Defense Congress Must Handle Less Obvious Priorities By Rep. Ike Skelton When considering national defense in the year ahead, some priorities are obvious. We all know that modernization is important and that the competing needs of land, air and sea forces far outstrip funds available to meet them. It's equally clear that the mismatch between strategy and resources has to end to keep America's troops in the service and ready for their prime missions. Because these reasons are so obvious, they're sure to get attention. Thomas Jefferson said that, and it's still true today.
Educated kids are better soldiers and better citizens.
With the incredible expansion of the information economy, the military is challenged to compete for the best and brightest students available. By increasing the level of education across the board, both our military and society will benefit. And that education shouldn't stop once an American puts on the uniform. It helps with retention too. PME programs are plentiful and excellent, but too many institutional hurdles stand between servicepeople and those resources.