General Bryan P. Fenton, Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), has made a compelling case for a “whole-of-nation” approach to national security, emphasizing the need for greater collaboration between government agencies, private industry, and academic institutions. Speaking on May 5, 2025, Fenton argued that the complex security challenges of the modern era — including cyber threats, terrorism, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction — require a coordinated effort across all sectors of society. This approach, he said, would allow the U.S. to better adapt to the evolving nature of warfare, where non-state actors, cyber warfare, and technological innovation play an increasingly prominent role.
The General’s remarks reflect the growing recognition within the military that traditional defense strategies must be supplemented by partnerships beyond the military sphere. The U.S. government has already begun collaborating with tech companies, universities, and think tanks to stay ahead of emerging threats. Fenton highlighted that, in the era of multi-domain warfare, the U.S. must prioritize innovation and agility, fostering closer ties between the public and private sectors to create a more dynamic and resilient national defense infrastructure.
This approach is part of a broader shift in how the U.S. military views security, recognizing that future wars will not be fought purely on battlefields but across digital spaces, in cyber arenas, and through economic means. The U.S. military is increasingly looking to integrate civilian technologies, research, and innovation into its defense strategies to maintain a technological edge over its adversaries.
