National defense is not a political issue.

• Author: Carlisle, Hawk
• Position: President's Perspective

For almost 100 years, the National Defense Industrial Association has represented the industrial base and provided a critical contribution to the national security dialogue.

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As an association, it has thrived in its mission, largely due to an enduring commitment to be the "honest broker" in bringing government, industry and academia together to support our warfighters and ensure the safety and security of this great nation.

Through 18 different administrations, seven major conflicts, more than a dozen significant armed interventions and numerous domestic crises, NDIA has been a non-partisan voice supporting our industrial base and the American "arsenal of freedom." That business--the safety and security of the nation--must be conducted in an atmosphere that is apolitical and guided solely by the best interests of the men and women that willingly go into harm's way on the nation's behalf.

As I settle into my role as president and CEO of this well-respected defense industry association, rest assured that we will continue our long-honored tradition of being an apolitical organization. In fact, I intend to double down on this principle because the times demand it.

National defense and homeland security are not, and should never be, "political issues." A democratic and open government has a moral obligation to protect its citizens and their way of life. This at its core means that supporting national defense and homeland security is a nonpartisan issue that should be raised into a national dialogue and be the first objective of our elected officials. It is not a Democrat versus Republican debate, or a center of the country versus East and West Coast discussion. We are all Americans first, particularly when it comes to the common defense and protection of citizens. As I begin my leadership here at NDIA, that is my message to the 72 professionals that so ably serve 28 divisions, 26 chapters, working groups and affiliates.

I know that most people truly attempt to stay apolitical in the national defense dialogue. A great example of this, and one for which I have personal experience, are the armed services committees in Congress. My personal belief is that the Senate Armed Services Committee and House Armed Services Committee are the two most bipartisan committees in Congress, and their work is focused squarely on ensuring the men and women in uniform are provided the best equipment, training and infrastructure that we can...