About Veterans for Smart Power

Veterans for Smart Power are veterans of all ages and ranks who share a commitment to elevating and strengthening our non-military tools of global engagement – alongside our military – so we can build a better, safer, more prosperous America and world.

As veterans of America's armed forces, we know first-hand that our strong military is essential to keep America safe. However, we also know that the military alone cannot defeat today's global threats. That's why we're urging you to support a smart power national security strategy that invests in non-military tools of development and diplomacy too.

• Our threats today come from non-traditional enemies. We must utilize military AND civilian tools such as diplomacy, food aid, health, education, and economic development.

• Our civilian institutions are under-resourced and under-staffed at just 1.4 percent of the federal budget. This isn't a Republican or Democratic issue, it's an American issue. Every single living Secretary of State signed a letter to Congress affirming these investments.

• Over 100 three and four star general and flag officers have voiced their support for a strong and effective international affairs budget as an integral tool for our ‘smart power’ national security strategy.

To join Veterans for Smart Power, please click here.