The 2019 Index of U.S. Military Strength is The Heritage Foundation’s fifth annual assessment of the United States Armed Forces’ ability to provide for the common defense. The Index assesses the strength of each of the U.S. military services, the status of the threats we face, and the favorability of the environment in which the U.S. and its allies must be prepared to operate. Since the initial publication of the Index five years ago, the military has struggled in its capacity and readiness for operations—brought about by harmful budget caps, underinvestment in research and development, and decades of sustained engagement in the Middle East. Although the FY2018 and FY2019 defense budgets reflect positive growth for defense, military strength remains far below where it needs to be.

Join us for the debut of the 2019 Index of U.S. Military Strength as well as a special discussion from noted national security experts who will discuss where we stand, and what we need to protect our national interests in a world where U.S. military superiority is not assured.