OPINION:
America faces unprecedented challenges threatening our position as the world’s pre-eminent military power.
The Biden administration systematically undermined the readiness and strength of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), prioritizing divisive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives over preparedness and lethality. This erosion of focus has compromised our national security, weakened our armed forces, and emboldened our adversaries. The American people have entrusted President Donald Trump to reverse this decline, and his recently confirmed nominee for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, will help ensure this mission succeeds. Together, they embody the enduring wisdom of the Roman maxim: Si vis pacem, para bellum — If you seek peace, prepare for war.
Under former President Biden, the DoD abandoned its core mission of maintaining a powerful, resolute military force. DEI programs have diverted resources and attention away from essential warfighting capabilities. A military that prioritizes controversial ideological agendas over competence and readiness is ill-suited to its core purpose and cannot deter aggression or respond decisively to crises. Beyond internal mismanagement, the Biden administration has left our nation vulnerable externally. The wide-open southern border became a gateway for adversaries like China, Iran, and Russia to exploit. This porous border facilitated the trafficking of drugs, weapons, and foreign operatives, endangering our security while our military remained preoccupied with ideological distractions.
The prior administration’s unnecessary COVID-19 policies only exacerbated these problems, as thousands of service members were dismissed for refusing the vaccine despite their vital contributions to America’s defense. This decision hollowed out our ranks, weakened morale, and sent a demoralizing message to those in uniform: Their careers and sacrifices were expendable in the face of political expediency.
During his first term in office, President Trump demonstrated an unwavering commitment to rebuilding the strength and readiness of the U.S. military. His administration took decisive actions, such as eliminating key terrorist leaders like ISIS’s Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. These bold steps sent a clear message to adversaries: Under President Trump, America does not relinquish its responsibility as the world’s dominant military power. Mr. Trump ensured that the military had the resources and support to effectively carry out its mission without being bogged down by political distractions.
Mr. Trump prioritized sufficiently equipping the military, ensuring that our forces remained the most lethal and effective in the world. His return to office signals a renewed commitment to this principle: Peace is secured through strength, not appeasement. By nominating Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense, President Trump is doubling down on his promise to restore respect, readiness, and accountability within the DoD. Hegseth, a decorated combat veteran, understands the sacrifices made by those in uniform and the importance of maintaining a military focused on winning wars. Additionally, his service in the Global War on Terror ingrained him with a much-needed perspective on the issues most affecting our service members today.
Mr. Hegseth is well-positioned to understand and resolve the challenges inhibiting our military, chief among them the quality of life for service members and their families. As such, Mr. Hegseth and President Trump have pledged to reinstate rank and back pay for service members wrongfully discharged under Mr. Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate. This promise reflects a profound respect for those who serve and a commitment to rectifying the injustices of the previous administration. Mr. Hegseth’s leadership will ensure the DoD prioritizes mission readiness over ideological distractions, returning the military to its rightful role as a pillar of national security.
If we are to secure peace and protect our way of life, we must follow the timeless wisdom of Si vis pacem, para bellum. We must prepare for war—not in the sense of seeking conflict, but in understanding that our military must be ready to defend our nation at all costs. President Trump and Pete Hegseth are the leaders America needs to restore our military readiness, rebuild our strength, and ensure that we never again make the mistakes of the past.
• James B. Skinner is a Senior Vice President at American Global Strategies. He served on the White House National Security Council (2019-21) and at the U.S. Department of Defense (2018-19)
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