That's a seriously naive take. Militaries exist to project power onto foreign entities. Defense of national territory is but one use for that projected power.

That's a seriously naive take. Militaries exist to project power onto foreign entities. Defense of national territory is but one use for that projected power. Keeping trade lanes open--such as those through the Straits of Hormuz or the South China Sea--is another use. Enforcing a trade blockade or embargo is another. The size and lethality of your military is measurable proof of your commitment to a particular political issue.