To Rebuild America's Military

The current US military force is too small; its equipment is too old; and it is not trained or ready for a large or long fight. The military services are in danger of losing their best, brightest, and most battle-tested people: the “all-volunteer force” marks a moral compact between the American public and the small number of Americans who risk their lives to keep the rest of us safe. That compact requires us not only to care for the wounded, the widows, and the retired but also to provide those who would go in harm’s way with the means for victory. When we fail to do so, it breaks faith with those in uniform. 


This failure also endangers America. It is impossible to miss what the decline of US military power means for the world, in Europe, in East Asia, and most especially across the greater Middle East. Things are falling apart as the American center cannot hold. 


This report shows a way forward. Grounded in a traditional understanding of our national security goals and strategy, the path is clear. Our next commander-in-chief must rebuild America’s military power.