Militarism and American Culture 

Hi Im Luis Thank you very much for the quick response. I honestly didn’t expect a 24 minute response. Keep up the great work!

A taco truck on every corner and a pho shop across the street. The American dream right there.

Ryan: “I’m not a big thinker.” Also Ryan: *gives well thought out and easily understandable answer*

You would be surprised at how many of those anti-military types suddenly didn't want that base in their town to close.

On the transition from isolationism to the modern day. The historian Michael Neiberg has a book called 'When France Fell' detailing this. We stuck to our splendid isolationism behind a French shield - both colonial and in Europe. That evaporated in the US minds with newsreels of Hitler visiting Paris in July 1940. We then passed the Two Ocean Navy Act that same month - unanimously(!!!) - in both houses of Congress after just a single hour of debate. This was a 3600% increase in naval builds which would make the US Navy as the largest fleet on the planet, TO EXCEED ALL OTHERS COMBINED. As a country, we always overreact. The USSR put a metal grapefruit into space for three weeks. We responded by hosting six buddy-beach parties on the moon, three of them with dune buggies, and one with a golf tee-shot that likely is still orbiting.

I think one thing that is missed is that a civilian's notion of what the military actually is and does is shaped by television. Civilians view everything we do through a lens that distorts things far beyond reality. That distortion is amplified 100 fold for foreigners who don't understand our country or our people but still consume our media.

@ryanmcbeth . I am an educated liberal who was a kid during the Vietnam war. Many people like me changed attitudes completely because of the Ukraine war. I came up disrespecting the military because of so many, in my opinion, poor policy decisions by the USA during my lifetime. My Dad however, served in WWII. The bravery of Ukrainian soldiers, the righteousness of their cause, and their ability to inspire the world, has transformed my feelings about soldiers and my interest in geopolitics.

As a veteran myself, when people thank me for my service, I usually reply "It was an honor and a privelege to server our nation." I appreciate where they're coming from, but honestly, I don't view my time of service as anything special. I wouldn't trade it for the world, and it helped make me the person I am today, but I didn't do anything spectacular or special. The VA loan is probably (besides the GI Bill) the biggest benefit most veterans receive. No down payment, plus no PMI (which adds a few hundred to your mortgage payment for a few years), balanced by a slightly higher rate and a 2 point something loan funding fee (the first time, 3.3% on subsequent uses last time I did it). And the VA assessors are very strict - had to pass up a couple of opportunities because the VA assessor didn't agree wtih the asking price. I bought my current house 7 years ago, though I refinanced it as a conventional loan at the height of Covid (opportunity for a lower rate, plus it frees up my VA loan to use again at a later time without having to sell my current property).

The flyover video is here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-lznBG35Wf1s.html Oops! I said that America's Defense Budget was $363 million per year - I mean Billion. The questions asked were: * How the Military is viewed and treated, * How its service members are viewed, * How that culture plays into recruiting. * But also how it changed while I was in before, during and after * How prevalent is anti military rhetoric? * Do you see Ukraine changing peoples views of the US Military? * How did the Monroe doctrine and a isolationist approach to foreign policy turn into the modern US interventionist policy. * How did Events like 9/11 and the policy changes it brought change the culture and militarism * Why is the US socially so militaristic and why people cheer for fly overs, root for the Army football team and thank veterans for their service in stores. * Last but not least I would like to know why you joined. For uncensored video, check out my substack at: ryanmcbeth.substack.com Like my shirts? Get your own at: www.bunkerbranding.com/pages/ryan-mcbeth Want a personalized greeting: www.cameo.com/ryanmcbeth Watch all of my long form videos: ru-vid.com/group/PLt670_P7pOGmLWZG78JlM-rG2ZrpPziOy Twitter: @ryanmcbeth Instagram: @therealryanmcbeth BlueSky @ryanmcbeth Reddit: /r/ryanmcbeth Join the conversation: discord.gg/pKuGDHZHrz Want to send me something? Ryan McBeth Productions LLC 8705 Colesville Rd. Suite 249 Silver Spring, MD 20910 USA

Nice video. I’m a Navy Vietnam Vet, very liberal, gun owner and feel very similar to you about our country and the military. I love your “fruit salad” analogy about our culture. Very creative. Also like you I got a masters degree with the GI Bill. I’m also weierded out by the thank you for my service stuff. I considered it an obligation and an honor. And when I returned the taxpayers of Ohio gave me a nice cash bonus for my service. So thank you all US and Ohio taxpayers for your contribution for my easy return to civilian life.

