DeSantis's Vision: Fortifying America's Military in an Era of Global Unrest
By Rich McCormick and Aaron Poynton
World politics teeter on the edge. The war between Israel and Hamas serves as a stark reminder of how quickly international dynamics can shift and underscores the need for a competent commander-in chief. While Joe Biden slow-walked rescue efforts and Capitol Hill descended into chaos, Ron DeSantis, the only veteran in the race for president, stood up to fill the leadership vacuum by rescuing hundreds of Americans from Israel. DeSantis's battle-tested leadership and vision for a mission-focused military makes him the right person for the job.
Speaking to his newly launched veterans coalition, DeSantis drew attention to his military-focused strategies and emphasized the importance of a strong national defense in a turbulent global environment. The United States faces a pressing need to fortify its military might and safeguard its national interests as China and Russia grow more provocative on the world stage. Sadly, a series of misjudgments by our political and military leadership has eroded our armed forces' effectiveness -- from contentious COVID-19 vaccination directives, the promotion of political ideologies, and an ill-conceived exit from Afghanistan.
The consequences of these decisions are glaring: recruitment numbers in 2022 plummeted at an unprecedented rate, and predictions for 2023 are equally dire. Even as the specter of COVID-19 recedes, the military continued its controversial policy of discharging and penalizing service members over vaccination mandates, a move that many view as prioritizing politics over combat readiness.
Global events, meanwhile, have not waited for America's internal debates to settle. From Russia's incursion into Ukraine, China's posturing against Taiwan, North Korea's frequent missile launches, to Iran's nuclear ambitions, the geopolitical stage is fraught with challenges. Now, with the invasion of our friend and ally, Israel, it's clearer than ever that strong military leadership is paramount.
Yet, in this climate of uncertainty, the vision of Ron DeSantis stands out. As a seasoned combat veteran and former Chairman of Congress’s National Security Subcommittee, DeSantis presents his "Mission First" agenda. A roadmap aimed at redirecting military emphasis towards combat readiness and capability, and fortifying defenses against global threats. His commitment to rejuvenating the military resonates with those who yearn for a return to honor and efficacy.
Central to DeSantis's vision is streamlining military operations, enhancing training, and modernizing warfare strategies. He recognizes the importance of competent leadership, vowing to appoint seasoned professionals with a deep understanding of warfighting and strategy. Furthermore, his insistence on meritocracy ensures that the best and brightest will be at the forefront, unencumbered by quotas and bureaucratic red tape.
In an era rife with international tensions, America's military needs a reinvigorated focus. DeSantis’s emphasis on bolstering combat capabilities, nurturing experienced leadership, overhauling training, and fostering a meritocratic culture promises a resilient military ready to confront global challenges. His leadership offers a beacon of hope in a time of global upheaval, emphasizing peace through strength and unity in purpose. It's time for America to rally behind such vision and ensure our military remains a pillar of strength and stability in the face of adversity.
McCormick and Poynton serve on the Ron DeSantis for President Veterans’ Coalition, and McCormick is the Chair. Rich McCormick is a decorated veteran and Emergency Room physician who proudly serves Georgia’s 6th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. Poynton has a doctorate in public administration and holds advanced degrees in business and law, studying at Duke, Harvard, and LSE. He’s a U.S. Army Veteran and now CEO of Omnipoynt Solutions, a global strategy consulting firm. Poynton served as the national veteran's chair for DeSantis' 2018 gubernatorial campaign.