I used to think that too, but then I learned more. The issue is explored insightfuly in the recent mises.org podcast "The Problem with Standing Armies". https://mises.org/library/problem-standing-armies [EDIT] One thing not covered in the podcast is the unique situation the USA enjoys. It fields a network of sateliltes that can detect any ballistic missile launch, anywhere in the world, within seconds. No other country has that capability (Source Ray McGovern, ex-CIA). And thus, "The USA could be defended with a few good subs." - Ron Paul