Ryan, I have been a viwer of yours for a number of years. This Q&A just reminds me that you are the quintessential TRUTH TELLER -- profound respects. If only more people were as thoughtful & reasonable as you we wouldn't be in the political morass we are now. Thanks again.

I joined the Army to get myself out of poverty, growing up with a disabled single father that could only work 20 hours a week, we were on a lot of government assistance and lived in a trailer. I had a 93 on the ASVAB and could have done anything. I for some reason thought being a Ranger was cool and got 11x with the 40 option. Did all the things, became a Ranger in 3/75, deployed 4 times, and was Med Boarded and got out after 8 years. It got me out of poverty, at least...

Ryan, defense industry guy here. Your figure for defense spending is grossly inaccurate to the tune of less than half of what the real value is. Pentagon budget is more like over 800 billion for fiscal 23. I also want to point out that I agree that defense contractor profit margins are largely misunderstood by the general public, however the way that affects Congress is a little different from what you present. A big draw for elective representatives is the manufacturing jobs that defense production creates, as such jobs can't be shipped overseas. This creates as big, if not bigger an incentive for elected representatives to carefully consider defense spending as it affects their districts.

"Oh I'm not any intellectual guy, not a history major...." Proceds to provide not only to provide a pretty accurate history lesson, but provides context. I think if you have any shortcoming is perhaps a bit *too* optimistic about why we do things, I think Beau of the 5th Column said it best, "international relatiions is a poker game where everyone is cheating." We do things primarily to advance our national interests and maintain or increase our power in relation to others, this is something *every* country does. Sometimes that also aligns w/ it being the right thing to do and we're better positioned than most to spare the resources and manpower to do good.

Regarding the term: "Military-Industrail Complex." It seems that Ike had originally intended to use "Military-Industrial-Congressional Complex". Which makes more sense since that third leg is required to provide the government funding.

It was truly nice that you spent the time and thought for this. I really enjoyed watching. Thank you!

“Having my morning coffee and a cigar.” You’re a Beast, Ryan !!

Just on the Monroe doctrine point a lot of Americans aren’t aware the Monroe doctrine was tightly worked on WITH Britain (specifically foreign secretary George Canning). The statement itself basically put a bar on NEW colonies but Monroe himself specifically said they’d not interfere in the affairs of existing colonies. Thus the falklands were effectively grandfathered in as they were a long held colony of Britain. Thus when Argentina invaded it wouldn’t have caused issue with the existing doctrine.

I think the Apple vs Lockheed comparison isn't valid. They're gonna invite Lockheed first, because having Lockheed bid a program out of your district will bring meaningful economic growth to your district. Or in the opposite might wreck your district if jobs move out. "Lockheed moved the missle plant but we got an Apple store!" isnt a great reelection message.

Man ... I come home everyday after work to these gems ... Thank you Ryan

As a Vietnam era baby boomer, I was drafted five times, continually hounded until I was finally inducted and then rejected for health reasons and all of that (in addition the Vietnam war) gave me a pretty deep dislike of the military (or at least what I thought the military was). Then I did a project at Fort Irwin, the national training center, where we spent a lot of time with soldiers being trained and the opposing force who were training them. I also got to fire the main gun in a Bradly and drive along in a tank attack racing across the desert. Wesley Clark was the commander at the time. This showed me that being in the military was actually a very demanding profession and that soldiers and officers were just Americans doing a hard job and a pretty important job too. I completely changed my mind. But draft aged baby boomers would have developed a fairly negative attitude about the military generally, depending on which side of the cultural divide they were on.

