Tom Cole: Oklahoma's academic community is critical to our defense needs

THE OKLAHOMAN
Rep. Tom Cole, Guest Columnist

Editor's Note: This column is submitted by a candidate running for election. Its publication does not constitute The Oklahoman's endorsement of the candidate or his views. The Oklahoman does not endorse candidates for public office.

Congress has no greater responsibility than to provide our military with the training and resources it needs to confront mounting security challenges and threats. Indeed, the U.S. military and its defense industrial base are the backbone of international stability and order. And in this era of unprecedented turmoil around the world, both must be strengthened. 

For decades, thousands of Oklahomans have played critical roles in supporting our national defense and security needs. Notably, in the district I represent, this includes both military service members and civil servants supporting the world-class training, sustainment and operational missions at Tinker Air Force Base and Fort Sill.

​Academia in Oklahoma is increasingly proving an important partner. Our state is uniquely situated to continue growing into one of the leading defense and national security research states by focusing on four critical areas: radar innovations, sustainment and modernization, advanced technologies and international security policy. Great strides have been made thanks to the strategic investment of the Fourth District’s own University of Oklahoma in aerospace, defense and global security research. 

Read More