In formulating national military strategy, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff derives guidance from the national security strategy articulated by the President and from the Bottom-Up Review conducted by the Secretary of Defense. The National Security Strategy of Engagement and Enlargement emphasizes worldwide engagement and the enlargement of the community of free market democracies. Challenges to our global interests did not disappear with the end of the Cold War. Today we face a world in which threats are widespread and uncertain, and where conflict is probably, but too often unpredictable. Overseas presence takes the form of both permanently stationed forces and forces temporarily deployed abroad. Being ready to fight and win the Nation's wars remains our foremost responsibility and the prime consideration governing all our military activities. This ability serves as the ultimate guarantor of our vital interests and is the fundamental reason that our Nation has raised and sustained its military forces. The core requirement of our strategy as laid out in the Bottom- Up Review is a force capable of fighting and winning two major regional conflicts nearly simultaneously. The national military strategy of flexible and selective engagement addresses the challenges and opportunities of the next century. US global responsibilities require global capabilities, despite a regional focus in implementing the strategy. We must apply all our strengths and work with allies and friends to assure stability in a troubled and complex world. This means our smaller forces must be made stronger and more versatile but remain built on the same strong foundation of outstanding people.