In the classical military and intelligence context, the “Defend Forward” principle is the simple understanding that protecting America means that we must take our national security mission abroad.

We must secure alliances, engage our enemies on their turf, and yes, sometimes base U.S. personnel at the tip of the spear in harm’s way. Withdrawing within our borders, pretending our vast oceans protect us from our adversaries, is a recipe for disaster. The world is messier and more complicated than ever. “Turtling up” won’t cut it. We must go forward, lead from the front, preferably with small yet agile groups, so that our enemies remain engaged with us overseas, disrupted against coming to America and harming us in our homes. We are safer sleeping in our beds at night if we project force abroad.