This document, a chapter excerpt from the book "Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise," critiques the current state of the U.S. defense and foreign policy apparatus, particularly the Department of Defense and the Department of State, under the Biden administration. It argues that both departments have become heavily politicized, with leftist agendas taking precedence over national security and military preparedness. The authors, mostly former high-ranking officials from the Trump administration, propose a series of reforms, including prioritizing military readiness, increasing spending on defense, reversing the "equity agenda" and vaccine mandates, and focusing on national security threats like China and Russia. The recommendations also include a shift away from an overly defensive posture and a return to stronger, more effective leadership.