The Department of Defense should not go on the offense.
That’s a strong feeling I have had for most of my adult life, and it is why I changed my political affiliation to independent in the 1990s. I support having a strong military and the financing to make sure of it, as one of the key responsibilities of our leaders is to protect American citizens. But when we send our soldiers, equipment and money to other countries, it should be for sound reasons — and the end goal must be crystal clear.
Years ago, when I was managing a printing plant in Nebraska, I was working late and went up to the local diner for a sandwich. The place was mostly empty, so I struck up a conversation with a young man there. He told me that he was a soldier who recently returned from Afghanistan. I thanked him for his service, and he then explained to me that he reenlisted and was heading back to Afghanistan the following week. I asked him what prompted this, and he sternly replied, “We have a job to finish.” I was amazed at his loyalty and allegiance to our country. That commitment may be rare in many people today, but it was as strong as steel in this American soldier. I thought of him recently when I learned of the Taliban recapturing key cities in Afghanistan since the U.S. evacuation began.
Nearly 2,500 American service members died in America’s longest war, more than 20,000 have been wounded, and nearly $2 trillion has been spent in this debt-financed effort. Generations of Americans will remember the human losses and be burdened with the cost of paying off the financial debt.
I realize the war was unpopular. I realize it was costly in lives and money. And I realize it needed to come to an end at some point. But I worry about what we left there and what will become of it. I worry about the soldiers who gave so much of their lives in a commitment to finish what they started in that region. And, most of all, I worry about what is to come if the Taliban continues to grow.
Any meaningful goal must be measurable, regardless of how significant or insignificant it is, because, ultimately, there must be a way to determine if it was accomplished or not. The young soldier I talked with that evening wanted to finish the job, complete the mission. Unfortunately, I am not sure if anyone knew what the end goal truly was. Regardless, when they were asked to go on the offense, they did. He and his fellow soldiers are American heroes, and I am truly thankful for their service.
Have a thoughtful Thursday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
