What do we need for successful U.S. military defense? Obviously, we need “enough” of the “right” things “now.” But nothing is simple in military defense.
When we are at war, we need “whatever it takes” to win and save lives — regardless of cost. The most expensive thing is not to have whatever is necessary.
Over the years, for example, we have had a wide variety of fighter aircraft for our armed forces. Pilots, and other experts, have very diverse ideas about “what’s best.” There have been many “favorites.”
Now the United States is developing the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Lighting II for use by our military.
There seems to be agreement on the basic aircraft configuration — but there is a hot debate on whether to have one model engine for all F-35s, or two different engines. Performance, costs and other factors are involved in the debate.
This week, the Times Free Press had an informative visit from representatives of the GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team. They obviously want their engine to be one of the options available for F-35s. But Pratt & Whitney wants its engines in all F-35s. Each side undoubtedly has some good arguments, and there are clearly a number of vital considerations. We certainly cannot afford to make the “wrong” choice.
Why not have half of the new jet fighters use one engine and half the other? The Bible’s King Solomon demonstrated that that’s not the best way to make a decision.
We civilian amateurs are inadequate to decide, and even military experts will have a hard time making the choice. But it’s vital, militarily and financially, not to make an unwise decision.
Nothing in national defense is “simple.” We need to have “the most of the best — now” — to slightly modify Confederate Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest’s memorable observation about the importance of being “first with the most.”