JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- Secretary of Defense Ash Carter traveled to Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, Nov. 16 during a trip focused on ensuring the readiness of the U.S. military and the effectiveness of the training and equipment provided to today’s warfighters.
While at JBSA, Carter spoke with Airmen who had just completed basic training at JBSA-Lackland, visited Brooke Army Medical Center at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston and took part in a T-1 Jayhawk orientation flight at JBSA-Randolph.
“Today we looked at a number of ways we are building the force of the future, to make sure that it is as fine as the force we have today,” Carter said. “That means recruiting, it means training, it means retaining and it means taking care of service members. We saw that entire arc today.”
Carter explained to the recent BMT graduates that countries all around the world like working with American military members; not only because they are competent, well trained, disciplined and powerful on the battlefield, but also because of the things that America stands for.
“I am so pleased to lead the finest fighting force the world has ever known.” Carter said. “The key reason for that is the people like yourselves. You have some very tough task masters here, but that’s because you are learning from the best the world has to offer, so you can become the best the world has to offer.”
During his visit to BAMC, the Army’s largest and busiest medical center, Carter personally thanked wounded and ill service members and their families along with BAMC staff for their service and sacrifice.
“Taking care of our service members is important, especially our wounded, ill and injured,” Carter said.
The secretary ended his visit at JBSA-Randolph where future Air Force instructor pilots are being trained and where future enlisted remotely piloted aircraft pilots will train.
“There is so much going on here in San Antonio which is relevant to our force of today and the force of the future,” Carter said. “I am committed to that and I am confident that our armed forces will remain what it is today, which is the best in the world.”