Weinberger Doctrine: The Uses of Military Power

Caspar Weinberger | U.S. Department of Defense | 1984-11-18

In his speech at the National Press Club in Washington D.C. on Nov. 28, 1984, Caspar Weinberger outlined six major tests to be applied when weighing the use of U.S. combat forces abroad. His views offered a more restrained strategy for the future use of American military force. Weinberger's doctrine, which had strong support among the uniformed military, was later tied to Colin Powell in 1992, who was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Powell's views kept the same line of thinking: the consequences of military action must be carefully considered.