The U.S. Military Wants Global Poverty Addressed

The Secretary of Defenses: Nearly every post-9/11 Secretary of Defense has advocated that Congress better fund the International Affairs Budget and development projects. Former Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates repeatedly said that the U.S. can’t win today’s national security challenges with force and military might alone. Former Secretary of Defense, Chuck Hagel added the importance of using all of America’s tools stating, “America’s role in the world should reflect the hope and promise of our country, and possibilities for all mankind, tempered with a wisdom that has been the hallmark of our national character. That means pursuing a principled and engaged realism that employs diplomatic, economic, and security tools as well as our values to advance our security and our prosperity.”

(USGLC)



The Joint Chiefs of Staff: Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Marine Corps General Joseph Dunford explained the importance of the role of the State Department and USAID in defeating ISIS. He said, “I can’t talk to the adequate levels of funding for any other element of the government. What I can say is that in order for us to be successful against ISIS or any of the threats that we face right now, it will be important for us to fully leverage all the capabilities our nation has — diplomatically, economically, and militarily, and now in the 21st century in the information space as well.”

(Devex)

The Generals: In 2019, over 140 retired three and four-star generals called on Congress to increase funding for the International Affairs Budget. The Generals noted that investments, non-military tools of development, and diplomacy foster economic and political stability on a global scale. It also strengthens our allies and fights the spread of poverty, disease, terrorism and weapons of mass destruction.

(USGLC)

The Soldiers: Countless former and current U.S. soldiers have expressed concern that the United States is not doing enough to address global poverty. Others have been fortunate enough to be part of the increasing number of humanitarian missions aimed at weakening the influence of terrorist groups in poor regions. Retired General George W. Casey, Jr., former chief of staff of the United States Army and commanding general in Iraq from 2004 to 2007 explained that while he was in Iraq, he quickly learned that military force alone would not solve the problems the U.S. forces faced. He explained, “Today our soldiers need strong civilian partners to sustain the military’s hard-earned gains. These civilian partners need resources to be effective, just like the military — which is why I’m on Capitol Hill today urging our elected officials to ensure the State Department and USAID have the resources they need to be effective partners in our country’s security.”

(Devex)

84 percent of military officers said that strengthening non-military tools, such as diplomacy and development efforts, should be at least equal to strengthening military efforts.

(USGLC)

THE WORLD’S MOST DANGEROUS COUNTRIES ARE ALSO AMONG THE POOREST.

1. Afghanistan

2. Iraq

3. Nigeria

4. Syria

5. Pakistan

6. Somalia

7. India

8. Yemen

9. Philippines

10. Democratic Republic of the Congo

(IEP)



CHARLIE WILSON’S OTHER WAR

After the Soviet Union left Afghanistan in the late 1980s, Congressman Charlie Wilson unsuccessfully pleaded with Congress to build schools and improve conditions for people in Afghanistan. In a scene depicted in the Tom Hanks movie Charlie Wilson’s War, the Congressman foreshadows that no good can come from allowing a population of millions of young, hopeless people to live in squalor. In the following years, extremism engulfed Afghanistan and the Taliban took control of the country providing Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda with a safe haven to operate and plan the 9/11 attacks.



WHERE BOOKS WEIGH MORE THAN BOMBS

“Millions of families, especially those with little money, send their children to religious schools, or madrassas. Many of these schools are the only opportunity available for an education, but some have been used as incubators for violent extremism. According to Karachi’s police commander, there are 859 madrassas teaching more than 200,000 youngsters in his city alone.” — 9/11 Commission Report.

“With a curriculum that glorifies violence in the name of Islam and ignores basic history, science and math, the public education system [in Pakistan] has become a major barrier to U.S. efforts to defeat extremist groups.” —Washington Post, January 17, 2010

Helpful Downloads