Defense Secretary to AFA grads: Embrace change

U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis addressed the graduating cadet wing at the Air Force Academy ceremony Wednesday, telling them to be prepared to embrace change and challenges ahead.

“There’s no room for complacency as our adversaries do everything to erode our military edge,” Mattis said. “And as you step into your roles, my expectation of you is simple, always be ready to fight and win.”

Gen. Mattis is no stranger to the theater of battle, having led troops in Afghanistan in 2001. He spoke about how the U.S. Air Force provided critical air support during assault waves lasting 350 nautical miles.

He said he never possessed doubts about the protection the USAF offered.

“That’s how much confidence that I and every member of the Joint Force had in the Air Force officer’s word, and in the Air Force’s ability to hold the high ground,” Mattis said.

Mattis has pushed forward with increases in military budgets representing $40 billion in additional spending. He says the need for modernizing American armed forces is now.

“America has no ordained right to victory on the battlefield. It is your responsibility to let adversaries know that they should always prefer to talk to our Department of State than to face our U.S. Air Force,” Mattis said.

Mattis’ words were met with hearty applause from the crowd.