Should U.S. military be world's 800 pound gorilla?

The debate on how the military should be used in Iraq is one where several sides seem to have a point, yet all of them don't solve the problem, and in some cases make new problems. But the real question being debated is this: How should the military be used now and in the future.

The neo-hawks want the military to be like the 800 pound gorilla in the room, able to reach out and put right any wrongs in the world, stop any anti-USA movement anywhere in the world, and basically enforcing its beliefs on the world. This requires taking actions anywhere in the world, necessitating a large force and large DOD budgets. This group is basically GOP members like Senators Graham and McCain, but may also include Hillary Clinton. Is this really what most Americans want?

There are those on the other side of the spectrum that think it's time to pull back and take care of America first. Although not complete isolationists, this group believes that only a direct attack on America or an attack on something in its national interest, like an attack on an ally like Israel or a NATO nation, would mean military action is required. DOD budgets would go down, but yes, the military would become less powerful world-wide. Proponents of this style of military preparedness would include Senator Rand Paul and some far-left representatives in the House. Is this what most American want?

The third way of thinking of military power is the most middle-of-the-road way, but the one hardest to define. It basically says that the military must be strong enough to defend itself and also strong enough to help friends out when needed, but mustn't unilaterally take actions in areas of the world America isn't directly attacked. This is the nebulous world where some crises can be acted upon, with the help of others, and others can't, especially if countries in the area refuse to act. This is a gray area in many ways, including costs. Proponents for this style of military actions include President Obama. Is this what most Americans want?

It's hard to know what kind of military most Americans want since we've never had this debate. Isn't it time we had that debate?