Meaning: The quote, "All forces are a deterrent to and would be employed in a general war. Most of our forces could be employed in a limited war, if required," by Thomas Gates, Jr., is a reflection of the strategic thinking and military doctrine prevalent during the Cold War era. Thomas Gates, Jr. was a prominent public servant who served as the Secretary of Defense under President Dwight D. Eisenhower from 1959 to 1961. His statement encapsulates the prevailing mindset of military preparedness and the utilization of forces in the context of global conflict.

During the Cold War, the world was locked in a tense geopolitical standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union, characterized by ideological, political, and military rivalry. This period was marked by the development of nuclear weapons, the proliferation of military alliances such as NATO and the Warsaw Pact, and the constant threat of a potential global conflict. In this context, the notion of deterrence played a central role in shaping military strategies and actions.

Gates' assertion that "All forces are a deterrent to and would be employed in a general war" reflects the belief that a strong and capable military posture serves as a deterrent to potential adversaries. The idea was that the possession and readiness to use military forces would dissuade any hostile actions by other nations, thereby maintaining peace through the implicit threat of retaliation. This concept of deterrence was central to the strategic thinking of the time and influenced defense policies and military planning.

Furthermore, Gates' statement that "Most of our forces could be employed in a limited war, if required" acknowledges the possibility of conflicts that fall short of a full-scale global war. During the Cold War, there were numerous regional and proxy conflicts that erupted in various parts of the world, such as the Korean War and the Vietnam War. In these instances, the United States and its allies were confronted with the challenge of responding to limited military engagements without escalating into a full-blown global conflict.

The idea that "most of our forces could be employed in a limited war" underscores the flexibility and adaptability of military capabilities to address diverse challenges. It suggests that the military was structured and equipped to respond to a spectrum of potential threats, ranging from large-scale wars to smaller, localized conflicts. This approach aligned with the understanding that the nature of warfare was evolving and that the United States needed to be prepared to engage in a variety of scenarios.

In summary, Thomas Gates, Jr.'s quote encapsulates the prevailing military thinking during the Cold War, emphasizing the dual roles of deterrence and readiness for limited conflict. It reflects the strategic imperative of maintaining a strong military posture to deter adversaries while also being prepared to address a range of potential military challenges. The quote serves as a reminder of the complex and multifaceted nature of military strategy and the imperative of being prepared for a wide array of potential scenarios during a period of global tension and uncertainty.