"It" is having some level of military capability. I agree with Ajedi32 that not doing it is strict pacifism.

beloch and jump- advocated for some level of national defense as a practical necessity

sophacles- stupidly thought this was an "If I dont, someone will" argument

Ajedi32- clarifies "the question is whether strict pacifism is a tenable national policy in the real world"

The point is some level of defense is required. This point is completely compatible with not taking a maximalist approach to military. It is also compatible with the fact that even Russia doesn't take a maximalist approach to military.

The whole point of the chain is that citizens should not fixate on if companies or people participate in the military-industrial complex because it is good an necessary, but rather what those actors actually doing.