From an industrial perspective, we should prepare to fight in European and the Pacific theaters and not squabble on the Washington stage. The international chess board is becoming increasingly complicated and dangerous for the United States. Currently at play is an extremely dicey situation with Russia, with our nation consistently providing equipment and financial support to Ukraine. The stakes of this engagement increased exponentially recently when Russia accused the U.S. of helping Ukraine bomb the Kremlin. With retaliation likely, this “cold” war could become red hot for the United States at any moment. Simultaneously, China is increasingly primed for an all-fronts confrontation with the United States over Taiwan. Militarily, the Chinese government is bolstering its troop numbers, advancing its cyber warfare capabilities, and modernizing its physical military assets, including its submarine fleet.
Our nation inherently invites disagreement, policy battles, and concessions – it is one of the reasons the U.S. is a world superpower. But at this moment, it’s imperative we think more like our rivals and focus on the long game instead of the petty, cyclical debates that play out in the halls of Congress. That includes making investments that will compliment a modern U.S. military and solves problems that are imminent.
A major issue across service branches is recruitment and retainment. Our all-volunteer force is seeing a rapid decline in membership. One way to address this is to increase investment in drone technology. An exciting program that fits the bill is the MQ-25, the first unmanned aircraft in history to refuel another aircraft. The use of this unmanned refueling aircraft will enhance mission capability while freeing up military personnel for other assignments. The MQ-25 is a capability the Navy wants and needs. Vice Admiral Kenneth Whitesell, the Navy’s “Air Boss,” has said that MQ-25 is the “guidepath” to the air wing of the future, which could be as much as 60% unmanned. Investment in this crucial program sets the stage for what the future of naval warfare looks like.
Our nation addresses readiness by investing in its relationships with allied nations. Instead recently leaked intelligence documents created distrust between us and our partners, putting up barriers at a time when a strong alliance is essential for the potential fight. Though America often leads with military and economic strength on the world stage, we simply cannot afford to isolate friendly nations or create unnecessary tension. Within the industrial base we lean on that sense of trust to work with allies and their industrial bases and universities. It is in the best interest of the U.S. to solve the issues preceding the information leak and take measures to ensure it doesn’t happen again. This not only protects national security, but rebuilds trust with our allies.
Finally, investment in American-based military supply chains strengthens both the U.S. economy and our military’s ability to quickly and efficiently manufacture, maintain, and deploy equipment needed on the front lines. Our St. Louis region is one of the national epicenters of military equipment production. Our workers manufacture critical defense platforms like the MQ-15, the F-15 Strike Eagle fighter jet, the F/A-18 Super Hornet multi-mission tactical fighter, and next generation missile systems, among others. Programs like these employ hundreds of thousands of American workers, support thousands of American businesses, and create billions of dollars in economic impact.
Our nation wants to maintain its position of power on a global scale so it must make critical investments in equipment, relationships, and American manufacturing. We are facing a high-intensity fight and we ought to both look like and act like we are ready.
Stephen Tupper, a West Point graduate and retired Army lieutenant colonel, serves as the President of the NDIA Great Rivers Chapter.
