According to the 2024 Heritage Foundation Assessment, as currently postured, the U.S. military is at significant risk of being unable to defend America’s vital national interests with assurance.
Our Military is Rated as Weak
It is rated as “weak” relative to the force needed to protect national interests on a global stage against actual challenges in the world as it is rather than as we wish it were. This is the inevitable result of years of sustained use, underfunding, poorly defined priorities, wildly shifting security policies, exceedingly poor discipline in program execution, and a profound lack of seriousness across the national security establishment, even as threats to U.S. interests have surged. Attached is the full report for your information (https://www.heritage.org/defense/commentary/2024-the-us-military-weakand-should-scare-you).
The fault lies with Presidential Administrations from Clinton to Biden. Congress is also to blame, and we should replace all 535 of them. Rated the least effective Congress since the Great Depression, they should have consequences. In addition, the military and civilian leadership share the blame for the lack of reform and continuing to maintain procurement, acquisition, and development systems and processes that remain service-focused. The failure to move beyond service rivalry and develop an effective Joint Force is not transformational. A lack of focus on leadership and caring for our service members and their families is shameful. The focus on political and social agenda and not warfighting is unforgivable, and the worst failure of all is the inability to deliver combat-ready forces. We can’t depend on the senior military and civilian leadership to put their job or ranks on the line for their people. Otherwise, they would have already done it.
Biden and Congress Will Keep Failing Us
Biden’s administration and Congress will continue to fail, and if Trump wins the presidency, he will fail because he will bring in people who hang on to his every word and will not disagree with him. Either way, under a Biden administration or a Trump administration, the military will suffer.
Our government has not effectively defended the United States and its interests over the past 23 years. This lack of seriousness and commitment to national defense has put the country at risk and left us vulnerable to various threats worldwide.
One of the critical issues contributing to this failure is the lack of effective leadership within the military. The senior military leadership responsible for developing and implementing defense strategies has fallen short in their duties. Over the past two decades, there have been numerous instances where military leaders have failed to adequately prepare and respond to emerging threats, leading to costly mistakes and setbacks for the United States.
To address this issue, the military must reassess how it selects and promotes its senior officers. The current system of promotion based on seniority and political connections has proven to be ineffective in identifying effective leaders. The military must prioritize merit and competence in its selection process, ensuring that only the best and most capable individuals are chosen to lead our service members.
Furthermore, the United States must also acknowledge and confront the various regimes and entities that threaten our national security. From hostile nations like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea to terrorist organizations and rogue states, the U.S. faces a myriad of challenges that require a strong and proactive defense strategy.
According to the 2024 Heritage Foundation Assessment, as currently postured, the U.S. military is at significant risk of being unable to defend America’s vital national interests with assurance.
Our Military is Rated as Weak
It is rated as “weak” relative to the force needed to protect national interests on a global stage against actual challenges in the world as it is rather than as we wish it were. This is the inevitable result of years of sustained use, underfunding, poorly defined priorities, wildly shifting security policies, exceedingly poor discipline in program execution, and a profound lack of seriousness across the national security establishment, even as threats to U.S. interests have surged. Attached is the full report for your information (https://www.heritage.org/defense/commentary/2024-the-us-military-weakand-should-scare-you).
The fault lies with Presidential Administrations from Clinton to Biden. Congress is also to blame, and we should replace all 535 of them. Rated the least effective Congress since the Great Depression, they should have consequences. In addition, the military and civilian leadership share the blame for the lack of reform and continuing to maintain procurement, acquisition, and development systems and processes that remain service-focused. The failure to move beyond service rivalry and develop an effective Joint Force is not transformational. A lack of focus on leadership and caring for our service members and their families is shameful. The focus on political and social agenda and not warfighting is unforgivable, and the worst failure of all is the inability to deliver combat-ready forces. We can’t depend on the senior military and civilian leadership to put their job or ranks on the line for their people. Otherwise, they would have already done it.
Biden and Congress Will Keep Failing Us
Biden’s administration and Congress will continue to fail, and if Trump wins the presidency, he will fail because he will bring in people who hang on to his every word and will not disagree with him. Either way, under a Biden administration or a Trump administration, the military will suffer.
Our government has not effectively defended the United States and its interests over the past 23 years. This lack of seriousness and commitment to national defense has put the country at risk and left us vulnerable to various threats worldwide.
One of the critical issues contributing to this failure is the lack of effective leadership within the military. The senior military leadership responsible for developing and implementing defense strategies has fallen short in their duties. Over the past two decades, there have been numerous instances where military leaders have failed to adequately prepare and respond to emerging threats, leading to costly mistakes and setbacks for the United States.
To address this issue, the military must reassess how it selects and promotes its senior officers. The current system of promotion based on seniority and political connections has proven to be ineffective in identifying effective leaders. The military must prioritize merit and competence in its selection process, ensuring that only the best and most capable individuals are chosen to lead our service members.
Furthermore, the United States must also acknowledge and confront the various regimes and entities that threaten our national security. From hostile nations like Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea to terrorist organizations and rogue states, the U.S. faces a myriad of challenges that require a strong and proactive defense strategy.
We Must Take a Proactive Approach to National Defense
To effectively defend the United States and its interests, the government must take a more effective and proactive approach to national defense. This includes investing in modernizing our military capabilities, strengthening our alliances with like-minded nations, and adopting a comprehensive strategy to counter emerging threats.
Ultimately, the defense of the United States is a sacred obligation, and our government is failing at it. By addressing the shortcomings in our military leadership and adopting a more proactive defense strategy, we can better protect our nation and ensure the safety and security of our citizens. Failure to do so will only leave us vulnerable to the ever-evolving threats we face in today’s complex and dangerous world.
In conclusion, the government and military’s failure to defend the United States and its interests is a concerning issue that must be addressed urgently. The failure of senior military leadership, the growing threats from hostile regimes and terrorist organizations, and the overall lack of a proactive defense strategy all contribute to our vulnerability as a nation.
The government and military leadership must immediately rectify these shortcomings and prioritize national defense. This includes implementing reforms in selecting and promoting senior military officers, investing in modernizing our military capabilities, and developing a comprehensive defense strategy to address emerging threats.
The defense of the United States is a critical responsibility that cannot be ignored. By taking an effective and proactive approach to national defense, the government can better protect the nation and ensure the safety and security of its citizens. We must address these issues before it is too late and our nation’s security is compromised.
Donald C. Bolduc
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