Defense, Technology, and Readiness: What It Means for Montgomery

The Montgomery Regional Chamber kicked off its 2026 Washington Brief Series with Congressman Mike Rogers, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, for a timely discussion on national security, defense modernization, and emerging technology.

Business and community leaders gathered at the RSA Activity Center to hear firsthand how federal priorities are shifting in response to global competition and evolving threats.

Defense Strength and Industrial Capacity
Congressman Rogers emphasized that readiness today depends not only on military strategy, but on the nation’s ability to produce, innovate, and scale quickly. Rebuilding domestic defense manufacturing capacity, strengthening supply chains, and ensuring long-term industrial resilience are central to maintaining America’s deterrence posture. Congressman Rogers noted that modern threats demand faster production cycles and more agile systems — reinforcing the importance of aligning economic strength with national security.
 
The AI and Energy Intersection
A significant portion of the conversation focused on artificial intelligence, data infrastructure, and the growing energy demands that accompany technological advancement.

Modern defense capabilities increasingly rely on AI, cyber operations, space systems, and real-time data processing. As these systems expand, the need for reliable, scalable energy solutions to power data centers and advanced operations also grows.

Congressman Rogers pointed to innovations such as microreactors and distributed energy systems as part of the future solution set — underscoring that technology, infrastructure, and national security are now deeply interconnected.

Why It Matters to Montgomery
For Montgomery — as Alabama’s state capital and home to nationally significant defense operations — these conversations are not theoretical. With Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base, Air University, cyber capabilities, and expanding defense-sector partnerships, the Capital Region plays a direct role in advancing America’s training, readiness, and national security priorities.

As defense strategy increasingly intersects with AI, energy resilience, and digital modernization, communities positioned at that intersection will matter even more. Montgomery’s military presence, infrastructure, and collaborative public-private environment place our region squarely in that conversation.

Looking Ahead
Chairman Robert W. Birmingham closed the program by thanking Congressman Rogers and event sponsors for their continued leadership. The Washington Brief Series exists to connect national policy discussions to local opportunity. As 2026 unfolds, the Montgomery Regional Chamber will continue aligning Montgomery’s strongest assets — military, business, and infrastructure — to drive mission growth, economic expansion, tourism vitality, and the long-term strength of Alabama’s state capital.