Tuberville: More killing machines, less bureaucracy for military

HUNTSVILLE — U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville called for “more killing machines and less bureaucracy” for the nation’s military Tuesday.

Tuberville’s remarks came during his virtual keynote address at the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command’s (AMCOM) Advance Planning Briefing to Industry. More than 1,000 defense leaders attended the annual event at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville.

“This year, I look forward to working with many of you to make our military as prepared, strong, and lethal as possible,” he said. “I’m fighting for a military that’s focused on national defense — and national defense alone. In short, we need more killing machines and less bureaucracy.

“To do that, we have to jumpstart American innovation — which is why your role is so important.”

Tuberville (R-Auburn) spoke about his work on the Senate Armed Services Committee to secure key national security provisions for Alabama in the National Defense Authorization Act, the need for advanced military technology to combat America’s adversaries, and the ongoing campaign to move U.S. Space Command headquarters to Huntsville.

“Behind the fence at Redstone Arsenal you have the best of the best – the Army Materiel Command, the Missile Defense Agency, Marshall Space Flight Center and the FBI, just to name a few,” he said. “And soon, Space Command Headquarters will be added to that list. Huntsville is the Rocket City and its role in securing the last frontier cannot be overstated. There is no better choice for Space Command, this isn’t my opinion, it’s a fact.

“We will not relent until this job is done. I look forward to doing everything I can to facilitate the move in the very near future.”

AMCOM is responsible for developing aviation, missile, and calibration materiel to the Army. The annual briefing at Redstone Arsenal brings military leaders together with defense contractors and other private sector representatives from across Alabama’s vast national security network.

“The most important investment we make is in our warfighters,” Tuberville said. “We have to make sure they have the best weaponry and equipment, and the smartest technology to do the job better today, and prepare for all the challenges of tomorrow. All of you in this room bring advanced technologies to help us compete with — and surpass — our enemies.

“I know we have folks from all over the country with us today, and I’m very proud to welcome you to Alabama.”