Not declined military, but there have been a real significant shift to special forces. I think these groups will still be utilized for foreign industry interest. It’s pretty effective.
Ironically, assuming we don’t destroy our own infrastructure, a modern police state might better fit for the lionshare of US military. Lack of infrastructure and basic services were a huge part of the reconstruction or whatever failing in both states. Plus air superiority just comes free.
Anti-insurgency and occupation are really the only thing the military at large has proved itself capable of supporting.
I don’t think we have the capacity to invade hold, and strip mine Venezuela, but with Europe looking East, I guess we could shift to a wartime economy and make it a project.
I cruised reddit the other day and was surprised at the boomer sexism all over the page.