Podcasts > Morning Wire > Peace Through Strength: How to Rebuild U.S. Military Might | RNC Extra

Peace Through Strength: How to Rebuild U.S. Military Might | RNC Extra

By The Daily Wire

In this episode of Morning Wire, Senator Dan Sullivan explains the Republican platform on military readiness. He contrasts the GOP's "peace through strength" approach with Democratic policies he believes undermine defense capabilities. Sullivan discusses how the Republican plan aims to rebuild the US military and defense industrial base by prioritizing funding, leveraging innovative technologies, and bolstering recruitment efforts.

Touching on current challenges like a critical shortage of new recruits and maintaining America's technological edge over adversaries, Sullivan lays out the Republican vision for modernizing the military. He also weighs in on the significance of J.D. Vance, a potential Vice President nominee, who could bring military experience and working-class perspectives to key areas like veteran affairs and energy security.

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Peace Through Strength: How to Rebuild U.S. Military Might | RNC Extra

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Peace Through Strength: How to Rebuild U.S. Military Might | RNC Extra

1-Page Summary

Contrasting Republican and Democratic Military Approaches

According to Senator Dan Sullivan, the Republican platform emphasizes "peace through strength" and rebuilding US military might. He criticizes the Biden administration for cutting military spending and undermining readiness. Sullivan argues the Republican focus is on maintaining a strong, capable military as a deterrent to aggression, in contrast to Democratic policies that reduce defense budgets and capabilities.

The Republican vision sees a robust military as crucial for global stability and safeguarding American interests, while Sullivan views the Democratic approach as weakening America's defensive posture. He supports the GOP plan to rebuild the defense industrial base and leverage innovative technologies to enhance military lethality and capabilities.

The Military Recruitment Crisis

Senator Sullivan highlights the military's alarming recruitment shortage, with the Army missing its annual targets by tens of thousands of recruits recently. This deficit poses a threat to maintaining sufficient manpower and combat readiness.

While the Army struggles, the Marine Corps has met recruitment goals by emphasizing a tough, disciplined message of patriotism and service. Sullivan argues the military should highlight the warrior ethos, lethality, and prestige of serving to attract recruits. He also notes barriers to recruiters accessing high school campuses, particularly in urban areas, as an impediment.

Rebuilding US Military Edge

Sullivan is critical of the Biden administration's neglect of military modernization, shipbuilding, and developing cutting-edge technologies, asserting this has eroded America's advantage over rivals like China. The Pentagon's bureaucracy has hindered rapidly fielding innovative commercial technologies that could enhance lethality.

To restore US military superiority, Sullivan advocates tapping into the private sector's innovative potential, especially in tech. He has worked to reform policies enabling faster integration of commercially-developed technologies like advanced undersea drones. Ensuring a strong defense industrial base able to quickly manufacture critical military systems is also a Republican priority.

J.D. Vance's Role as Republican VP Nominee

As a Marine veteran, Sullivan believes J.D. Vance could provide valuable military experience and insights as the potential first Marine Vice President. Vance's background understanding working-class struggles and stance on energy and veteran issues allow him to address Middle America's concerns.

Sullivan sees Vance's nomination signaling the GOP's commitment to strengthening the military and American global influence. He anticipates Vance will bolster the defense industrial base, energy security, and veteran affairs - key areas in confronting national challenges.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The concept of "peace through strength" can be seen as potentially provocative and may lead to an arms race rather than deterring aggression.
  • Military spending cuts could be part of a broader strategy to reallocate resources to other areas of need, such as domestic programs or diplomacy, which can also contribute to national security.
  • A strong military is important, but diplomatic efforts, international alliances, and soft power can also be effective tools for maintaining global stability.
  • Some argue that a focus on military might overlooks the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict, such as poverty, inequality, and political oppression.
  • The recruitment crisis might not solely be a result of policy but could also reflect broader societal changes and a shift in the perception of military service among younger generations.
  • Emphasizing a warrior ethos might not appeal to all potential recruits, who may be more interested in education, career skills, and other non-combat-related benefits of military service.
  • Access to high school campuses for military recruiters is a complex issue that involves the balance between recruitment needs and the educational environment of students.
  • Military modernization is important, but there is a debate over the extent and type of modernization necessary, with some advocating for more focus on cyber warfare and other non-traditional military capabilities.
  • The integration of commercial technologies into the military must be balanced with concerns about security, reliability, and the different operational requirements of military equipment.
  • The defense industrial base is crucial, but there is also a need for oversight, accountability, and cost-effectiveness in defense manufacturing and procurement.
  • While J.D. Vance's military background may provide valuable insights, the role of the Vice President is multifaceted, and military experience is just one of many important qualifications.
  • Strengthening the military and American global influence can be pursued in various ways, not all of which may involve increasing military spending or expanding the defense industrial base.
  • Energy security and veteran affairs are important, but there are diverse perspectives on how best to address these issues, including the balance between fossil fuels and renewable energy sources.

