The Military: Strength Through Service and Responsibility

The military is a vital and integral part of our national defense. Having an all-volunteer force is essential, and I believe it is one of the key factors that makes the U.S. military one of the strongest and most capable in the world. The commitment of those who voluntarily serve demonstrates the highest level of dedication and patriotism.

However, the very strength of our military has also led to a dangerous over-reliance on it as a tool of foreign policy. We have become too expansionist, often defaulting to military action when diplomacy should take the lead. This overreach stretches our resources thin and places unnecessary burdens on the men and women who serve.

To maintain a strong, sustainable defense, we must:

Reduce Our Military Footprint Abroad:

Decrease non-essential military deployments to focus on strategic defense rather than global military policing.

Shift resources toward strengthening alliances, diplomatic initiatives, and humanitarian missions.

Invest in Military Readiness at Home:

Improve the quality of training, support services, and resources for active-duty personnel.

Ensure our forces are prepared to respond effectively when needed, without overextending their capacity.

Our responsibility to the military doesn’t end when service members return home. To sustain an all-volunteer force and ensure national security, we must:

Improve Access to Health Care and Mental Health Services:

Ensure that veterans receive timely, high-quality medical care, including mental health services to address PTSD, depression, and other service-related conditions.

Expand Career Transition Programs:

Provide comprehensive support for veterans as they transition to civilian life, including job training, education benefits, and housing assistance.

Strengthen VA Oversight:

Increase transparency and accountability within the VA to ensure veterans receive the care and benefits they’ve earned without bureaucratic delays or neglect.

A strong defense doesn’t come from sheer size—it comes from strategic focus, effective diplomacy, and care for those who serve. By reducing unnecessary military deployments and investing in the well-being of our service members and veterans, we can create a more balanced, sustainable approach to national security.

Ensuring that the military remains an honorable and rewarding path of service requires us to honor our commitments to those who answer the call. It’s time to lead with both strength and responsibility, building a future where diplomacy and defense work hand in hand for a safer, more secure world.