**Title: Understanding the Military and Intelligence in U.S. Foreign Policy**
**Synopsis:**
This lesson focused on the roles of the military and intelligence community in the formulation and execution of U.S. foreign policy. The objectives were to explore the historical development, organizational structure, and influence of these institutions, as well as their impact on major events like the 2003 Iraq War.
**Attendance:**
– No specific number of absent students was mentioned in the transcript.
**Topics Covered:**
1. *Introduction to Military’s Role in Foreign Policy:*
– Historical expansion post-World War II.
– Shift from isolationism to interventionism.
– Creation of the Department of Defense and Joint Chiefs of Staff (National Security Act of 1947).
– Civilian control and chain of command.
2. *Legal and Institutional Changes:*
– Goldwater-Nichols Act of 1986 and its impact.
– Congressional authorization and AUMF (Authorization for Use of Military Force).
3. *Military Strategy and Impact on Foreign Policy:*
– Case study analysis of the 2003 Iraq War.
– Strategic planning, congressional approval, and impact on U.S. foreign policy.
4. *Intelligence Community’s Role:*
– Brief mention of the CIA and NSA.
– Historical context of their creation post-World War II.
– Planned continuation of the topic after spring break.
**Actionable Items:**
– *Post-Lesson Reflection:*
– Review and possibly address the pacing of the lesson, as some topics were rushed.
– Consider the students’ engagement and understanding of complex topics like the 2003 Iraq War.
– *Preparation for Next Class:*
– Plan to continue the discussion on the intelligence community’s role in U.S. foreign policy.
**Homework:**
– Students are encouraged to watch a recommended YouTube video that discusses the intelligence community, to prepare for the next class after spring break.