Continue the good work, Ryan. 😊

I just love listening to somebody who is honest, straight up and just a normal good guy, not to mention actually knows a lot about what he's talking about. Excellent video thank you

I beleive this is the first time I have caught one of your posts in the first minute. I'm excited to watch the video, I'm sure it'll be solid as always.

Gen xer here. Ultimately, the military is controlled by politicians. A mostly positive for the military and how it is perceived. Military is important for the nation just like every other element of the federal government.

You're such a cool guy for doing this man!

Ryan, that was an excellent Q&A response and critique.

This is my favorite video of yours, Ryan. And I’ve watched most of your videos for the last 18 months and generally enjoy them. You should do more in this format, speaking naturally and off thecough. It’s your best work.

"You know, in America pa t r i o t i s m is not considered a bad thing." The point is many Americans do not even remotely comprehend the difference between patriotism and nationalism.

6:57 My grandfather served in Vietnam and something he has repeatedly told me is that he wasn't thanked for his service until the 2000s by anyone. Government or otherwise, and it had a profound effect on his own perception of his service.

Thank you very much for being so considerate of the community . We love you Ryan :D!

Thanks for video Ryan looking forward to the next one.

The US Defense budget is much more than $363 billion. In FY2022, the administration request was $715 billion. In FY 2023 there was no budget, everything was funded by continuing resolutions, so the military funding was $782 billion. The FY 2024 request was $842 billion, and the FY 2025 request was $849 billion. That's much more than $363 billion. It's the largest chunk of the discretionary federal budget (Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are called mandatory spending because the laws that created them are supposed to provide for funding them even when Congress doesn't want to, while discretionary spending must be approved by Congress every fiscal year).

"At a friend's house" The real question Ryan, is if she's cute.

Thanks for such a great response. This video had such a positive human aspect to it, and turned out very well. 👍🏼

This is a great video! Thank you Ryan.

I was in the US Navy from 1972-1978. caught the tail end of Viet Nam. Nobody said thankyou, I gravitated to my older vet friends. Its changed, I think for the better……..

Where's my USA with a taco truck on every corner..? I feel cheated now...

Great video Ryan! Thanks for such honesty, I am sure he got an A+ with you as a resource!

Thank you Ryan. That was insightful, intelligent and I enjoyed listening.

This is the kind of content I enjoy. I appreciate you taking the time to do things like this.

Incredibly great episode Ryan ! Ever since 9/11 there has been this idea that if you don't follow the militaristic culture you're "anti-american" . I tell those people I just don't blindly call people heroes, I respect the military greatly and give credit when due. At least where I live it's mostly Nationalism you can't have any critical thought when it comes to the military, police or anything related the wars after 9/11. Most of these people I speak of go nuts when someone kneels during the national anthem and call it disrespectful . Even a certain entertainer call kneeling during the national anthem disrespectful to the flag, but then the same person takes the American flag cuts holes in it and wears it as a poncho, and nothing is said how this actually flag desecration .

You're a good teacher, thanks for always sharing with us

Thank you for making this

As someone who was both a Marine & is pretty left leaning on most issues I don't understand why Liberals/Progressives have beef. We literally live the 'Socialist Dream' of universal healthcare, housing and education/training. While a lot of folks join for economic reasons or to just get out of their own personal dead ends, a lot join up as a sense of duty to something greater. You would think that folks who insist that we think more than about ourselves would value that more. 'Hardcore' leftists are even worse, but for a bunch that preach about the coming Revolution its remarkable that they know pissall about firearms, discipline, tactics logistics or security. I do not think they understand just how much they are at a disadvantage when they refuse expertise because folks don't meet their idea of ideological purity.

From Canada, love your vids Ryan. I wish we had more militarism.

