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In a world of geopolitical instability and rapid technological advancements, the United States military should embody strength and focus. It should exemplify the finest virtues of our society – courage, integrity, and above all, readiness for the harsh realities of war.
However, our armed forces are increasingly caught in a web of bureaucracy, political interference, and a lack of clear mission objectives.
Do you remember when Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin made headlines by ordering a military-wide stand down to root out alleged White supremacists and right-wing extremists? This order was based on the false claim that veterans were overrepresented among those arrested after the January 6 Capitol riot.
The U.S. military should embody the finest virtues of our society – courage, integrity, and readiness for war. (iStock)
This false accusation against those who serve our country in uniform had predictable and unsettling consequences: a decline in recruitment and morale.
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An Overwhelming Number of High-Ranking Officers
One of the most prominent issues plaguing the United States military is an excessive number of generals and admirals, especially when compared to the overall size of our armed forces.
A provision in the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) proposed reducing the number of general and flag officers by 25%. This was seen as necessary because the officer corps had become “increasingly imbalanced compared to the size of the force it leads.”
During World War II, the ratio of general officers to troops was much lower than it is today. At that time, there was approximately one general officer for every 7,000 soldiers. In contrast, the current ratio is nearly one general officer for every 1,600 soldiers. This disproportional growth in high-ranking leadership has tangible consequences. It complicates the chain of command, adds bureaucratic layers to decision-making processes, and allocates taxpayer funds inefficiently.
The Decline in Officer Leadership Quality
The issue is not only about quantity; there is also a quality problem. A report by Brookings revealed a concerning decline in intelligence among Marine Corps officers. This is not only a criticism of the individuals in these positions but a clear warning about the systems and criteria used to select them.
Urgent Reforms for a Modern Military
The time for gradual change has passed. Here are the steps we need to take:
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Rethink ROTC and Officer Programs: We must critically evaluate the requirement of college degrees for officer candidacy. Many of history’s greatest military minds never stepped foot in a college classroom. Similarly, the value of a college degree is diminishing on the civilian side as college enrollment decreases.
Highlight Military Education: The trend of enrolling senior officers in civilian educational programs has not made the military more appealing to left-wing elites, but rather diluted the warfighting expertise of our highest-ranking officers. A shift towards military studies and away from liberal arts master’s degrees would be a positive change.
Meritocracy Over Bureaucracy: Those in leadership positions should be there based on merit, not seniority. Additionally, those who deserve their positions should be appropriately compensated.
Recognize the Value of Enlisted Experience: The knowledge and experience gained through years in the enlisted ranks should be given proper consideration when selecting candidates for officer roles.
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Emphasize Specialization: In this era of specialized warfare, such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, the role of warrant officers should be expanded and their pay should reflect their unique skills.
Accountability at the Top: Every general or flag officer position should be rigorously justified. The Department of Defense should not only identify which positions can be eliminated, but also acknowledge who is indispensable for mission success.
Restore the Warrior Ethos: Above all, our armed forces should foster and maintain a culture of excellence. This culture should embrace the values that make the military an elite institution: discipline, courage, and unwavering dedication to the mission.
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Our military should be a force capable of swift response, tactical brilliance, and, above all, unwavering effectiveness. However, this can only be achieved by freeing it from the burdens of excessive bureaucracy, misguided political endeavors, and a disconnected leadership cadre.
It is time to refocus on what truly matters – ensuring that America’s military remains the most capable and respected fighting force on the planet.
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