Offshore energy production a national security issue, says retired Air Force Master Sergeant

A growing number of American veterans support offshore energy exploration as a means to bolster national security, says Brent Randolph, USAF (ret), Master Sergeant, the volunteer chair of Ohio Vets4Energy.

“Let’s take a look around the world,” Randolph told American Security News. “ISIS is funding its reign of terror through oil sales. Russia is attempting to use its oil resources as a weapon against Europe.”

He also pointed out that American service members are currently serving in countries “that don’t necessarily share our best interests,” but from which we currently purchase oil.

“Reducing our ability to produce energy here at home makes us weaker at home and abroad,” added Randolph.

The Obama Administration is expected to soon release its five-year plan to open up the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf to oil and gas exploration. Ahead of that release, lines in the sand have been drawn behind proponents of exploration, like Randolph, and anti-drilling interests who say the future lies in alternate energy sources.

According to Randolph, however, the oil and gas industry is investing more than one billion dollars in renewable energy research. He also contends that many of those alternative sources of energy "are not ready right now." 

“And America’s enemies don’t feel like waiting until they are ready,” said Randolph. “Like it or not, oil is and will remain our primary source of energy for decades."