Final answer:
Former President Kennedy's purpose in discussing the expenditure on weapons was to highlight his approach to augmenting defense capabilities while attempting to reduce the risk of nuclear warfare, not to advocate for unchecked military spending. His 'Flexible Response' strategy aimed at expanding strategic options beyond nuclear retaliation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Analyzing the passage pertaining to former President Kennedy's expenditure on weapons, it appears that the purpose of the passage is to elucidate Kennedy's approach to defense spending during the Cold War, particularly in relation to the accumulation of nuclear arsenals and the development of Special Forces.
Based on historical context, option b) To caution against excessive spending on weapons might be seen as most aligned with Kennedy's demonstrable concerns and actions in regards to military spending, as well as President Eisenhower's warning against the military-industrial complex. Kennedy's increase in military spending, specifically in the realms of conventional forces and Special Forces, was part of his 'Flexible Response' doctrine. This approach was aimed at providing the United States with more strategic options than mere nuclear retaliation, thus reducing the risk of nuclear war. Furthermore, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, Kennedy demanded the removal of Soviet missiles from Cuba, which indicates his intention to avoid nuclear confrontation.
Military-Industrial Complex and Cold War Context
Eisenhower's farewell address warning about the military-industrial complex reflects concerns over unchecked military spending and the influence of the defense industry on government policy. The continuation of high defense spending post-Korean War supports the idea that there was significant apprehension towards rapidly escalating military budgets.