Actionables

  • You can educate yourself on defense policies by reading bipartisan reports and analyses to understand the different perspectives on military spending and readiness. Look for publications from think tanks and research institutions that offer contrasting views on defense, such as the Heritage Foundation and the Brookings Institution, to get a well-rounded understanding of the arguments for and against increased military budgets.
  • Consider supporting organizations that help bridge the military-civilian divide, which could indirectly influence recruitment by fostering a better understanding and appreciation of military service among civilians. Organizations like the Armed Services YMCA or American Corporate Partners provide civilian support to military members and their families, which can help create a more military-friendly atmosphere in communities.
  • Engage with your local representatives to express your views on the importance of military modernization and the defense industrial base. Writing letters, attending town hall meetings, or participating in local political groups can give you a platform to advocate for policies that align with your beliefs about national defense and military strength.

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Peace Through Strength: How to Rebuild U.S. Military Might | RNC Extra

Contrasting Republican and Democratic Approaches to the Military

In a discussion about the military approaches of the two major political parties in the United States, Senator Dan Sullivan voices his criticisms of the Biden administration's military policy.

The Republican platform emphasizes "peace through strength" and rebuilding US military might, while the Biden administration has historically cut military spending and undermined readiness.

Senator Dan Sullivan, aligning with the Republican philosophy, claims that their platform is centered on "peace through strength" and focuses on maintaining a strong, capable military to deter aggression. He considers this strategy as especially pertinent during dangerous times and necessary for rebuilding US military might. Sullivan is critical of what he sees as a Democratic tendency to reduce defense budgets and capabilities, a trend he believes undermines readiness and has continued under the Biden administration.

The Republican platform is focused on maintaining a strong, capable military as a deterrent to aggression, in contrast to the Democratic tendency to reduce defense budgets and capabilities.

Sullivan praises the Republican approach to the military which prioritizes rebuilding the defense industrial base and leveraging innovative technologies to enhance military lethality and capabilities. He contrasts this with the Biden administration's policies, which he argues have degraded US military readiness and power projection by shrinking the size of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps.

The Republican Party sees a strong military as crucial to maintaining global stability and safeguarding American interests, while the Democratic approach is viewed as weakening America's defensive posture.

According to Sullivan, the Republican vision of a robust military is critical to maintaining global stability and safeguarding American interests. He expresses concern over the shrinking of the Navy under President Biden, emphasizing that the Chinese Navy has now become the largest in the world, which he views as elevating the threat to the US.

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Contrasting Republican and Democratic Approaches to the Military

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Counterarguments

  • The concept of "peace through strength" can lead to an arms race, potentially increasing global tensions rather than deterring aggression.
  • Military spending must be balanced with other national priorities, and a reduction in spending does not necessarily equate to a reduction in military readiness or capability.
  • Innovation and efficiency in the military can sometimes lead to cost savings without compromising defense capabilities.
  • The size of a military force is not the sole indicator of its strength or effectiveness; technology, strategy, and alliances also play critical roles.
  • Global stability can also be maintained through diplomatic efforts, international cooperation, and conflict prevention strategies, not just military might.
  • Climate change is recognized as a significant security threat by many defense experts, and addressing it can be considered part of maintaining a s ...

Actionables

  • You can educate yourself on defense policies by reading bipartisan reports and analyses from think tanks to understand the implications of military spending and readiness. By doing so, you'll gain a nuanced perspective on how defense budgets impact national security and global stability. For example, explore publications from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) or the Brookings Institution that discuss the balance between military strength and other national priorities.
  • Start a blog or social media page dedicated to discussing and analyzing military technology innovations, focusing on how they contribute to national defense. This will help you and your audience appreciate the importance of technological advancements in maintaining a strong military. You could highlight emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence in warfare or the development of hypersonic weapons, and their potential impact on defense strategies.
  • Volunteer with organizations that support military families and veterans, as this per ...

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Peace Through Strength: How to Rebuild U.S. Military Might | RNC Extra

The Military Recruitment Crisis

The United States military is currently grappling with a significant shortfall in its recruitment efforts, leaving branches such as the Army struggling to meet annual targets.

The US military is facing an alarming recruitment shortage, with the Army missing its targets by tens of thousands of recruits in recent years.

