Sun-Sentinel: Military can teach fiscal discipline

Military can teach fiscal discipline

Sun-Sentinel
By Allen West

If there is anything in the halls of Congress that is truly bipartisan it is fiscal irresponsibility. We are witnessing an epic tragedy as our debt and deficit continues to grow.

However, it was during my 22-years of active duty service where my skills were developed and refined in understanding fiscal responsibility. As an artillery captain, major and lieutenant colonel, I was responsible for hundreds of soldiers, vehicles, and the supervision and execution of large annual budgets.

At every level it was my responsibility to ensure my unit had the resources to properly train, the equipment was adequately maintained and the quality of life of our soldiers and barracks were of the highest standards.

Never in the execution of my duties did my unit ever overspend, always meeting our goals and objectives. It was due to prioritizing and conducting weekly budget reconciliations.

A defining moment for me came as a young captain in the 1st Infantry Division completing my battery command tour debriefing with my brigade commander. I had successfully commanded for 20 months and part of the routine was a review of spending and accountability of all repair parts purchases during the command, close to $1 million.

I was 29-years-old and it came down to my not being able to account for a $7.83 pneumatic hose repair part for a heavy equipment truck. The colonel grilled me and, finally, I took out my checkbook ready to pay, to which he laughed and remarked that he had never seen such detailed accounting.

The Army taught me fiscal responsibility. It taught me that a good commander protects and guards the taxpayer resources provided to him from the American people. It is that simple life lesson from March 1990 that guides me in supporting a constitutional balanced budget amendment.

Finally, the Army taught me that the most precious resource a commander is entrusted is our human capital, the sons and daughters of America.

Allen West is a resident of Plantation and a candidate for Congress in District 22.