Early childhood education isn’t just kid stuff. It’s a vital to our national security.

A recent Defense Department estimate said up to 75% of today’s young adults aren’t qualified to join the military. Many couldn’t pass the basic exams for math, literacy and problem solving. Talented minds and strong bodies are essential to military preparedness — and building them begins in early childhood.

“High quality early education is not only important for the children it benefits, but also critical to ensuring our military’s long-term readiness.” So said Lt. Gen. Norman R. Seip, USAF (Ret.) of Mission: Readiness, a nonpartisan group of more than 200 general and admirals advocating for a stronger commitment to early childhood development.