You were a good instructor in the army and you are still a good instructor. Very good. Thanks.

Love this format, "Ryan and you having an educated, casual discussion about X over cigars rocks."

Hey Ryan 🗣🔥🔥

The military-industrial complex does not refer to materiel alone: "Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children."

Thank you for sharing your experiences, insights and perspective. Always enjoyable.

Love that your thumbnail is the Iwo memorial at MCBH Kbay

Almost 30 min vid?!?!? HELL YEAH

i am afraid you were wrong about vetnam era vets. I was spit on and had rocks thrown at me as a vetnam era vet for being a vet. It was not a movie thing. Itwas not just lazy writing. It happened. It happened to me!

That was cool that the kid reached out to you and also that you answered it

That comment along the lines of “being in Vietnam one day, and on that freedom bird back to the States the next” perfectly encapsulates how I felt when I came back from Afghanistan. Felt like I completely changed dimensions and no one except my friends I was there with would even acknowledge it, let alone understand it.

12:20 "Military-Industrial Complex" appears to have been replaced with "Defense Industrial Base." I guess someone called Dibs. But I think it's not fair to refer to the MIC term as lazy thinking or used by "people with low critical thinking skills." It was used by President Eisenhower, former SACEUR, after all. There may be a technical difference between MIC and DIB, perhaps with the MIC referring to the revolving door between defence contractors and the military and influencing Congress all for the purpose of enriching weapons-makers by building and fielding specific weapons systems, whereas the DIB may refer to the larger concept of a maintaining an economy and building all manner of necessary equipment and feeder stock for a total-war concept, including coal, steel, microchips, ships, trains, trucks, instead of just fighter jets, tanks, and artillery shells.

I'm really glad to hear you debunk the 'spitting on Vietnam returnees' thing. I can't tell you how often I've gotten roasted for saying what you said. Thanks for that. I've heard some vets saying they either saw it happen, or had it happen to them. It'd be interesting to hear you take that kind of Acquired Memory phenomenon and put it together with disinformation efforts. (not trying to be your assignment editor or anything - just a suggestion)

Enjoyed your answers and content. Thanks

Its a nice format of a q & a.

I don't know where you got the idea that returning Vietnam Veterans getting spit on was a myth. Have you actually talked to veterans about it?

Actually I had a bag of urine thrown on me in Aug 1989 at San Francisco international twenty feet from the USO. Treated incredibly well everywhere else in the USA. Every generation has joined in my family tree. Anti American military and anti USA I have heard quite a bit in certain areas especially in upper education working for several universities. Also thank you for your content, I love your perspective on events.

Great topic and discussion

Thanks for the hard work, I really like your view.

Non-American here. America doesn't have those grand annual military parades of military might like in China, Russia and NK etc. They'd rather spend the money to train and speak softly with the biggest stick. When Trump was suggesting doing this kind of parade I thought it was the most un-American in character act. Had it of occurred I think it would've completely altered my perception and confidence of what America is.

Had some non-citizens in my unit. Much respect to each and every one that ever went through with that.

Thanks for sharing… you’ve got a balanced perspective that we need more of.

Great topic! 🍻🫡

Leaving for Army BCT in about a half hour here, cool video to leave with!

Man, I feel like buying a T-shirt is my patriotic duty after that hilarious plug

Thanks, Ryan, that was really interesting.

Excellent presentation !!!!

I'm Gen x, an army vet, and have kicked someone from my house for calling all military soldiers "baby killers". While in the military many of the civilians in town preyed on service members to exploit them financially, but was also true when in college and the locals preyed on students.

What’s scary about taco trucks? Does he want us to fear tacos?

Nice video, Ryan. I like the freestyle free-wheelin' format. Not too many charts to bamboozle me. Just listen to THE MAN. That's you.

I relate to every word of this in one way or another... great video

The perception that America is a militarist society is strange, you get the sense that some people live on a different planet.

When I served in the Sixties we were disrespected because of Vietnam.

