Our country has 1.3 million active-duty service personnel and more than 18 million veterans. And there have been more than 30,000 suicides among that population since 9/11. Our soldiers live and work on hundreds of military bases with thousands of buildings in decrepit or hazardous condition. Dining halls fail to offer them nutritious meals. These brave men and women put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms we enjoy. But who’s protecting them? From mental health to infrastructure to nutrition, we need to ensure that our soldiers are not just surviving, but thriving.

The United States allocates more than $800 billion annually to the military, outspending the next nine countries combined. While national defense is crucial, military spending largely doesn’t address the improvement of programs that ensure a healthier force. Redirecting the military budget toward mental health services, infrastructure development and nutrition programs could transform the quality of life for millions of Americans. Prioritizing the well-being of our service members is a strategic investment in the nation’s future stability and prosperity.

We must invest in expanding mental health resources across the military. The demands of military service leave many active-duty service members and veterans struggling with mental health issues. Suicide rates among active-duty military personnel are steadily increasing. Veterans have the highest rate of suicide: a shocking 17 per day. Mental health services take a back seat to the funding of new weapons and overseas operations. We need to prioritize the mental health of our soldiers. When they receive the care and support they need, our soldiers are better equipped to serve their country effectively.

We must invest in the military’s physical infrastructure. Aging facilities have issues with mold, sewage, water quality and more. Reallocating funds would lead to better housing, reliable infrastructure and modernized facilities for training and medical care. Service members deserve to live and work in environments that are safe and healthy. Investing in the infrastructure that supports the military would boost morale, improve readiness and ensure that service members can focus on their duties.

We must invest in better nutrition. A well-nourished soldier is more physically resilient, mentally sharp and able to perform under stress. Processed, low-nutrient meals are too common. Soldiers often rely on fast food or vending machines when better options aren’t available. More funding is needed to provide the military with healthier, more varied options. By investing in better food services we can ensure our troops are well-nourished and energized for the demands of military life.

A common argument in military spending debates is that every dollar counts toward national security. But security is not just about cutting-edge technology or maintaining a large force. The true strength of our military lies in the well-being of our people. When soldiers are mentally healthy, housed in safe and supportive environments and well-nourished, they are more capable, committed and ready to face the challenges of their duties.

Reallocating military funds toward mental health services, infrastructure and nutrition would not weaken our defense — it would strengthen it. A healthier, more resilient force is a more effective one. The brave men and women who serve our country deserve the best we can offer.

It’s not just about defense; it’s about caring for the people who defend us. Paying attention to these critical areas of support will pay dividends in both readiness and retention. In the world’s greatest military, our soldiers are our greatest asset. We should ensure that our soldiers are not just surviving. They should be thriving.

Kendall McElwee is a graduate student at George Washington University studying security policy. She lives in Anne Arundel County.