The United States faces unprecedented national security challenges requiring immediate Congressional action to strengthen military readiness before potential conflicts with global adversaries become reality.
At a Glance
- A bipartisan commission warns that America faces the most significant security threats since World War II, more complex than during the Cold War
- The U.S. military is reportedly too small for its mission, with critical shortfalls in air defense, electronic warfare, and long-range capabilities
- China is outpacing American military development in cyber capabilities, space assets, and conventional forces
- Defense experts warn the U.S. is losing its military edge while a strategic alignment of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea threatens global stability
- Southern border security challenges have prompted a national emergency declaration requiring military assistance
America’s Deteriorating Military Position
The Commission on the National Defense Strategy has delivered a stark warning about America’s eroding military posture. According to the bipartisan group, the threats to U.S. national security are greater than at any point since World War II and more complex than during the Cold War. This critical assessment comes as military leaders express growing concern about America’s readiness to face multiple global adversaries simultaneously while also addressing homeland security challenges.
Defense experts have identified significant capability gaps in the U.S. military that require urgent attention. The Army specifically is deemed too small for its mission, needing substantial expansion in air defense systems, counter-unmanned aerial capabilities, electronic warfare technologies, and long-range precision fires. These shortfalls have emerged as China and Russia have aggressively modernized their forces while America’s military investments have been directed elsewhere.
— Defense Analyses and Research Corporation (@DefenseAnalyses) April 3, 2025
The Growing Threat Coalition
Security analysts have identified a strategic shift involving coordination between China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea that presents a multi-front challenge to American interests. China’s military expansion has been particularly concerning, with Beijing outpacing the United States in developing advanced cyber capabilities, space assets, and conventional military forces. These developments directly threaten America’s ability to respond to potential conflicts in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding seas.
“Our commission believes unanimously that the threats to U.S. national security and our interests are greater than at any time since World War II and are more complex than during the Cold War”, said Jane Harman and Eric Edelman.
Russia remains a significant threat despite its ongoing conflict in Ukraine, actively seeking to destabilize global power dynamics through hybrid warfare tactics. Meanwhile, domestic security challenges have compounded these international concerns. The President has declared a national emergency at the southern border, citing threats from cartels, criminal gangs, terrorists, and human traffickers that require military assistance to address.
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Needed Reforms and Congressional Action
Defense experts are calling for fundamental changes in how the Pentagon operates to address these urgent security challenges. Recommendations include better integration with allies, increased collaboration with the private sector, and a comprehensive approach involving all elements of national power. The Department of Defense must rapidly adapt to technological advancements, focusing on autonomy, artificial intelligence, and cost-effective weapons systems to counter adversaries who have been modernizing while America’s attention was elsewhere.
Congressional action is urgently needed to address these shortfalls. Security experts recommend canceling outdated legacy programs in favor of future-focused capabilities, investing more effectively in building tomorrow’s military force, and considering additional resources through special appropriations.
Perhaps most concerning is the commission’s finding that the American public remains largely unaware of these serious threats, creating a dangerous lack of national will to address these challenges before they escalate into direct conflict.
Border Security as National Defense
The border security crisis has become an integral part of the military readiness discussion. The President’s national emergency declaration cites widespread chaos and American deaths resulting from illegal border activities. The proclamation directs the Secretary of Defense to deploy military personnel and resources to support border control efforts, including constructing additional physical barriers and facilitating unmanned aerial surveillance systems by waiving certain regulations.
“As Commander in Chief, I have no more solemn duty than to protect the American people.”, said President Donald J. Trump.
Military leaders must now balance these homeland security missions with preparations for potential global conflicts. The Commission’s assessment makes clear that recruiting challenges and readiness issues have pushed America’s military capabilities to a breaking point at precisely the moment when multiple threats demand increased capacity. Without swift Congressional action to address these shortfalls, the U.S. may find itself unprepared to respond to adversaries who have been methodically preparing for confrontation.
