Meaning: The quote by Stephen Cambone, a former United States Department of Defense official, refers to the driving factors behind the evolution and transformation of the military. Cambone, who served as the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence during the George W. Bush administration, highlights the significant impact of combat experience in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as the ongoing demands of the global war on terrorism, as the primary factors influencing the development of the military.

The combat experience of two major campaigns, namely those in Afghanistan and Iraq, has undoubtedly played a crucial role in shaping the modern military landscape. The conflicts in these countries presented unique challenges and necessitated the adaptation of military strategies, tactics, and technologies to effectively address the complex and evolving nature of warfare in the 21st century.

The war in Afghanistan, which began in 2001 in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks, required the deployment of military forces to combat insurgent groups such as the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. The rugged terrain, asymmetric warfare tactics, and the need to engage in nation-building efforts all contributed to a shift in military doctrine and capabilities. Similarly, the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and the subsequent insurgency and sectarian violence further tested the adaptability and resilience of the military.

The experiences gained from these conflicts have undoubtedly influenced the way in which the military approaches future operations, from the development of counter-insurgency strategies to the integration of new technologies and the emphasis on cultural awareness and understanding in military training and education.

Furthermore, Cambone's reference to the ongoing demands of the global war on terrorism underscores the enduring nature of the challenges faced by the military in combating non-state actors and extremist groups. The evolving threat landscape, characterized by the proliferation of transnational terrorist networks and the emergence of new forms of asymmetric warfare, has compelled the military to continuously adapt and innovate in order to effectively address these threats.

In response to the changing nature of warfare and the challenges posed by terrorism, military organizations have undergone significant transformations in terms of doctrine, organization, and capabilities. This has involved not only the acquisition of advanced weapons systems and technologies but also a shift towards more agile and networked forms of warfare, as well as a greater emphasis on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities to counter unconventional threats.

Moreover, the global nature of the war on terrorism has necessitated greater cooperation and coordination among allied nations, leading to the development of multinational task forces, joint exercises, and information-sharing arrangements to enhance the collective ability to address common security challenges.

In conclusion, Stephen Cambone's quote encapsulates the multifaceted influences that have shaped the modern military, from the lessons learned in the crucible of combat in Afghanistan and Iraq to the ongoing imperatives of countering terrorism on a global scale. The evolving nature of warfare and the complex security environment have driven the military to adapt, innovate, and transform in order to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The experiences of combat and the imperatives of the war on terrorism continue to shape the evolution of military capabilities, strategies, and operations, ensuring that the armed forces remain prepared and effective in addressing the dynamic and ever-changing threats to global security.