Perhaps you are not aware of the extensive reach of the U.S. military, comparatively speaking. The United State has more military "outposts" in foreign countries around the world than all other countries combined. This was done for one purpose, and one purpose only, and that was to be in a position to respond globally and secure any region of the world in the shortest amount of time. WWII taught us what a logistical nightmare it is to transport the necessary number of troops and equipment all from the homeland. It became apparent and obvious that we needed "outposts," if for not other reason than to serve as staging areas for military engagements. We remain a global super power primarily because we have more military equipment than any of the other players, including Russia and China. China has us in number of people, but they lack the logistical capability to launch an overseas military campaign; their navy has 1 old aircraft carrier that they are still learning to operate and another that they are still trying to build. Russia also lacks the naval capabilities to compete, but they are much more respectable from a military standpoint and would give any country a run for their money. It may not seem like we are a global super power at the moment, but that's because we have an 8 year experiment in destroying America coming to an end. All we can hope for is that the Electoral College doesn't vote Hillary in to follow.