowledge on the trainees (Hoy & Hoy, 2009). Stanislaus Military Academy will therefore be in a position to have many community members of the county seeking to get training from the institute owing to improved ability of graduate cadets to solve community, social and personal problems.

Stanislaus Military Academy should focus on challenges and embrace the appropriate corrections. This should start right from the recruitment and selection of potential cadets. Theorists assert that recruitment process is vital for identifying the right candidates for the position (Hoy & Hoy, 2009). It should transcend the few aspects that are mandatory for qualification and pay focus to social background of the cadets.

The rationale is that socialization process influence people differently and affects the patterns of interaction and knowledge acquisition. The Senior Military Instructor (SMI) ought to utilize the skills of recruitment in order to have a cohesive and an objective group of trainees who also share same goals and expectations.

This should begin by informing them on what the program entails and what it may be able to solve both in the short term and in the long term. This will be a good start that the cadets can evaluate the importance of the program and consequently be able to manage their expectations.

Measurable objectives related to the problem

For a development plan to be effective, it ought to have measurable goals that will act as indicators of the progress or failure that organization has made. To assess the problems, there is also the need to assume empirical approaches to have the information on the current problems that the institute faces.

First, the implementation of MCJROTC should be measurable through the responsiveness of the organization to the program. The instructors should be in a position to observe the differences that the students have made in terms of improving their leadership skills, respect, honor, courage, discipline and commitment.

Michael et al. (2008) point out that the comprehension of the content of the training is an indicator of the goals that the organization seeks to achieve. Hence, a needs analysis, implementation and evaluation of the program should be backed by sound research and problem identification process.

Second, the organization should have a consistent method of measuring the achievement of its goal of enhancing responsiveness to the community needs and expectations. Through the implementation of the changes, the military academy should be in a position to assess the expectations of the community and design its training in line with the community needs (Buchanan & Huczynski, 2007). This starts with assessing the community needs, which should reflect the training objectives.

The rationale is that Stanislaus County has expectations of the academy to form characters within the society who will be able to steer development within the context of the community. It is imperative to ensure that the organization has a scientific method of measuring the levels to which the program has met the needs of the community and their expectations.

Third, the organization ought to enhance its measurable objectives of ensuring that the organization is in line with its aspirations of recruiting young, motivated and informed cadets. The recruited cadets should meet the set criterion and ensure that the organization is able to achieve its goals of equipping them with the requisite leadership skills to mention but one aspect.

ability to recruit cadets from secondary schools having the right attitude and basic requirement procedure should be a measurable indicator of the progress that the organization has made (Hoy & Hoy, 2009). Besides, the level of suspensions of cadets also serves as an indicator of the underlying problem of recruitment. This is imperative in ensuring that the changes that the organization will be implementing will be evaluated in comparison with the goal.

Participants and change agents

Any success in the process of change comes about owing to the ability of involving all stakeholders of the military academy. Buchanan & Huczynski (2007) pinpoint that the most important participant in the process of organizational change will be the community. The community ought to provide the institute with a framework of the training program shaped by their expectations. This is in lieu of the fact the society will be in a position to evaluate the cadets after their graduation.

The individual they see from the institute ought to be able to solve community problems and address the apparent needs in the community. The graduates should add value to the lives of other societal members after the training. They should also be in a position to take up leadership roles available in the community and exercise their skills to inspire change and development within the community.

Second, the military academy should be able to involve all the internal stakeholders of the organization in rallying them to embrace change. Organizations are able to achieve success by ensuring that the employees, instructors and the heads of the academy comprehend the need for organizational development that is only achievable through the change process. According to Hoy & Hoy (2009), the internal stakeholders of an organization make up a group that has high influence on the implementation of changes.

The ability to reduce the ever-present resistance to change reflects high skills of the change agents to institute new ways of operating. Further, it is important to involve all the cadets who are the primary beneficiaries of the military training. The organization should adopt alternative methods of imparting leadership skills on an individual and involve the trainees in the development of the content with an aim of achieving even more improved outcomes (Michael et al., 2008).

The cadets ought to have full information regarding the objectives of the training and expectations of the instructors and the community. Lack of involvement of the cadets could result to impaired skills development and shift in the organizations goals.

Other stakeholders include both the federal and state governments whose influence is apparent. The military academy operates with the laws entrenched in the constitution and adopted by state authorities. Implementing far-reaching changes will therefore imply that the organization ought to be in line with the laws that govern the military training.

