Army Requests Funding to Keep up With Russia & China

The U.S. Army has requested that Congress shift close to $378 million from the 2018 fiscal budget to pay for modernization efforts. Among these modernization efforts include programs designed to improve air and missile defense systems, the Army’s long range firing capability, and electronic warfare. This request comes after the U.S. Marine Corps’ top budget officer, Major General John Jansen, went on the record to say that the United States was not prepared to meet the challenge of our most significant strategic competitors.

The U.S. military suffered nearly a decade of atrophy under the Obama administration. Incorrect assessments of the worldwide geopolitical scene led his administration to cap spending and force the military to make difficult decisions regarding which programs to fund and which programs to cut, ultimately leaving the U.S. vulnerable to nations like China and Russia. The most debilitated of the U.S. military branches is the Army. Drained of funds from the war on terror, and little left for modernization efforts, the Army has not been able to keep pace with other aforementioned great powers.

Russia has taken the opportunity to catch up and surpass America’s capabilities in several areas. They have designed a new main battle tank, the T-14, which includes an auto-loader, automated gun turrets, and active defense capabilities. Russia has also claimed to have developed new hypersonic missile systems that can thwart America’s defense systems. The S-400 surface to air missile system also poses a threat to American cruise missiles and warplanes. More astonishingly, Russia claims they have a new camouflage system for troops and tanks that can change colors to match the surrounding environment.

In the past ten years, Russia has invaded two of its neighbors and is currently to trying derail U.S. efforts in the Middle East with the deployment of modernized technology, including the advanced S-400 missile system in Syria. This missile system is being used to prevent the United States from controlling the skies and aiding allied forces in the fight against ISIS.

China is also taking great strides to bolster their military. Advancements in stealth technology, like the new J-20, and anti-satellite missiles both pose a threat to U.S. air and space power. China has also engaged in the construction of artificial islands as a measure to increase strategic control over the South China Sea which is a significant concern for U.S. interests in the region. Furthermore, they have deployed missiles and the new J-20 Stealth Fighter to these islands.

China intends to redefine the region as an air defense identification zone (ADIZ), meaning anyone that wishes to sail or fly through the zone would have to deal with Chinese security measures first. With these islands, missiles, and planes, China now has the power to enforce such a plan. While they have made veiled threats to the U.S. in the past for defying such a zone, their actions spoke louder than words when they recently relocated nuclear capable bombers to the islands from bases in the mainland.

It would be unwise for the United States to not give its military the funding it needs to properly address the imminent challenges posed by great powers. With proper funding, the U.S. will be able to fix the current modernization issues within its military. These expenses are necessary to defend freedom for Americans and U.S. allies.