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Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Opinion - We must invest in the army we need, not the one we have
For decades, America's Army has been trapped in a cycle of spending billions of taxpayer dollars on outdated systems before they even reach the battlefield. While our soldiers stand ready to defend this country, they are often equipped with technology that belongs in a museum. The Army Transformation Initiative aims to break this cycle, ensuring that every dollar we spend protects the men and women who wear the uniform. China and Russia have refined the art of leveraging inexpensive, disposable drones and AI-enabled weapons to overwhelm their adversaries. In Ukraine, small, cheap drones have decimated million-dollar vehicles and equipment. Homemade explosives costing just a few hundred dollars have rendered sophisticated armored convoys useless. Ukraine's military, with far fewer resources and no navy of its own, crippled and drove away Russia's Black Sea fleet. All it took were drones that cost less than a single American missile. Our adversaries are learning from these tactics and rapidly adapting their strategies to field low-cost, high-impact systems. The U.S. cannot afford to remain tethered to outdated systems and procurement processes that waste taxpayer dollars and put American lives at risk. Last year, China spent $29.4 billion on drones. Ukraine, despite its wartime conditions, managed to produce four million units. The U.S., in contrast, manufactured only 50,000 drones. While our adversaries invest in cheap, rapidly deployable systems, we continue to spend millions on legacy aircraft and vehicles that cannot survive on today's battlefield. The Army Transformation Initiative is a necessary course correction. Under this initiative, the Army will cease the procurement of outdated aircraft, vehicles and weapon systems that no longer meet the demands of modern warfare. The focus will shift toward expanding the arsenal of long-range drones, AI-enabled surveillance systems, and counter-drone technology capable of neutralizing threats before they strike. This transformation extends beyond equipment. The Army is streamlining its command structure to reduce unnecessary layers of bureaucracy that slow our ability to respond to emerging threats. Headquarters will be consolidated, and redundant staff positions will be eliminated, creating a more agile and effective force structure. This restructuring is not about saving money for the sake of it — it is about ensuring that our soldiers receive the best possible equipment as quickly as possible. The Global War on Terror offers a cautionary tale of what happens when we fail to adapt. Insurgents routinely destroyed million-dollar vehicles with $20 worth of farm supplies repurposed into makeshift explosives. Today, our adversaries are using drones that cost a few thousand dollars to take out armored vehicles and radar systems worth millions. The lesson is clear: relying on expensive, exquisite systems to counter low-cost threats is a losing strategy. The Army Transformation Initiative seeks to avoid repeating that mistake by investing in capabilities that deliver maximum impact for minimum cost. In the 1980s, the U.S. achieved strategic dominance by mass-producing inexpensive Stinger missiles and sending them to the Mujahideen in Afghanistan. Those missiles took down Soviet aircraft worth millions, effectively bankrupting our adversary. We bled the Soviet military dry by forcing them to spend millions to counter weapons we built for thousands. Winning the economics of war means driving adversaries into insolvency before a shot is even fired. It means building weapons that scale faster, strike harder and cost less than the threats they neutralize. Today, that principle remains the same. We must prioritize systems that are lethal, cost-effective and capable of countering threats from low-cost drones to AI-driven cyberattacks. The stakes could not be higher. A soldier whose vehicle is struck by a $100 explosive drone that should have been detected and neutralized will not care about the billions of dollars spent on legacy programs that failed to keep him safe. A pilot downed by an enemy with electronic warfare capabilities that we refused to upgrade against will not find solace in the fact that we saved money by keeping outdated aircraft in the fleet. The cost of inaction is measured not in dollars, but in lives. The American people should care about this transformation because it is not just about defense budgets or military contracts — it is about protecting the men and women who put their lives on the line to defend this great nation. The Army Transformation Initiative is a commitment to getting our soldiers what they need to fight and win in the battles of tomorrow, not the wars of the past. The objective is clear: invest in capabilities that matter, eliminate the ones that do not, and ensure that every American soldier is equipped to fight, win, and come home safe. Pat Harrigan represents North Carolina's 10th District and serves on the House Armed Services Committee. He is a West Point graduate, former Army Green Beret, and combat veteran who led Special Forces missions in Afghanistan. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
a day ago
- Business
- The Hill
We must invest in the army we need, not the one we have
