America's First Line of Defense Starves Without Urgent Funding Boost

The world grows more perilous every day. China’s aggressive moves in the Indo-Pacific and Russia’s provocations in Europe signal a clear challenge to American security. The U.S. Army remains our first line of defense, but it needs the tools to succeed. Army Gen. James J. Mingus told Congress about a plan to build a leaner, more lethal force through the Transforming in Contact initiative. This effort is delivering results, but without decisive action from lawmakers, it could falter.

Mingus outlined an Army adapting to modern warfare. Units like the 101st Airborne and 25th Infantry now use unmanned aerial systems, counter-drone defenses, and electronic warfare tools. In just ten months, eleven new technologies reached our soldiers. This rapid innovation keeps America ahead, but resting on these achievements isn’t an option. Our adversaries are advancing, and we must match their pace.

The Army faces a stark challenge: its budget is losing ground. Inflation and stagnant funding shrink purchasing power, forcing leaders to choose between training, modernization, and soldier welfare. Mingus noted that rising pay costs are consuming the budget’s core. Without action, we risk a force that looks strong but can’t deliver when it counts.

This is a defining moment. The Army’s transformation is essential to our security. Lawmakers must prioritize defense spending to ensure our military can deter threats and dominate any battlefield. Failing to do so weakens the men and women who serve.

What’s at risk? Our ability to protect allies, project power, and preserve freedom. Can we afford to underfund the force that safeguards our nation?

The Army’s Transformation Initiative is reshaping how we fight. Mingus highlighted breakthroughs like the M1E3 Abrams tank, next-generation aircraft, and hypersonic weapons arriving this year. These systems, paired with cuts to outdated programs, ensure resources go where they matter most. Taxpayers deserve this kind of efficiency and focus on results.

Exercises like Project Convergence Capstone 5 show the Army’s commitment to integration. By connecting sensors, command systems, and joint forces, the Army creates a networked force ready for complex battles. These efforts ensure soldiers have what they need to win in high-stakes environments.

Transformation isn’t cheap. Inflation has cut the Defense Department’s purchasing power by billions monthly. Mingus and Navy Adm. James Kilby warned that temporary funding measures disrupt long-term planning. Without stable budgets, the Army can’t scale production or field systems fast enough to counter China’s rapid military growth.

Some policymakers push for smaller defense budgets, favoring diplomacy or domestic programs. That approach misses the mark. A strong military prevents wars before they begin. Reducing defense funding now would embolden adversaries and erode our global influence. History proves that weakness invites conflict, as seen before World War II.

Recruitment is a success story. The Army exceeded its 2024 goal, enlisting over 55,000 soldiers, and is on pace for 61,000 this year. This reflects strong leadership and a focus on attracting talent. Yet challenges persist. Only 23 percent of young Americans qualify to serve, hampered by obesity, academic gaps, and mental health struggles. Retention also falters, with one in four soldiers leaving early.

Investing in soldier welfare is critical. Mingus detailed plans for modern barracks, improved dining facilities, and better fitness programs. These investments keep soldiers ready and committed. A valued soldier stays longer and performs better.

Some advocate redirecting defense funds to social or environmental programs. That’s a flawed priority. A strong military ensures the security that enables all other progress. Diverting resources from defense weakens our foundation. We must focus on building a force ready for any challenge.

The Army’s transformation is a vital step toward a secure future, but it requires support. Lawmakers must deliver full-year budgets on time, with increases to offset inflation. Proposals to raise defense spending to 5 percent of GDP, including a 13 percent increase in 2026, merit serious debate. These funds would grow the Army, speed modernization, and ensure readiness across all domains.

Global threats demand a dominant military. China’s rapid modernization, Russia’s aggression, and emerging space threats, as noted by Space Force Gen. Michael Guetlein, require robust investment. Underfunding risks our ability to counter GPS jamming and anti-satellite weapons. A weak military invites instability—we must act now to prevent future conflicts.

America’s strength lies in its resolve to lead. The Army’s transformation, supported by bold funding and unwavering commitment, will keep us the world’s preeminent power. Our soldiers deserve this support, and our nation’s security depends on it.