American freedom is not a guarantee. It’s secured through unmatched strength, readiness, and an unwavering commitment to defending our interests. As someone who has served two combat tours, I have seen firsthand how peace through strength is a reality that keeps our enemies in check and our allies reassured. Under President Trump’s leadership, we are witnessing a return to a powerful, capable, and proud American military, and it’s clear his policies are working.
The precision strikes on three nuclear sites in Iran in June are a perfect example. They were both tactical successes and strategic statements. The strikes sent a clear message: the United States will not tolerate threats to our national security, and we will act decisively to prevent hostile regimes from acquiring nuclear weapons. That kind of bold action deters aggression, holds bad actors accountable, and ensures the safety of Americans and our allies.
Calculated use of strength doesn’t invite war, it prevents it. Weakness, on the other hand, emboldens adversaries. We saw what happened when previous administrations prioritized appeasement over accountability. Rogue states like China, Iran, and North Korea exploited the vacuum left by America's strategic retreat. Our military was bogged down by ideological agendas rather than warfighting readiness. That led to a historic recruitment crisis, plummeting morale, and a degradation of standards that weakened our ability to deter and, if necessary, win wars.
President Trump has made it a priority to reverse that dangerous trajectory. His administration has embraced the principle that peace through strength is more than just increasing defense budgets – it’s about ensuring excellence in every corner of the force. Readiness, training, technological superiority, and warrior ethos are back at the forefront. Gone are the days when military policy was dictated by political correctness instead of battlefield realities. Excellence in the military is a necessity. It means holding ourselves to the highest standards, because that’s what winning demands. It means fostering a culture of meritocracy, where the best rise based on ability, leadership, and commitment to mission, not social agendas. That’s what builds trust among the ranks. That’s what builds a lethal and cohesive force. That’s what deters conflict.
We must continue to reject the failed policies that dabbled in social experiments rather than maintaining combat effectiveness. We cannot afford to allow identity politics to drive military decision-making. Under President Trump, we restored military morale and professionalism, and we’re already seeing results. Recruitment is rebounding, morale is improving, and a renewed sense of purpose is taking hold throughout the ranks.
Technological excellence is also key. A commitment to military superiority means embracing cutting-edge innovation, from hypersonic weapons and AI integration to space-based capabilities. The Trump administration has embraced this reality, and has accelerated defense innovation to ensure that American warfighters will never enter a “fair” fight, and that’s exactly how it should be.
The United States must always be the dominant force on the global stage, not out of arrogance, but out of necessity. Because when America is strong, the world is safer. When our military is respected and feared, our adversaries think twice. That’s the power of deterrence.
President Trump understands that, and he’s taken the steps necessary to rebuild our military and restore American power. His commitment to excellence, strength, and national security is exactly what this moment demands.
We must continue to build on this momentum. Not just for the sake of our current force, but for future generations who will wear the uniform. Peace is worth protecting, but only strength will preserve it.
Amber Smith, a military advisor for the Coalition for Military Excellence, is a former U.S. Army combat helicopter pilot and former deputy assistant to the Secretary of Defense.
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