For decades, America's Army has been trapped in a cycle of spending billions of taxpayer dollars on outdated systems before they even reach the battlefield. While our soldiers stand ready to defend this country, they are often equipped with technology that belongs in a museum. The Army Transformation Initiative aims to break this cycle, ensuring that every dollar we spend protects the men and women who wear the uniform. China and Russia have refined the art of leveraging inexpensive, disposable drones and AI-enabled weapons to overwhelm their adversaries. In Ukraine, small, cheap drones have decimated million-dollar vehicles and equipment. Homemade explosives costing just a few hundred dollars have rendered sophisticated armored convoys useless. Ukraine's military, with far fewer resources and no navy of its own, crippled and drove away Russia's Black Sea fleet. All it took were drones that cost less than a single American missile. Our adversaries are learning from these tactics and rapidly adapting their strategies to field low-cost, high-impact systems. The U.S. cannot afford to remain tethered to outdated systems and procurement processes that waste taxpayer dollars and put American lives at risk. Last year, China spent $29.4 billion on drones. Ukraine, despite its wartime conditions, managed to produce four million units. The U.S., in contrast, manufactured only 50,000 drones. While our adversaries invest in cheap, rapidly deployable systems, we continue to spend millions on legacy aircraft and vehicles that cannot survive on today's battlefield. The Army Transformation Initiative is a necessary course correction. Under this initiative, the Army will cease the procurement of outdated aircraft, vehicles and weapon systems that no longer meet the demands of modern warfare. The focus will shift toward expanding the arsenal of long-range drones, AI-enabled surveillance systems, and counter-drone technology capable of neutralizing threats before they strike. This transformation extends beyond equipment. The Army is streamlining its command structure to reduce unnecessary layers of bureaucracy that slow our ability to respond to emerging threats. Headquarters will be consolidated, and redundant staff positions will be eliminated, creating a more agile and effective force structure. This restructuring is not about saving money for the sake of it — it is about ensuring that our soldiers receive the best possible equipment as quickly as possible. The Global War on Terror offers a cautionary tale of what happens when we fail to adapt. Insurgents routinely destroyed million-dollar vehicles with $20 worth of farm supplies repurposed into makeshift explosives. Today, our adversaries are using drones that cost a few thousand dollars to take out armored vehicles and radar systems worth millions. The lesson is clear: relying on expensive, exquisite systems to counter low-cost threats is a losing strategy. The Army Transformation Initiative seeks to avoid repeating that mistake by investing in capabilities that deliver maximum impact for minimum cost. In the 1980s, the U.S. achieved strategic dominance by mass-producing inexpensive Stinger missiles and sending them to the Mujahideen in Afghanistan. Those missiles took down Soviet aircraft worth millions, effectively bankrupting our adversary. We bled the Soviet military dry by forcing them to spend millions to counter weapons we built for thousands. Winning the economics of war means driving adversaries into insolvency before a shot is even fired. It means building weapons that scale faster, strike harder and cost less than the threats they neutralize. Today, that principle remains the same. We must prioritize systems that are lethal, cost-effective and capable of countering threats from low-cost drones to AI-driven cyberattacks. The stakes could not be higher. A soldier whose vehicle is struck by a $100 explosive drone that should have been detected and neutralized will not care about the billions of dollars spent on legacy programs that failed to keep him safe. A pilot downed by an enemy with electronic warfare capabilities that we refused to upgrade against will not find solace in the fact that we saved money by keeping outdated aircraft in the fleet. The cost of inaction is measured not in dollars, but in lives. The American people should care about this transformation because it is not just about defense budgets or military contracts — it is about protecting the men and women who put their lives on the line to defend this great nation. The Army Transformation Initiative is a commitment to getting our soldiers what they need to fight and win in the battles of tomorrow, not the wars of the past. The objective is clear: invest in capabilities that matter, eliminate the ones that do not, and ensure that every American soldier is equipped to fight, win, and come home safe. Pat Harrigan represents North Carolina's 10th District and serves on the House Armed Services Committee. He is a West Point graduate, former Army Green Beret, and combat veteran who led Special Forces missions in Afghanistan.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Memorial Day is 365 days a year in Trussville
TRUSSVILLE, Ala. (Trussville Tribune) — As grateful Americans pause around the country today to honor those who died in service to our country, Trussville has a 365 day reminder of Memorial Day. The city is home to the Alabama Fallen Warrior Monument which recognizes the 227 Alabama military service members that paid the ultimate sacrifice during the Global War on Terror. As such, the city welcomes scores of Gold Star families throughout the year. Traffic and hearts will be a little bit heavier today. The monument recognizes 115 killed in action and 112 who died in a non-hostile death. Every county in Alabama is represented in the somber tribute. The ages range from 18-54-years-old. Visitors can read the roll call of names and hometowns represented such as Clay, Red Bay, Prattville, and Jasper, just to name a few. 4 finally going home after WWII bomber crash left 11 dead and 'non-recoverable' 'It is said that when a military service member dies, the member dies two deaths,' monument founders said. 'The first is when they take their last breath and the second is when they are forgotten. The mission of the Alabama Fallen Warrior Monument is to ensure the second death does not occur and to ensure that these fallen service members are not forgotten.' The monument is supported locally by the Trussville Veterans Committee who work year-round in their support veterans. It is fitting that City Councilor Jaime Anderson is the City Council liaison to the group. Anderson splits time serving on the City Council in Trussville and serving her country at the Pentagon in Washington. To locate a fallen service member visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
New monument unveiled completes Veterans Memorial Plaza at annual Memorial Day ceremony
