Dear Friends,
The United States has long since experienced the challenge of maintaining a military capable of fighting on multiple fronts. Today, that challenge is as urgent as ever as we face national security threats far graver than any we have seen since the Second World War.
The U.S. must act to counter these threats and ensure the safety and security of our nation. It is imperative that we continue to project power throughout the world to deter our enemies, and should deterrence fail, we must be equipped to fight and win on the battlefields of any given day.
Last week’s collision between the USS Harry S. Truman and a merchant vessel in the Mediterranean is just one example in a series of many recent military accidents that have negatively impacted that ability to project power. While the USS Truman has remained fully mission capable in the wake of the mishap, this serves as a stark reminder of the military superiority we cannot afford to lose. We are living in a world in which China boasts the largest naval force and Russia is set to spend 6.3% of its GDP on defense in 2025. The loss of just one American aircraft carrier may embolden our adversaries, undermine our mission, and harm the perception of America’s lethality on the global stage. We must not allow this to happen.
Veterans On Duty firmly supports Senator Roger Wicker’s proposal to boost the defense budget by $200 billion and enact acquisition reforms in the next defense policy bill. We must have the supplies, weapons, and rapid manufacturing capabilities for potential large scale conflicts with China, Iran, and Russia that may come in the next two years – We currently do not. Which is why this type of necessary and decisive action put forward by Senator Wicker will guarantee our military is the most effective, prepared, and focused fighting force in the world.
If you want to join us in ensuring America remains safe, strong, and free, follow Veterans On Duty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook, and share this newsletter with anyone who believes in protecting our way of life.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Hunt
Chairman, Veterans On Duty