--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We need a smaller and elite military, as…" description: "\"We need a smaller and elite military, as [Donald]Rumsfeld said - and also a smaller and elite foreign policy.\" — Ron Paul" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e76/ron-paul-686_elites_we-need-a-smaller-and-elite-military-as_2646884.png" --- # We need a smaller and elite military, as \[Donald\]Rumsfeld… ![“We need a smaller and elite military, as [Donald]Rumsfeld said - and also a smaller and elite foreign policy.” quote by Ron Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e76/ron-paul-686_elites_we-need-a-smaller-and-elite-military-as_2646884.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e76/ron-paul-686_elites_we-need-a-smaller-and-elite-military-as_2646884.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e76/ron-paul-686_elites_we-need-a-smaller-and-elite-military-as_2646884.png) > “We need a smaller and elite military, as \[Donald\]Rumsfeld said - and also a smaller and elite foreign policy.” [Ron Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ron-paul/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A smaller, elite military and foreign policy are needed for efficiency and effectiveness. **In simple terms:** Advocate for lean elite forces. Key Takeaway Support elite, efficient institutions. Themes defense efficiency elitism Mood analytical strategic Type political policy When to use this quote - budget planning - policy reform - strategic planning Key Concepts political theory military strategy Questions to Reflect On - How to balance elite capability with democratic oversight? - What are the risks of a reduced force? A Different Perspective Elite forces may lack broad representation. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Elite Military](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/elite-military-2317239/) [Elites](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/elites/) [Foreign policy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/foreign-policy/) [Military](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/military/) [Needs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/needs/) [Policy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/policy/) [Rumsfeld Said](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rumsfeld-said-2057120/) [Said](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/said/) [Said Smaller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/said-smaller-2317240/) [Smaller Elite](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/smaller-elite-1993704/) ## Related quotes > [The work that is truly productive is the domain of a steadily smaller and more elite fraction of humanity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/vernor-vinge/the-work-that-is-truly-productive-is-the-domain-of-a-steadily-smaller/) [Vernor Vinge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/vernor-vinge/) > [Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld said any assumption that the US would not use force against North Korea would be a mistake. 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They can't create anything, they never have. 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