A new monument was unveiled and completed the plaza at Centerville's Veterans Memorial at their annual ceremony Monday morning. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The City of Centerville honored veterans at their annual Memorial Day tribute Monday at 9 a.m. They showcased new additions to the Veterans Memorial at Stubbs Park on 255 West Spring Valley Road. Three new enhancements were made to the park, according to a media release. TRENDING STORIES: Fire-breathing or fire-fighting? Bearded dragon saves owner from house fire Former Ohio State football player seriously injured in deadly ATV crash Officers investigating reported stabbing in Dayton neighborhood A new monument honoring the U.S. Space Force was revealed. This monument completes the plaza's representation of all six branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. The main monument and the brick walkaround path saw the additions of the Global War on Terror. And a new entry lectern that 'highlights the features and symbolism of the plaza,' was added, according to the release. Commander of the National Space and Intelligence Center for the U.S. Space Force Col. Marcus Sparks delivered the ceremony's keynote address. Centerville Mayor Brooks Compton also spoke at the event. 'The Veterans Memorial Plaza enhancements reflect Centerville's continued commitment to recognizing service members past and present, and to ensuring future generations understand the cost of freedom,' Centerville Community Resources Coordinator Drew Simon said in the release. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
American Military News
26-05-2025
- General
- American Military News
‘I felt called to serve': Marine severely injured in evacuation of Afghanistan receives Bay State honor
When the planes hit the twin towers on September 11, 2001, Tyler Vargas-Andrews was just three years old. He couldn't have known it then, but the events of that day and the subsequent decades-long war which followed would shape his life in profound and lasting ways — far more than the average American or even most veterans. Vargas-Andrews, 27, was a 23-year-old U.S. Marine sergeant when he became one of the last U.S. casualties of the nearly 20 year war in Afghanistan. And on Thursday, he was honored by Massachusetts Fallen Heroes with their 2025 Daniel H. Petithory Award, named for the first soldier from the Bay State to die during the war. The first and the last Sgt. 1st Class Petithory was killed by friendly fire in early December of 2001, and was among the very first casualties of Operation Enduring Freedom. The bomb that took Petithory and two other U.S. service members also injured the future President of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai. At the time, Vargas Andrews was a toddler and too young to know his country was at war. Even though he didn't come from a military family, Vargas-Andrews said that he knew he wanted to serve his country from a young age. He went to Vanden High School, a Fairfield, California, a district also attended by the children of service members stationed at nearby Travis Air Force Base, until the 10th grade. It was there, he told the Herald, that he saw what service meant, with 'one if not both' of his friends' parents deployed repeatedly as the Global War on Terror entered a second decade. With the conflict building through his entire childhood, the desire to serve eventually became impossible to ignore. 'I chose a path where I could do the most good for others — I felt called to serve — and I'm grateful to say I did it,' he said. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in August of 2017 and eventually was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, known as 'the Professionals.' He was a rifleman, like all Marines, but also a sniper. According to Congressional records describing his service, he was a 'professionally instructed gunmen and radio operator for his sniper team.' According to Vargas-Andrews, he spent his enlistment doing what all Marines try to do in 'chasing the legacy of those who came before us.' It was 'almost four years to the day' after his enlistment, he told the Herald, when he was assigned the task of helping to evacuate U.S. personnel, assets, and allies from Afghanistan at Hamid Karzai International Airport, named for the now-former President injured nearly 20 years earlier on the day Petithory died. Records show he and his team 'aided in the evacuation and processing of over 200 United States Nationals at Abbey Gate in Kabul, Afghanistan and were the primary Ground Reconnaissance and Observation asset throughout Evacuation Operations at Abbey Gate.' As the evacuation was underway on August 26, 2021, a suicide bomber detonated explosives outside the Abbey Gate. Vargas-Andrews was among the dozens of U.S. troops caught in the blast, which claimed the lives of 13 service members and at least 169 Afghan civilians. Vargas-Andrews was severely injured. He lost his right arm and left leg, and needed 49 surgeries. He spent months in recovery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He wasn't done there, though. Vargas-Andrews has spent the time since he was medically retired from military service attempting to help his fellow veterans learn to live with their own wounds, and heal where they can. He's testified before Congress, become a fitness advocate, and has run in marathons across the country. Coming full circle Choosing Vargas-Andrews to receive the Daniel H. Petithory Award this year, according to Dan Magoon, the executive director at Massachusetts Fallen Heroes, was a 'no-brainer.' 'Tyler is an amazing, resilient warrior,' Magoon told the Herald. Vargas-Andrews, Magoon said, has dedicated his life post-service to his 'brother and sister veterans and gold-star families.' 'And he's used his experience and the tragedy that he lived through to share that message of resiliency. He has a motto: 'you are never a victim.' The way he carries himself and does more for others makes him — not only an exceptional Marine — but an unbelievable human being,' he said. Vargas-Andrews, in speaking with the Herald ahead of Thursday's award presentation, was remarkably positive considering his tragic circumstances. It's not always easy, he explained when asked how he manages to keep his spirits up, but continuing to serve helps a great deal. 'I owe it to my friends who died to try to be happy and live a good life,' he said. 'The Marine Corps has shaped me into the man that I am today and it's given me the people I love most in my life.' ©2025 MediaNews Group, Inc. Visit at Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
