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Throughout my entire military career, which coincided with the global war on terrorism—often abbreviated as GWOT within military circles—I witnessed a period when the U.S. Army urgently needed personnel. Like many in my generation who answered the call, my 20-year journey in uniform began as a response to that demand. Some enlisted out of a surge of patriotism following the events of 9/11.
Back then, my wife and I were college seniors in Cleveland, Tennessee, and the idea of joining the military seemed distant. However, two years later, faced with the Army’s pressing need for more soldiers in the midst of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, I decided to enlist to support my family. What was initially intended as a four-year commitment evolved into a longer career, filled with both rewarding and challenging experiences.
I became disillusioned watching American leadership relinquish Iraq to Iranian influence and return Afghanistan to the grips of forces we had battled against, leading to the loss of many comrades. The notion that we were fighting overseas to avoid conflict at home felt like a broken promise, especially as our borders were left vulnerable while we were deployed abroad. This disillusionment nudged me toward a near-isolationist stance, though not entirely aligning with libertarian views.
Over time, my perspective on defense policy began to echo the warnings of America’s founding fathers against unnecessary military interventions. Yet, when I heard about Operation Epic Fury, I experienced a profound sense of fulfillment.
My philosophy on defense policy shifted to reflect cautions offered by America’s founding fathers against military adventurism abroad. But when I awoke to news of Operation Epic Fury, there was a deep sense of satisfaction.