Be Smart About Security – Lt. Gen. Daniel Christman (Ret.)
by Lt. Gen. Daniel W. Christman (Ret.)
Akron Beacon Journal, May 31, 2011
Having served my country for almost four decades in the U.S. Army and now working to promote our nation’s first-rate businesses, I know it is more important than ever for America to maintain its leadership in the world. This is also critical for our state of Ohio as we continue to pull ourselves out of this economic downturn, create jobs and keep our families safe.
One of the best ways we can accomplish these goals is investing in programs funded by our international affairs budget. At just over 1 percent of our federal budget, the international affairs budget delivers a tremendous bang for the buck. This small investment funds American interests around the globe, including counter-terrorism programs, economic development initiatives, emergency disaster relief and life-saving food and medicine, which promote more stable societies.
It may seem strange to have an old Army hand talk about the importance of civilian power, but I know from firsthand experience the difference that is made when we take a ”smart power” approach to our foreign policy — an approach where we utilize our development, diplomatic and defense operations together to protect our national security and our economy growth.
The world has changed since I left Hudson, and entered the U.S. Army back in 1965. The threats of the Cold War era are behind us, and today we face a complex and interconnected world where pandemic disease, weapons of mass destruction and stateless terrorists threaten our security. The extraordinary men and women of the U.S. military will always rise to meet any challenge we throw at them; however, in this environment, they simply cannot do it alone.
Our top military leaders, including Gen. David Petraeus and Admiral Mike Mullen, are among the strongest advocates for a ”smart power” strategy. As officers, we know investing in the international affairs budget helps fight terrorism in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, and it can help prevent conflicts in other dangerous corners of the world before they even have a chance to start. That is why I recently joined 70 of my fellow retired three- and four-star generals and admirals in an open letter to members of Congress. We urged congressional leaders to support smart power programs because ”our nation’s security depends on it.”
A comprehensive national security strategy, including smart power, unquestionably saves soldiers’ lives by ensuring that ”boots on the ground” are always a last resort. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates reminded us recently that ”development is a lot cheaper than sending in soldiers.” Our international affairs programs clearly are a good deal for the American taxpayer.
I was privileged to serve in many capacities during my military career, including advising Secretary of State Warren Christopher on issues related to the Middle East. There, and more recently in working with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to open markets for American businesses in Asia, Latin American and Africa, I saw how critical our civilian operations are.
Some might be surprised to learn our investment in the international affairs budget helps us grow our economy; but opening new markets in the fast-growing developing world is a boon to Ohio businesses. When we can sell our products and services overseas, we can hire new workers in our own communities.
This is the reality of today’s global economy, and we can’t afford to fall behind. Nearly one in five Ohio jobs now depends on trade, and close to half of U.S. exports now go to the developing world. And earlier this year, we saw the Ohio State University receive a $24 million grant from the U.S. Agency for International Development to improve food security in Tanzania.
Ohio has consistently ranked as one of the top 10 exporting states in the nation over the past 10 years. Whether it is a Honda plant creating 16,000 jobs for Ohio families or a booming export market where local businesses sold over $34 billion in products in 2009, we know international engagement has real economic benefits for our state.
My experiences in both the national security and economic arenas have made me a believer in the benefits we receive from a strong and effective international affairs budget. A small investment of just 1 percent of our federal budget provides a tremendous return in terms of keeping our families safe and our economy growing. This is something our leaders in Congress need to get behind.
Christman, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant general, is a decorated combat veteran who previously served as assistant to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He is currently senior counselor to the president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He is a native of Hudson.
