China’s Military Targets U.S. Troops and Veterans for Expertise

In the vast expanse of global geopolitics, superpowers constantly vie for dominance, employing both overt and covert tactics. Recently, a memo unveiled by The Washington Post indicates that China’s military might be taking an unconventional approach to bolstering their forces. The crux? Targeting U.S. troops and veterans to fill their expertise gaps.

Beijing’s Skill Harvesting

The memo, which was distributed to Air Force personnel, suggests that Beijing is leveraging international firms that employ Americans. By doing so, China hopes to “fill gaps” in its military capabilities, tapping into the deep well of specialized knowledge that U.S. service members possess.

It’s a strategy that is as innovative as it is concerning. At its heart, it seeks to employ the age-old concept of ‘knowing one’s enemy’ – but not by spying or hacking, but rather by recruiting and learning directly from them.

The Appeal to the Veterans

It’s essential to ask: Why would a U.S. veteran or an active service member share their skills with a foreign power, knowingly or unknowingly?

The answer might lie in the appeal of lucrative contracts that these international firms offer. In a world where specialized military expertise can command top dollar, it’s not hard to see why some might be tempted. Yet, the repercussions of such decisions could be monumental.

A special agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigation, who like some others interviewed for this report spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive national security matter, said that attempts by China’s military to exploit Americans have included marketing job openings to them that initially appear innocuous and approaching them directly at defense industry events.

Dan Lamothe, The Washington Post

General Charles Q. Brown Jr. Weighs In

As the head of the Air Force and President Biden’s nominee to lead the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. hasn’t minced words regarding this issue. In his message, he pointed out that foreign companies in collaboration with the Chinese government are actively recruiting U.S. and NATO-trained military talent. This recruitment spans specialties and career fields.

Brown’s message is sobering. He notes that by training these trainers, those who engage with these foreign contracts inadvertently erode U.S. national security. More poignantly, they potentially endanger the safety of their fellow servicemembers and the very nation they vowed to protect.

Protecting National Defense Information

While it’s tempting to view this as an individual’s choice, the broader implications cannot be ignored. National defense information isn’t just classified documents or military tactics. It encompasses the wealth of experience and training that service members gain throughout their careers.

Brown appeals to the very ethos that defines the armed forces: a sense of responsibility. Regardless of whether one is still in service or has transitioned to civilian life, the duty to protect national defense information remains paramount.

A Rise in Worrisome Activity

Although specific numbers haven’t been released, officials have noted a concerning uptick in this recruitment activity. It underscores the significance of the issue and how China’s strategic thinking is evolving in the global arena.

Conclusion

In this era of technological advancements and information warfare, the battlefront isn’t always clear. Sometimes, it’s hidden within job offers, training sessions, and international contracts. For U.S. troops and veterans, the call is clear: remain vigilant and protect the wealth of knowledge that could, in the wrong hands, compromise the nation’s security.

The challenge for the U.S. defense community is to address this trend proactively, ensuring that service members and veterans are equipped with the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about sharing their expertise.