Military-Industrial-(Congressional) Complex

President of the United States (and former General of the Army) Dwight D. Eisenhower used the term listed above in his Farewell Address to the Nation on January 17, 1961. In part he urged us

"...In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist..."

It is important to note that in the penultimate draft of the address, Eisenhower initially used the term military-industrial-congressional complex and thus indicated the essential role that the United States Congress plays in the propagation of the military industry. The President chose to strike the word congressional in order to placate members of the legislative branch of the federal government.

Others have noted that the "Power Elite" class of military, business, and political leaders, driven by mutual interests, were the real leaders of the state and were effectively beyond democratic control.

All of this creates confusion and uncertainty for most people who are trying to decide which direction our country should move. Perhaps what we do or say has no real meaning whichever direction we move. Still, we are asked to choose, regardless of political games, what is best in our opinion.