Retired military general presents as keynote speaker at Veteran's Day program

by KAITLYN BOEHLER
​Contributing writer
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The American military has two weaknesses: downsizing and the lack of cyber defense, said a retired US Army Brigadier General, the keynote speaker for the Veteran’s Day Program.

“You cannot predict what the future holds, especially with terrorist groups such as ISIS.  Because of this, it is not a good time to downsize the United States military,” said Brigadier General Mark Scheid.  He thinks the United States is moving in a wrong direction by downsizing the military.  Downsizing is changing the national military strategy, he said.  Today, the military relies on hope and Scheid believes this is a bad strategy.  Scheid has learned from the past that you cannot hope for others to make change.  “Hope is never a good choice of action.  You have to make the change yourself.”

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Another weakness of United States military is the skill of cyber defense, he said.  The world is more dangerous today than any time in history, said Scheid.  There are threats from other countries, specifically terrorist groups.  Enemies are looking for the perfect time to attack the United States, he said.

Countries are developing nuclear abilities, but they are also discovering cyber operations.  China is the leading country in cyber warfare, he explained.  China attacks the United States every day through computers and the public is unaware of it.  “Everyone is vulnerable because of cellphones, computers, and any electronics.”  The biggest concern Scheid has is that China and other countries will hack military plans and information by using cyber warfare.

“It is vital to learn and target cyber defense and warfare.  It is vital to protect ourselves and our country,” he said.

Mark Scheid completed over 29 years of Army Military Service, retiring at the rank of Brigadier General.  His military career ranged from the tactical to strategic planning of air, land, and sea operations. Scheid worked both stateside and international assignments in Korea, Germany, Bosnia, and Southwest Asia.