Final answer:
The three fundamental pillars of U.S. military strategy are Deterrence, Defense, and Alliances. These form the core of national defense, using diplomacy, economic power, and military strength to project power and protect U.S. interests.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three fundamental pillars on which the United States military strategy rests are encapsulated in Option C: Deterrence, Defense, and Alliances. These are central to U.S. national defense strategy.
Deterrence involves preventing adversaries from taking aggressive actions by showcasing the United States' capability to retaliate effectively, thereby discouraging potential attacks. Defense refers to protecting and defending the U.S. homeland, American citizens, and U.S. interests abroad. Lastly, maintaining strong Alliances with other nations enhances the U.S. ability to respond to threats collectively and projects power globally through shared security arrangements.
The United States utilizes a range of tools to implement its national security policies, which include using diplomacy to rally allies and isolate threats, marshaling economic power to facilitate or compel cooperation, and maintaining effective armed forces to ensure readiness for conflict if necessary. All of these aspects contribute to the grand strategy of advancing U.S. national interests through a blend of diplomatic, economic, and military resources.