Defense Bill Not Perfect, but Should Result in Stronger, More Effective U.S. Military

A MCCRE's purpose is to evaluate the combat readiness of the unit in preparation for deployment. The President is now heading the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, (NDAA), after it was passed by both chambers of Congress. Although the bill was delayed by misprioritization, it accomplishes its most important task of authorizing funding and providing a policy framework for strengthening the nation's defenses. The bill is a win for all those who support a strong U.S. army, although it's not perfect. The bill's greatest achievement is an $858 billion increase in defense spending. This includes national security and military programs. This is a significant improvement on President Biden's $813 billion request, which didn't account for inflation. As the U.S. begins to combat the Chinese Communist Party's growing global threat and Russia fights its unjust war against Ukraine, this additional funding is vital. Many provisions in the bill will improve military readiness. It prohibits combat platforms from being retired early, like the F-22 fighter, and calls for the purchase of 11 Navy vessels. It also restores funding for the sea launched nuclear cruise missile. It also acquires a 12th Coast Guard national safety cutter, and reforms the National Defense Stockpile. >>> The National Defense Stockpile is Small, But Important. The bill also strengthens the munitions industry base by providing additional funding and authorizing the Pentagon for multiyear bulk-buy contracts. A provision is included that lifts the COVID-19 vaccination mandate for service personnel. It is difficult to argue with the wisdom of seperating service members and denying enlistment for volunteers who decline to take the vaccine. The NDAA reduced the Army's total strength by 33,000 soldiers, compared to its 2022 authorized level. Several provisions in the NDAA's earlier versions required reports on personal characteristics that were not related to professional competence. For example, the House version required that corporations doing business with the Pentagon report on the sexual preferences, race, ethnicity, and sex makeup their boards. The final bill removed most of these types provisions that had no connection to defense. A poorly thought-out proposal to give control of the D.C. National Guard over to the mayor was also dropped. It would have been impossible for the mayor of Washington to manage the Guard given the many policing jurisdictions within the capital. The Senate provision that would have required women registration for the draft was dropped in the final bill. >>> The FY 2023 National Defense Authorization Act Final Version. One item was added to the bill: the Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act. This bill will help to improve U.S.-Taiwanese relationships in the face Chinese adventurism. The agreement authorizes $10 billion to strengthen security cooperation over five years, making Taiwan eligible for a regional contingent munition stockpile, fighting Chinese coercive actions, advocating Taiwan's inclusion in international organizations and supporting stronger economic and cultural relations. The program must be funded by the appropriate appropriators, but this is only a first step. It is not perfect. There are still some provisions that do not relate to national defense. The bill was narrowed to mainly enhance warfighting capabilities and lawmakers deserve praise. This article originally appeared on Fox News