Mission: Readiness

"As Former Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, it’s clear to us that our military readiness could be put in jeopardy given the fact that nearly 75 percent of young Americans are unable to serve in uniform. We joined Mission: Readiness because we believe that investing in our children through early education is not a Republican issue or Democratic issue. It’s a plain common sense issue critical to our National Security."
- General Henry H. Shelton
- General John M. Shalikashvili
(General Shelton and the late General Shalikashvili were founding members of Mission: Readiness)

David M. Edgington, Major General, US Air Force (Retired) (left), James M. Loy, Admiral, US Coast Guard (Retired) (center) and Richard E. Hawley, General, US Air Force (Retired) (right) on the deck of the Battleship Wisconsin in Norfolk, VA, before a press conference on the importance of early learning for national security.

Mission: Readiness

Mission: Readiness is the national security nonprofit organization led by over 300 retired generals, admirals, and other senior military leaders who work to ensure continued American security and prosperity by calling for smart investments in the upcoming generation of American children.

Currently, 75 percent of 17- to 24-year olds in the US cannot serve in the military, primarily because they are physically unfit, have not graduated from high school, or have a criminal record. Investing early in the upcoming generation is critical to securing our nation’s future. Retired admirals and generals understand that whether young people join the military or not, we must increase investments so that all young people can get the right start and succeed in life — whatever career path they choose.

Mission: Readiness

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