The U.S. Military Must Save Itself Before Saving Others

The central strategic tradeoff for the United States has shifted from balancing military aid between partners to deciding between replenishing its own depleted arsenals and providing aid to allies like Israel, Taiwan, and Ukraine. After years of aiding Ukraine and assisting Israel, U.S. stockpiles of critical munitions like air defense interceptors are dangerously low. This depletion raises serious concerns about the American military's ability to protect its own forces in a potential major war in Asia or the Middle East. The core dilemma is now whether to prioritize refilling America's arsenals or to continue sending materiel to partners, which reduces the U.S.'s own readiness and its ability to supply Taiwan.