--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If we have the intent to use the military…" description: "\"If we have the intent to use the military only when needed, then that also becomes, then, therefore, a credible deterrent.\" — Jack Keane" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/531/jack-keane-8492_becomes_if-we-have-the-intent-to-use-the-militar_2367529.jpg" --- # If we have the intent to use the military only when… ![“If we have the intent to use the military only when needed, then that also becomes, then, therefore, a credible deterrent.” quote by Jack Keane](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/531/jack-keane-8492_becomes_if-we-have-the-intent-to-use-the-militar_2367529.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/531/jack-keane-8492_becomes_if-we-have-the-intent-to-use-the-militar_2367529.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/531/jack-keane-8492_becomes_if-we-have-the-intent-to-use-the-militar_2367529.jpg) > “If we have the intent to use the military only when needed, then that also becomes, then, therefore, a credible deterrent.” [Jack Keane](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jack-keane/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Using the military only when necessary creates a credible deterrent by showing restraint and readiness. **In simple terms:** Limited use of force builds deterrence. Key Takeaway Apply restraint to strengthen deterrence. Themes defense deterrence military policy Mood strategic analytical Type military political When to use this quote - national security planning - policy briefings - military training - international negotiations Key Concepts strategic restraint credibility security doctrine Questions to Reflect On - When is restraint insufficient? - How to balance deterrence with diplomatic efforts? A Different Perspective Overreliance on deterrence may invite aggression. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Intent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intent/) ## Related quotes > [One cannot fashion a credible deterrent out of an incredible action.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-mcnamara/one-cannot-fashion-a-credible-deterrent-out-of-an-incredible-action/) [Robert McNamara](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-mcnamara/) > [Mitt has a ton of consultants, and not one of them thought he needed a credible answer on Bain or taxes?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-steyn/mitt-has-a-ton-of-consultants-and-not-one-of-them-thought-he-needed-a/) [Mark Steyn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-steyn/) > [I wanted to curate a cosmetics line for years, but it needed to be credible and a game-changer of sorts, something that women around…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shakti-mohan/i-wanted-to-curate-a-cosmetics-line-for-years-but-it-needed-to-be/) [Shakti Mohan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/shakti-mohan/) > [Any time you use military force, you have got to have a clear purpose that military forces can achieve.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-n-haass/any-time-you-use-military-force-you-have-got-to-have-a-clear-purpose/) [Richard N. 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