Besides, the state and federal government remain the major oversight bodies mandated to ensure that the process of MCJROTC achieves the national goals and is in line with the governments expectations. In addition, it is important to notice that the government formulates policies and rules that provides the schools with a framework to offer military training. Hoy & Hoy (2009) say that the change agents should be wary of a plan that distances the academy from the goals of the federal and state governments.

Finally, the change agents will include the instructors and heads of departments who have the mandate to inspire the process of change and improvement. Chester & Thomson (2003) explain that the change agents should motivate others to work together to improve the outcomes of the academy. They should also be in a position to employ their leadership skills and styles to achieve the objective with success.

Problem Diagnosis

The current problem within the academy should draw inspiration from continuous process of evaluation and assessment. This implies that the organization should evaluate the achievement regularly and possibly after very semester.

This is important since it provides a platform through which the change agents are able to make necessary changes and draw the academy closer to achievement of the goals. This is in terms of the implementation of training problem that helps the cadets to solve real life problems and improve the community welfare.

The assessment process for the entire four years since the recruitment of the cadets should draw comparison from the current situation. The disparity that exists between the aspired position and the current situation ought to reduce as the implementation of the changes gains momentum. This is in terms of recruitment procedures, content development and adherence to regulatory bodies and frameworks (Chester & Thomson, 2003). This will lead to amicable solutions to the apparent organizational needs and enhance improved outcomes.

Another aspect of the problem deals with designing the objectives of the military academy to match the expectations of the community. The expectations of the community are that the military will be in a position to train young people and equip them with the necessary skills to become responsible, respectful and knowledgeable citizens.

Deviation from these objectives should be a cause of alarm and should call for review of the outcomes envisaged by the academy. There should be a distinction in character and behavior of the graduates of the military academy and conventional graduates. The graduates of the school ought to exercise their acquired skills for personal and community development (Michael et al., 2008).

This should be the yardstick of evaluating other underlying problems exhibited in the organization. To that end, Stanislaus military academy ought to ensure that it strives to achieve this end to not only increase its reputation but also to provide the correct learning context that produces the desired behavior and character of the cadets.

Procedure of solving problem

At the outset, the organization should have a systematic way of resolving its outstanding issues. It ought to begin by getting a basic framework of understanding the expectations of the cadets and the community.

Chester & Thomson (2003) articulate that this is important since it helps the organization to design a change management process that addresses the issues raised by the stakeholders. If the stakeholders accent to the proposed move, Stanislaus should assume a strategy that coincides with the opinions, expectations and the desires of all stakeholders.

Secondly, the explication of the ways in which the proposed changes will affect the employees should be a mandatory process for the plan to achieve its goals. This helps the change agents to explain the idea behind any change process and ways that the organization stands to benefit from it.

This also reduces the risk of resistance to change which could challenge the implementation of the program. This is in light of the view that organizations internal stakeholders such as the employees and instructors have familiarized themselves with the routine of operating and it may take time for them to internalize the proposed changes (Chester & Thomson, 2003). Throughout this process, the change agents and leader should adopt appropriate leadership style typical of support and honesty. This is in addition to keeping all the stakeholders informed on progress that the organization has made regarding the changes.

Third, the organization should begin the implementation process where the review of the training content and manuals ought to begin. The academy should also upgrade the skills of the existing employees and instructors to suit the current training needs exhibited by the cadets.

The implementation phase may seem to be the most difficult stage of initiating change since practical changes begins to appear within the processes of the academy (Hoy & Hoy, 2009). Besides, it may lead to changes in skills development and other aspects of the employees who had familiarized themselves with the conventional routines, roles and duties.

Monitoring and evaluation is important to enhance the measurement of the objectives and the outcomes of the process of change (Michael et al., 2008). This continuous process utilizes scientific models and approach to analyze and interpret the change outcomes. Evaluating the gains and losses that the organization may have made is critical to appraise the change. This way, the organization is able to understand the effect of the changes and make possible changes where necessary.

References

Buchanan, D. & Huczynski, A. (2007). Organizational Behavior. London: Prentice Hall.

Chester, B. & Thomson, K. (2003). Organization and Management. New York: McGraw Hill Publishers.

Hoy, A., & Hoy, W. (2009). Instructional Leadership: A Research-Based Guide to Learning in Schools. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Michael, F., DiPaola, M. & Wayne K. (2008). Principals improving instruction: supervision, evaluation, and professional development. Mason OH: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon.