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Protecting the nation and much of the world is a U.S. duty
because of the challenges and opportunities that exist, Defense
Secretary Ash Carter told service members at
Naval Submarine Base New London in
Groton, Connecticut on May 24, 2016.
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Defense Secretary Ash Carter addresses service members at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., May 24, 2016. Carter commended them for their work and asked them to help in attracting and retaining their successors.
(DoD photo by Stephanie Dreyer)
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The secretary toured an operational Virginia-class
submarine and said he is confident in U.S. undersea superiority as a
great military strength, telling the service members their work
reaches far, including
the
campaign to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the
Levant.
“I'm also confident that we'll retain it in the future, but
it's not a birth right. We have to work at it,” he said of military
superiority. “We have to spend money on it, which we're doing and
will do. We have to be innovative in technology. And we have to have
really good people.”
The United States must retain its lead over the
capabilities of countries such as Russia and China, he said, adding
that the nation also must keep vigilant watch over Iran and North
Korea.
Troops ‘Insurance' in Uncertain World
“It's an uncertain world, and we have an almost-perfect
record of not anticipating what comes next,” Carter said. “You're an
insurance policy against that uncertain future, because you'll be
ready and you'll be an awesome capability [against] whatever comes
down the road.”
The secretary emphasized two points in his troop talk. The
first is that continuing to be the best requires the United States
to have a competitive mentality and always think, innovate, absorb
the newest technology, look outside the walls and be willing to take
ideas.
Secondly, he said, “We are and have the finest fighting
force the world has even known, principally because of the quality
of our people. And attracting good people to follow you, retaining
good people like you in the future, is an important responsibility
[that] I and the rest of the leadership have.”
The secretary asked the service members to think about what
would bring people with their abilities into the military and what
would retain for 10, 20 or 30 years.
‘Excellent Job Welcoming Women'
“We've got to work at that kind of thing,” he said. “That's
why it was important to me, and you have done an excellent job with
it here, to ... welcome women who are qualified into the service.”
Carter said he's aware that sacrifices are vital to
service, and such matters should be minimized when possible.
“I don't take it for granted that you're here,” the
secretary said. ‘I very much appreciate it. You're talented people.”
Though they have alternatives to serving in the military, he told
the service members, they stick with it because they love it -- the
mission, their shipmates and their country.
By Terri Moon Cronk
DOD News
Copyright 2016
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