The standing Military came about in 1947. Beforehand, the US was suspicious of such militaries. Because of WWI, WWII and Communism, a standing military was born.
Today, there are nukes, "just warfare," and terrorism; wars in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan all showed the futility of permanent, standing armies. $550billion/year is waste when no Nazis are in France.
Biggest US challenges are domestic. Economy sluggish, hurricanes devastating, violence, drugs and disunity show today's needs are disciplined, domestic focus, and national unity.
We must:
1. Move military personnel to National Guard-(same ability, 20% the cost)
2. Require 18 yr olds to enlist in NG for a yr of service
3. Make mental wellness, and active, NG representation, requirements for household gun ownership