Summary. In tough economic times, it’s even more essential to achieve the greatest value from money spent on defense and national security. A nation’s armed forces and military personnel must be fully trained and equipped to meet modern threats to national security. The threats we face today are like none we’ve ever faced before. For this reason, leaders in defense are redirecting resources and funding to humanitarian aid and sustainability efforts because such initiatives produce the greatest return on the investment.
Three-Pronged Approach. Natural disasters have now eclipsed terrorism as the greatest cause of death, damage, and injury. Scarcity of resources is resulting in conflicts, terrorism, and war around the world. A three-pronged approach is needed. The military establishment recognizes this and is taking immediate action in the following areas.
- Humanitarian aid and relief to those impacted by natural disasters.
- Sustainable energy solutions to reduce our negative impact on the planet.
- Economic development for creating communities of financial and agricultural abundance.
New Military. At this very moment, thousands of people serving in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, National Guard, and other special forces are being rapidly redeployed to build schools, build clinics, assist in disaster relief, offer support with agricultural development, deliver humanitarian aid, and develop sustainable energy solutions. Combined military forces are now working on campaigns to deliver humanitarian aid such as the disaster relief to El Salvador. Hundreds of thousands of tons in food, water, and clothing, are being delivered and various forms of shelter are being constructed.
New Marching Orders. In the winter of 2009, one of the top leaders of the elite United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) located at MacDill Aif Force Base in Florida gave the following words as marching orders [source] for those in military service as well as civilians:
Maximize family time if at all possible
Renew old friendships
Do fewer things, but do them thoughtfully
Avoid the tyranny of the ‘hustle & bustle’Look back to the history of our great national celebrations
teach the childrenRethink and Rediscover the truly valuable things of life
Try to recognize and accept family members as friends, just as they are
Be intentional in ‘random acts of kindness’
Choose to love, accept and forgive
Read the scripture
Pray for your military, your community, and your country
Sustainability. It seem that the armed forces and military leaders have accurately identified and responded to the greatest threats to humanity. Below is an image from the Army Sustainability website. The Army has placed Sustainability as a top priority because if humanity doesn’t survive due to scarcity of resources, then there’s nothing left to defend.
