In speaking regularly with students, former government officials, and business leaders over the past few years I am frequently asked two questions: what are the keys to sustaining America’s strength and relative influence in the world and would I still—after a nearly four-decade career in national security—recommend joining the federal workforce? I typically respond by highlighting my views of the historic foundation of American strength (one of which touches on the federal workforce question). My full list includes ten pillars, including: America’s friendly neighbors to the north and south; abundant natural resources; powerful allies; unprecedented economic strength; technology supremacy; overwhelming…