OPINION:
The U.S. military has long been defined by its courage, professionalism and unwavering sense of duty. Mission creep and a focus on politics over preparedness have blurred our purpose in recent years, but that tide is turning. Under President Trump’s leadership, the United States military has returned to its core mission: to be the world’s most lethal and capable fighting force.
We are now taking an action-oriented approach to defense focused on peace through strength, and that shift is reigniting something powerful across our nation: patriotism.
As someone who served 20 years in the U.S. Navy and now has the honor of serving in Congress, I haven’t seen unity like this since Americans banded together after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Our armed forces have a growing sense of pride and purpose, and not just among those in uniform. Americans of all backgrounds are once again inspired to serve.
The military, which has essentially become a family business, has been reinvigorated, and we’re doing that by giving those who choose to serve a clear mission and the tools to accomplish that mission. That clarity restores confidence, not just in the ranks but also across the country. We are returning to readiness and lethality. This isn’t about just weapons. It’s also about a shift in mindset. It’s about no longer misusing our troops and finally rewarding their merit. That’s why nearly 200,000 men and women have raised their hands and answered the call this year. As a result, the Army has already met its yearly recruiting goal and is on track to surpass it.
This shift in culture extends beyond the Defense Department. We’re seeing the renewed focus on lethality and mission extend in how we invest in our forces. In Congress, I have been proud to support serious investments in the systems and platforms that keep our military at the forefront of innovation and warfighting capability. One example is the FA-XX, the Navy’s sixth-generation fighter, which represents a significant leap forward in maintaining air dominance. This fighter delivers greater range, stealth, and the ability to integrate unmanned systems and advanced sensors. Alongside the F-47, the FA-XX is designed for the high-end fight in the kinds of contested environments our adversaries are preparing for.
It’s more than just one new aircraft. This represents a broader commitment to replacing outdated platforms with future-ready systems and delivering them faster across all branches of the military.
In addition, we are building new warships, not to sit in port but to project power around the globe and keep sea lanes open. From nuclear-powered Columbia-class submarines to amphibious ships that can respond to crises anywhere, these platforms send a clear message: America is back, and we’re ready.
We’re investing in autonomous systems — including unmanned aircraft, ships and submarines — that give our forces greater reach, precision and survivability. These systems will act as force multipliers, allowing our sailors, soldiers, airmen and Marines to strike faster, gather more intelligence and dominate any domain, whether in the skies above or the seas below. These kinds of investments give our service members confidence that Congress has their backs and is thinking ahead.
The shift we’re seeing under the president and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is one of confidence in policy and posture. It’s a message to our enemies: America does not hesitate. It does not second-guess. It defends its interests with overwhelming strength and clear resolve.
That confidence has a ripple effect.
When Americans see their military being taken seriously again, when they see resources going toward readiness rather than red tape, they want to be part of it. Patriotism thrives when service is honored, when sacrifice is valued and when strength is not just tolerated but also expected. That’s what we’re seeing now.
Young men and women are stepping up to serve not out of obligation but out of pride. Veterans are standing taller, knowing their service has not been forgotten or politicized. Families are supporting their loved ones in uniform with renewed faith in the mission. That’s what happens when a nation remembers what its military is for (and what it is not for).
When our military is lethal, focused and proud, America is stronger. When service members are valued and equipped, the world takes notice.
When the American people see strength in uniform, they respond not with fear but with pride.
As a result of the president’s tone and the actions of Congress and the Defense Department, recruiters are reporting a renewed eagerness to join. As of this writing, 125,000 Americans have signed up for the U.S. Army and the Marine Corps. Why? Because people want to be part of something that matters. They want to be part of a military that stands for strength, not confusion, for mission, not distraction.
That’s the military our country needs. That’s the one we’re rebuilding. And that’s exactly what I’ll keep working to deliver.
• Rep. Jake Ellzey is a Republican representing Texas’ 6th Congressional District.
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