Senator Sullivan raises the alarm, noting that the military is experiencing its worst recruiting crisis in over 50 years. The Army has fallen short in its recruitment by approximately 10,000 to 20,000 individuals annually in the last two years. Sullivan emphasizes that this deficit constitutes an "existential crisis to national security," due to the potential impact on military readiness and manpower.

This crisis in volunteer enlistment poses a serious threat to the military's ability to maintain sufficient manpower and combat readiness.

Senator Dan Sullivan critiques the current administration's recruitment strategies, including military advertising campaigns. He specifically faults the "Emma" Army recruitment ad, suggesting that it has failed to inspire or attract new service members effectively.

In contrast, the Marine Corps has maintained its recruitment goals by emphasizing a tough, disciplined message focused on patriotism and service.

While the Army faces challenges in attracting new recruits, the Marine Corps has met its recruitment goals. Sullivan commends the Marines for their maintained disciplined and tough persona, which underscores a commitment to patriotism and service.

Senator Sullivan argues that the military should focus its recruitment efforts on highlighting the warrior ethos, lethality, and prestige of serving in the US armed forces.

Senator Sullivan propounds that military recruitment efforts should communicate the prestige and significance of serving. He advises highlighting the warrior ethos and the lethality of the U.S. military, which implies informing potential recruits ...

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The Military Recruitment Crisis

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The recruitment shortage may be symptomatic of broader societal changes, such as shifting attitudes toward military service, rather than solely the result of ineffective recruitment strategies.
  • Highlighting the warrior ethos and lethality might not appeal to all potential recruits, especially those interested in non-combat roles or concerned about the ethical implications of military service.
  • The effectiveness of recruitment ads like "Emma" could be subjective and may resonate with a different demographic that the military is trying to attract, such as those interested in technology, education benefits, or humanitarian aspects of military service.
  • The Marine Corps' success in meeting recruitment goals might not solely be due to its messaging but could also be influenced by its smaller size and different branch culture or public perception.
  • The idea that the recruitment crisis constitutes an "existential crisis to national security" could be seen as an overstatement, considering the United States' significant technological, logistical, and nuclear capabilities.
  • The challenges of accessing high school campuses for recruitment could be refr ...

Actionables

  • You can explore the benefits of military service by researching and sharing real-life success stories of veterans in your community to inspire potential recruits. By highlighting how military skills translate to successful civilian careers, you can help address misconceptions about service and showcase the long-term value of joining the armed forces.
  • Consider volunteering to facilitate discussions at local schools about the importance of national service, focusing on the values of discipline, patriotism, and the role of the military in society. This can help bridge the gap between military recruiters and students, especially in urban areas where access may be limited.
  • Start a grassroots initiative to create and distribute content that celeb ...

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Peace Through Strength: How to Rebuild U.S. Military Might | RNC Extra

Rebuilding US Military Capabilities and Technological Advantages

The current state of the US military, particularly in terms of its ship-building efforts and modernization of capabilities, is under scrutiny due to perceived shortcomings in addressing the rapid advancement of rivals like China.

The Biden administration's neglect of military modernization, ship-building, and developing cutting-edge technologies has eroded America's edge over rivals like China.

Senator Sullivan raises alarms about what he sees as a crisis in US naval power. He asserts that the US Navy is falling behind, especially in comparison to China's naval force. Sullivan criticizes the focus of the Secretary of Navy on climate change rather than on expanding the fleet. He indicates that there is a looming critical moment for US naval power, supported by testimony from the Congressional Research Service, which suggests a severe crisis in ship building. The projected ship count differential between the US Navy and the Chinese Navy for 2027 poses risks to American power and poses serious questions about deterrence in key regions.

The Pentagon's cumbersome bureaucracy and acquisition processes have hindered its ability to rapidly field innovative, commercially-developed technologies that could enhance military lethality.

The Pentagon's current acquisition processes are considered by some as being too slow to keep pace with technological advancements, which is seen as a significant stumbling block to integrating and deploying innovative technologies that can increase the US military's capabilities.

Tapping into the innovative potential of the private sector, particularly in the tech industry, is crucial to restoring US military superiority.

Senator Sullivan has worked to reform Pentagon policies to enable faster integration of commercially-developed technologies, like advanced undersea drones, into military applications.

Senator Sullivan has been at the forefront of efforts to revamp Pentagon policie ...

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Rebuilding US Military Capabilities and Technological Advantages

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The Biden administration may argue that modernization and ship-building efforts are being balanced with other priorities, such as addressing immediate threats and operational readiness.
  • It could be argued that the focus on climate change by the Secretary of Navy is part of a long-term strategy to ensure operational effectiveness in a changing global environment.
  • The Congressional Research Service's findings might be interpreted differently, suggesting that quality and technological superiority could mitigate the numerical ship count differential.
  • The Pentagon's acquisition processes are designed to ensure due diligence and fiscal responsibility, which can sometimes slow down the integration of new technologies but ensure that they are reliable and cost-effective.
  • There may be a perspective that the private sector's innovative potential is already being effectively ...

