About CME
The Coalition for Military Excellence is the premier national organization dedicated to advocating for veterans and military excellence in the U.S. armed forces. CME is committed to combating policies and practices that undermine military excellence and threaten veteran support services. CME’s mission is to ensure the United States military remains focused on our nation's security through merit, strength, and excellence, while advocating for veterans and military.
Merit
Leadership Built on Excellence
Promotions and appointments within the military should be based on merit, experience, and leadership ability—not ideological agendas. A strong military requires strong leaders who earn their ranks through demonstrated excellence, not political favoritism. According to recent data, over 60% of active-duty personnel believe the military is becoming too politicized, weakening trust in leadership and unit cohesion.
Preparedness
Ensuring Operational Readiness
Military training, intelligence, and strategic preparedness must be top priorities. We advocate for realistic training scenarios, robust physical and mental conditioning, and cutting-edge technology to maintain global superiority. The U.S. Army recently reported that 33% of potential recruits fail to meet basic fitness requirements, highlighting the need for rigorous standards and better preparatory programs.
Retention
Keeping the Best & Brightest in Uniform
Our military is strongest when we retain experienced service members. We support competitive benefits, strong leadership, and a mission-focused culture to encourage long-term service commitment. The military’s retention rates have declined by 10% over the last five years, with dissatisfaction over leadership and mission priorities cited as key factors.
Funding
Supporting Warfighters, Not Bureaucracy
Every dollar allocated to national defense should directly enhance the effectiveness of our warfighters. We advocate for reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies and ensuring funds are directed toward training, equipment, and veteran services rather than administrative expansion. Over 20% of the Department of Defense budget is spent on administrative costs, diverting billions from frontline readiness and troop welfare.
Honoring
Committed to Those Who Defended
We honor our nation’s veterans by standing firm in our commitment to the principles they defended. We recognize that their service and sacrifice form the foundation of America’s security and freedom. We strive to preserve the legacy of those who served and ensure that their dedication continues to inspire a stronger, more excellent military for generations to come.
