Military Industrial Complex
The self-sustaining relationship between defense, government, and industry — and its revolving door. Also, a five-star-general-prior-President’s predictive warning. (see also The Revolving Door)
How We Say It
mil·i·ter·ee in·dus·tree·əl kom·pleks
Where It Comes From
Coined by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in his farewell address on January 17, 1961. Eisenhower — Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in WWII — warned specifically against 'the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex.'
How It's Been Used
Describes the self-reinforcing system of defense contractors, Pentagon procurement, congressional defense appropriations, and the revolving door between military service and contractor employment. The US defense budget exceeds $900 billion annually — more than the next ten countries combined. The Pentagon has failed five consecutive audits. The term is used both as analysis and as accusation; its usefulness is that it identifies a structural problem rather than individual corruption.