Ryan you spoke many truths today. Thanks Brother.

Solid video! Would love to see more like it in the future.

Happy April Fool's Day

I live in California. Thankfully, we have a taco truck in every corner. 🌮

Ryan, You found your calling. Breaking down complicated stuff for the "average Joe/Jane" with your truly unique (🤗) and authentic style.It's a gift few knowledgeable people have to transmit information blended with personal experience. Helping Luis with his paper made a difference in these crazy times.Thank you for your service.😏

Great stuff, though we want to add to your thoughts on the Military-Industrial Complex. It's not lazy thinking, but most have a misunderstanding of what Eisenhower meant. His first draft called it the Military-Industrial-Congressional Complex. It has been a consolation of companies yes, but not consolidation of manufacturing locations and subcontractors. For example the JDAM's component's manufacturing is spread out across 22 primary suppliers across the US. Also, if a congressperson has a manufacturing plant in their district, they are incentivized to keep it open despite the Pentagon’s need’s assessment. For example a few years ago the Pentagon said it didn’t need that many new M1 Abrams tanks, but the congress people who had manufacturing plants in their districts pushed the Pentagon to continue to buy them at high enough quantities to keep those plants open. It’s even more nuanced than that when it comes to supply chain dependencies and such. Please let’s not gloss over how complex and prevalent the Military-Industrial-Congressional Complex is.

We're gonna have Taco Trucks at every corner? Don't threaten me with a good time!

"We're the good guys and we'll stop the bad guys... except if they have nukes, then we'll avoid direct confrontation at all cost"

Very Nice - Thanks!

One of your best videos

Wait, do Europeans actually think that patriotism is a form of militarism? Why? Just because we aren't ashamed of our armed forces like they are?

As a german that studies german History specifically Military History. it is fascinating to see how Militaristic the US is yet, that is exactly what the allies wanted to rip that very Military Culture out of Germany. this thing always bothered me that they weren't really looking at the real reasons why Germany could go on such a dark path in the first place. yet French Militarism, which was just destructive as the German counterpart was never touched. note i am not defending what germany did during 1933-45, yet that also doesn't come from the Military culture, it comes from elsewhere. you can see that the best when you look at WW1 and 1870/71 how different germany was doing war and was handling it. (also note how France declared war because the emperor of france felt insulted by a telegram, not a very legitimate casus belli if you ask me) most notably the difference in WW1 occupation of Poland and compare that with the WW2, like i said above the latter outcome doesn't come from Militarism but from how WW1 was ended, the treaty and France actions especially the Occupation of the Ruhr Area and other pressures on the new Republic, really played into extremist hands....

Really,really enjoyed your treat ment of the questions.

Thanks for the information

Ahhhh… WWII didn’t touch us? Pearl Harbor? People were given ration cards… 25% of pilots were not coming back… God forbid the Marine loses… Seems we did the heavy lifting and that cannot be described as ‘not being affected.’ Love you dude. You are the best.

The military industrial complex are corporations that will say whatever will work to build more weapons if the USA needs them or not: specifically to generate profit. As an Aerospace engineer, I saw it…as a nerd, I had some really cool stuff to work on. 🚀

What incredible questions!

Hey Ryan, you’re awesome 👏

I understand and support being grateful to soldiers and military personnel. They deserve it. But the level of adulation and adoration for anything military and the unquestioning readines to pump even more money in the military is definitely NOT healthy. You need to learn to distinguish and differentiate among the person who came back broken from Iraq, Afghanistan etc., and the military-industrial complex (that IS a thing) that sent them there. And both right-wingers and leftists need to learn this.

US Patriotism is super performative though - waving flags and chanting an pledge every morning in schools. It comes out to a lot of "my country, right or wrong." Real deep, serious patriotism is trying to measurably improve the country you're in. It is calling out failings and flaws and trying to fix them. Obviously not a super simple thing in a democratic system that has a lot of differing groups and opinions.

The ending of the videos are awesome