Undergraduate / Congressional Appointment Essay: The Most Serious Issue Facing our Military Today [3]

"The Most Serious Issue Facing our Military Today"

I believe the most serious issue facing our military today is our inability to adequately protect US interests against Russia and their allies such as Iran and Venezuela.

Since 2005, Russia has launched a vast modernization and rearmament program with the goal of reestablishing itself as a global military power. Russia has some of the world's greatest energy reserves and they are among the world's top energy producers. With the unprecedented global demand for energy, Russia is profiting exponentially and can fund its current and future military program. This aside, Russia already has a family of fighter aircraft and surface to air and cruise missile systems that can defeat or neutralize some of best US warfare capabilities. Russia's Sukhoi family of fighters are superior to all US fighter jets save the F-22. Russia's S-400 surface to air missiles have a top speed of Mach 14.5 and can defeat stealth aircraft such as the F-22. Russia's supersonic BrahMos anti-ship missile can be fired from any platform at our aircraft carriers and our Navy has no plans to defend against it. Furthermore, Russia is providing high technology military hardware to its allies who are can use same to threaten the Straits of Hormuz and/or the Panama Canal and temporarily shut off oil flow to the United States. This could severely damage an already fragile US economy and draw us into a military confrontation with higher battle rate losses than we've ever been unwilling to accept.

Any advice?

Undergraduate / Congressional Appointment Essay: "Why I want to attend a military academy?" [3]

Topic: "Why I want to attend a military academy"

My desire to attend a military academy has been more of a process for me than a decision. I grew up the son of a career public servant and was undoubtedly influenced by my upbringing. For over 25 years my father put his life on the line each day as a Federal law enforcement agent to make our nation safer. I have grown up admiring him for his loyalty and selfless commitment. As I consider my future, I know that I want to follow in his footsteps in a public service career that helps ensure the safety and freedom of our great nation.

Today, I believe the most serious threat to our nation comes from beyond our borders and that's why my focus is on serving in the military. Since 9/11, our nation has led the fight against terrorism but we must continue to lead this fight and step up our efforts to be successful. Our battles have not been easy and they have certainly not been without sacrifice but we are making progress in the war on terror and the youth of our nation, especially our young leaders, must answer the call to serve. I welcome this challenge to serve and I believe our military provides me with the greatest opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills, and abilities to be highly successful.

For a long time I knew I wanted to serve in the military but I was unsure of the branch of service. My grandfather was a Marine and Korean War veteran; my uncle was a Navy fighter pilot during the Vietnam War; and, a close friend from high school currently attends the Air Force Academy. Earlier this year I was honored to visit the Air Force Academy as a Division 1 soccer recruit. From the moment I stepped on campus it all just seemed to click - the location and setting, the educational opportunities, the esprit de corps, the opportunity to fly, and the chance to play soccer for the Fighting Falcons. I knew the Air Force was the right career decision for me and the Air Force Academy offered me the very best opportunities for a highly successful future. .

I feel very fortunate to be among the group of outstanding young men and women who are being considered for an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy and I am honored and humbled by the thought of serving shoulder to shoulder with finest soldiers, sailors, and airmen in the greatest military on earth.