I do believe a standing military may end up being a necessity; every time we end up gutting a country's ability to wage war or defend itself, they always end up exploited in some way or other with no way to defend themselves.

Japan is losing significant portions of its economy and manufacturing, even for luxury "fun" items, to China. Japan also has to suffer repeated threats from their North Korean neighbor, on a promise that we'll step in and defend them.

Tactically, a standing military makes a lot of sense -- provided, of course, that they have loyalty to the citizenry that they serve and that they aren't used to project force where it shouldn't.

For a current example: All of our significant peers across the globe have a standing military of some stature, while our fellow citizens are refusing to be a part of the one we have because our government (including military leadership) have caused us to lose trust and faith in this government and military.

While that's going on, they work hard on stripping us of weapons every way they can while dividing us by race, sex, etc. which also makes us vulnerable.

Having a standing military -- in theory -- reduces the vulnerabilities posed by a populace so divided and partially disarmed.

I do believe a standing military may end up being a necessity; every time we end up gutting a country's ability to wage war or defend itself, they always end up exploited in some way or other with no way to defend themselves.

Japan is losing significant portions of its economy and manufacturing, even for luxury "fun" items, to China. Japan also has to suffer repeated threats from their North Korean neighbor, on a promise that we'll step in and defend them.

Tactically, a standing military makes a lot of sense -- provided, of course, that they have loyalty to the citizenry that they serve and that they aren't used to project force where it shouldn't.