Actionables

  • You can educate yourself on the current state of military technology and naval power by reading up-to-date defense journals and websites. By staying informed, you'll be able to engage in informed discussions, write to your representatives to express your concerns or support for military modernization, and participate in community forums where these topics are debated.
  • Consider investing in companies that are part of the defense industrial base if you're looking for financial opportunities. By supporting these companies through your investments, you contribute to the strength and responsiveness of the military's supply chain. Make sure to do thorough research or consult with a financial advisor to understand the risks and benefits involved.
  • Encourage local educational ins ...

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Peace Through Strength: How to Rebuild U.S. Military Might | RNC Extra

The Importance of the Republican Vice Presidential Nominee JD Vance

Senator Dan Sullivan emphasizes the potential advantages and significance that J.D. Vance, as a Marine Corps veteran, could bring to the Republican vice presidential role.

JD Vance, a Marine Corps veteran, brings valuable military experience and expertise to the Republican ticket.

Sullivan remarks on the shared bond of being United States Marines and acknowledges that if elected, Vance could be the first Marine to serve as Vice President. This historic potential carries the implication that Vance’s military background would offer vital insights and informed leadership on matters of national security.

As the first Marine to potentially serve as Vice President, Vance's background could provide important insights and leadership on national security issues.

Sullivan conveys pride in the prospect of a Marine Corps veteran holding high office and believes Vance's experiences would positively shape national security deliberations and actions.

Vance's personal background and understanding of working-class struggles, as well as his strong stance on energy policy and veteran issues, make him well-suited to address the concerns of Middle America.

Vance’s working-class roots, as chronicled in his memoir "Hillbilly Elegy," and his grasp of the trials facing middle America are considered valuable assets by Sullivan. Additionally, Sullivan highlights Vance’s firm positions on energy independence and veteran affairs.

Vance's selection signals the Republican Party's commitment to strengthening the US military and restoring American global influence.

Sullivan interprets Vance’s nomination as a signal of the Republican Party’s dedication to national defense and asserts that Vance’s expertise in defense-related industry, energy security, and veteran issues will be crucial in ...

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The Importance of the Republican Vice Presidential Nominee JD Vance

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Clarifications

  • The Republican vice presidential nominee typically supports the presidential candidate, helps shape the party's platform, and can step in as President if needed. They often focus on specific policy areas or demographics to complement the presidential candidate's strengths. The nominee's background and expertise can influence campaign messaging and policy priorities. The role is crucial in uniting the party and appealing to a broad range of voters.
  • JD Vance potentially being the first Marine to serve as Vice President is significant because it would mark a historic milestone in American politics, highlighting the value of military experience in high office. As a Marine Corps veteran, Vance's background could bring a unique perspective on national security matters, given the rigorous training and discipline associated with the Marine Corps. This historical potential underscores the importance of diverse backgrounds and experiences in shaping leadership roles at the highest levels of government. It also symbolizes a recognition of the contributions and capabilities of veterans in serving the nation beyond their military service.
  • Vance's military background as a Marine Corps veteran is seen as providing him with unique perspectives and experiences that could offer valuable insights into national security issues, given the training and discipline instilled by the Marine Corps. This background is believed to equip Vance with a deep understanding of defense-related matters and strategic decision-making, enhancing his ability to contribute to discussions and actions related to national security if he were to become Vice President.
  • JD Vance's personal background includes a childhood in a working-class family in Ohio, as detailed in his memoir "Hillbilly Elegy." This upbringing exposed him to the challenges and struggles faced by many in middle America, shaping his perspectives and policies on issues affecting working-class individuals. Vance's experiences growing up in a Rust Belt community inform his understanding of the economic hardships and cultural dynamics prevalent in such regions, influencing his advocacy for policies that address these concerns. His connection to working-class struggles provides him with a unique insight into the needs and aspirations of this demograph ...

Counterarguments

  • Military experience does not necessarily equate to political acumen or diplomatic skill, which are also critical for a vice presidential role.
  • While a military background provides one perspective on national security, it is important to have a diverse range of experiences and viewpoints to inform leadership on these complex issues.
  • Understanding working-class struggles is important, but it does not automatically translate into effective policy-making without a clear plan and the ability to navigate the legislative process.
  • The commitment to strengthening the military and restoring American global influence might not address the nuanced challenges of foreign policy, which often require diplomatic and economic ...

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