February 18, 2026 at 9:22 PM
Military power begins with industrial strength
The defense supply chain today faces several structural pressures which make it difficult to meet operational demands. These must be addressed as part of any Department of War revitalization effort. The post Military...
President Donald Trump’s recent call for a $1.5 trillion defense budget as part of a broader effort to modernize and strengthen the nation’s defense posture has reignited long-running debates in Washington about how much the United States should spend on its armed forces. That conversation is healthy. But the more important question is not simply how much we spend but where to invest those dollars to ensure real military readiness.
After decades in uniform, I have learned that platforms alone do not win wars. Ships, aircraft, and weapons are only as reliable as the industrial base that supports them. One of the last remaining strategic advantages America enjoys over our potential enemies is our robust, global supply chain.