John Noonan, senior advisor at POLARIS National Security, discusses all things nuclear including the life of a missileer, the current U.S. arsenal and its production problems, the strategy of deterrence, and how Congressional oversight impacts good government.
The current U.S. nuclear arsenal has production problems affecting its readiness.
Congressional oversight ensures the military is appropriately focused, trained, and led.
Holds on military promotions, like the one caused by a dispute over abortion policy, disrupt the national security establishment.
Deep dives
The controversy over holding military promotions in the Senate
There is currently a dispute in the Senate involving the confirmation of military promotions. Senator Tuberville is holding up large numbers of senior officer promotions due to a disagreement with the Department of Defense over abortion policy. This blanket hold is causing a freeze in the national security establishment, affecting uniformed officers at various ranks. While holds are a powerful tool, they are typically used on an individual level to extract information or address specific concerns. This hold on military promotions is unprecedented and is disrupting the flow of promotions and assignments within the military.
The role of Congress in national security and defense
Congress plays a crucial role in national security policy, including defense budgeting, authorizations, and oversight. The annual budget request from the President is submitted to Congress, where it undergoes scrutiny and markup by relevant committees. The authorizers set funding levels and the appropriators allocate funds to specific programs. Oversight by Congress ensures that the military is appropriately focused, trained, funded, and led to address the current national security challenges. While Congress has been generally effective in its oversight role, delays in passing on-time budgets and continuing resolutions have been a concern.
Congressional oversight and the cultural issues in the military
Congress exercises oversight over the military to ensure its proper functioning and focus. A significant exercise of oversight occurred when Senator Cotton and his team conducted a thorough investigation into cultural issues affecting the Navy, following multiple incidents and accidents. The resulting report highlighted a cultural rot in the Navy and proposed solutions to address the problems. This oversight led to the Navy acknowledging the need for change and the Chief of Naval Operations publicly stating the need for improvement. However, it is essential to keep the military out of political fights and focus on its primary mission.
The controversy over senior military promotions in the Senate
There is a controversy in the Senate over the confirmation of senior military promotions. Senator Tuberville is holding up these promotions due to a dispute with the Department of Defense over abortion policy. While holds on nominations are not uncommon, this blanket hold on military officers is unprecedented and is causing significant disruptions. The dispute stems from the Pentagon's decision not to allow taxpayer funds to be used for military members seeking abortions. The holds are preventing the Senate from efficiently confirming military officers and are hindering the national security establishment.
The importance of focusing the military and the role of Congress
Ensuring the military is appropriately focused is crucial given the current national security challenges. Congress plays a vital role in this by exercising oversight and asking tough questions. However, it is essential to distinguish between critical priorities like military readiness and challenges that are outside the military's core mission. Placing emphasis on non-military issues can divert resources and attention from potential adversaries who are focused solely on military capabilities and innovation. Congressional oversight should aim to keep the military out of political fights and focus on its primary mission.
John Noonan, senior advisor at POLARIS National Security, joins the show to talk about all things nuclear; the life of a missileer, the current U.S. arsenal and its production problems, the strategy of deterrence, and how Congressional oversight helps/hinders good government.
