The Defense Department's ability to be a lethal fighting force can be linked to the quality of life for America's warfighters and their families.
Such was the theme embraced by the top enlisted leaders of DOD's six branches of service during a House Appropriations Committee hearing in Washington on quality of life in the military.
The hearing — which covered a myriad of topics such as pay and compensation, single and accompanied housing, child care, sexual assault prevention and others — provided the senior enlisted leaders with an opportunity to update the committee on the successes and ongoing challenges their respective services face in an ever-challenging fiscal environment.
"I want to start off with the fact that I'm proud of everything that our soldiers have accomplished … We're focused on lethality, and we will be ready when the nation calls," Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael R. Weimer told the committee during prepared remarks.
Weimer added that staying focused is paramount to the Army's success, and maintaining such focus requires continual improvement to the quality of life of its soldiers and their family members.
"[However], continuous resolutions and flat budgets do not support stability or predictability that our soldiers and families deserve," he added.
Unlike a full budget, Congress' passing of continuing resolutions, like the one under which DOD currently operates, can prevent the services from implementing planned future expenditures.
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy James Honea shared a similar sentiment to Weimer's during his opening remarks.
Noting that budget constraints have hindered consistent support for Navy personnel since 2013, Honea said a stable defense budget that invests in sailors, their families and a culture of continued service is necessary.
"I urge Congress to continue investing in our Navy to strengthen our lethality … and to take care of our warfighters," Honea told the committee.
Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Flosi also said he believes lethality and quality of life are linked.
"While there's always work to be done on this important subject, make no mistake, your Air Force is the most lethal and ready flying force in the world," Flosi said.
"Thanks to each of you for your commitment to the quality of life for our service members," he continued. "We need our airmen laser-focused on lethality and readiness, and your support allows us to execute our important mission."
Lethality is one of five key focus points Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth listed in his Jan. 25, 2025, message to the force, along with meritocracy, accountability, readiness and standards.