The purpose of a military is to defend and aggress. (I don't know if aggress is a word, but even if it wasn't, it is now.) As McG of H so aptly pointed out, economic warfare supported by a military presence is a mighty powerful reminder to everyone that the Golden Rule is at work in our world. He who has the gold makes the rules. Clauswitz was clear that a purpose of the military is to both protect and project a country's foreign policy. The days of Gunboat Diplomacy are not over.