The progress of defense technology, from World War II through the Cold War and beyond, is shaped by mavericks whose disruptive approaches lead to breakthrough capabilities.

Today, the United States faces an unprecedented challenge in China’s threat to our military and economic superiority. U.S. industrial output and productivity have stagnated, while China’s red star has risen. Now more than ever, we need to identify and train the American workforce of tomorrow, empower founders, and rebuild the American industrial base. We also need to lean into our strengths, chiefly independent thinking, creative problem solving, and a willingness to challenge outdated ways of operating.

Read the full op-ed in Real Clear Defense.