Clausewitz said, "War is politics by other means."
I'll go with Clausewitz, he knows more of the subject than does Limbaugh. Soldiers are tools of the politicians and what they do is either good or bad in direct relationship to the politicians who send them on their tasks.
Canadians are great soldiers, but their political leaders do not care much for soldiering and like to think of themselves as great peacekeepers making the world safe for backpackers.
Americans have the world's greatest Army (and other services as well), but we have politicians who are at best mediocre and at worst a bunch of incompetent, corrupt goons. They are particularly adept at misusing the American military.
Centurion316 and Feckless:
I support Feckless on the “purpose” of a military is to leave a pile of rubble. Japan and Germany are both examples. “Meals on wheels” is fine, AFTER SURRENDER!
I support Centurion’s last paragraph whole heartedly!