NSL4A warns that reported intervention in a vetted Army promotion list reflects political interference, undermines merit-based military advancement, threatens trust and morale within the ranks, and calls for transparency and accountability to protect the integrity of the promotion system.

NSL4A affirms that U.S. national security depends on merit-based leadership that fully leverages the proven contributions of women and minorities, reflects the full breadth of qualified American talent, strengthens public confidence in our institutions, and rejects exclusionary policies that weaken readiness.

NSL4A strongly supports the House-passed FY2026 NDAA that preserves the bipartisan Naming Commission’s work, joining LULAC and others in upholding integrity and accountability in the armed forces. The Commission’s efforts ensure military symbols reflect American ideals of unity and service, and reversing its results would disrespect both the process and those principles.

National Security Leaders for America (NSL4A) Founder and President, retired Rear Admiral Mike Smith, issued the following statement regarding the announced firings of several senior military officers without cause, including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, the Chief of Naval Operations, the Air Force Vice Chief of Staff, and the Judge Advocates General of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.