“ I believe in a military that is so strong, no one would test it. The U.S. Navy has a great slogan, “a global force for good.” That’s how I see a strong America backed by a strong military. We use our power to stabilize a globalized world, foster freedom and development, and – most importantly – keep the peace.

Our Armed Forces have had a tough decade. They’ve fought with incredible bravery in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. But their equipment is getting older and falling into disrepair. We’re shrinking the number of ships and planes they use to help keep us safe. And we’ve canceled most of their upgrade programs. I think it’s wrong for us spend more on the federal government, while shrinking a military that is still fighting on our behalf. The defense of this nation is an enumerated power in the U.S. Constitution. So we have both a moral and legal obligation to treat our troops with the same loyalty and dedication that they treat us.
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“ President Obama has been a strong and responsible leader in a complicated and often dangerous world. He has successfully confronted our enemies and strengthened our alliances, while remaining true to the values that make our nation great.

When President Obama took office, the United States was engaged in two wars and faced terrorist threats at home and abroad. The President kept his promise to end the war in Iraq and has a plan to end the war in Afghanistan in 2014. By refocusing our efforts on the most serious threats we face, President Obama has taken the fight directly to our enemies. He has put al Qaeda on the path to defeat, decimated its senior leadership, and brought Osama bin Laden to justice.

We are building international coalitions, working with our friends and allies to address the shared threats we face, from nuclear proliferation to natural disasters. And we are restoring our international leadership by living up to our ideals and values at home and abroad.
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