China as a Great Power with Navy veteran and expert Dr. Bernard “Bud” Cole

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Is China already a great power—or still in the making? And if it is, what does that mean for the United States, the Navy, and the balance of power at sea? These questions sit at the intersection of military strategy, global economics, and real-world veteran experience. Drawing on the perspectives of Dr. Bernard “Bud” Cole, a 30-year Navy veteran and former warship commander, we can unpack the implications for veteran entrepreneurs who are navigating the postured competition and the shifting landscape of defense and technology.

Dr. Cole’s career offers more than a veteran’s view of naval operations; it provides a lens on how great power dynamics shape the markets that veterans often enter after service. For veteran entrepreneurs, understanding the trajectory of China’s rise helps inform strategic planning in three core areas: market opportunities, supply chain resilience, and defense-related innovation ecosystems.

First, market opportunities. Chinese strategic growth influences global demand for advanced materials, autonomous systems, cyber security, and non-traditional defense industries. Veteran entrepreneurs who align with these priority sectors can leverage government procurement programs, small business set-asides, and export support to scale. The key is to combine domain expertise with disciplined risk management—qualities many veterans cultivate through years of mission-focused leadership. For instance, a veteran-owned accelerator focusing on maritime tech, AI-enabled logistics, or secure comms could partner with universities and industry allies to deliver dual-use innovations that serve both commercial and defense customers.

Second, supply chain resilience. Dr. Cole’s analysis would likely emphasize the importance of robust logistics, maritime security, and force projection in a great power context. Veteran entrepreneurs can translate these themes into practical business playbooks: building diversified supplier networks, nearshoring critical components, and investing in redundancy for mission-critical operations. Small teams with veteran discipline can implement lean, scalable processes to weather disruptions and maintain uptime for clients in government and industry sectors alike.

Third, the defense and innovation ecosystem. The evolving balance of power at sea drives investment in shipboard tech, sensor suites, cyber defense, and data analytics. Veteran founders who understand naval operations can translate tacit knowledge into commercially viable products—think ruggedized hardware for field use, secure communication platforms, or interoperable software that simplifies complex data flows for end users. Networking with veteran-focused business ecosystems, such as breakfast clubs, mentorship programs, and federal grant pathways, can unlock access to capital, mentorship, and strategic customers who value reliability and mission focus.

For veteran entrepreneurs, the China-as-a-great-power conversation also presents a chance to differentiate through reliability, security, and practical value. This means emphasizing clear value propositions, transparent risk assessments, and measurable outcomes. It also means building products and services with compliance and export controls in mind, so customers enjoy confidence without bureaucratic friction. The veteran perspective—leading with discipline, trust, and mission-first mindset—can be a competitive advantage in markets that prize resilience and accountability.

Additionally, there is a human dimension to consider. Veterans bring leadership depth, crisis management experience, and cross-functional teamwork to the entrepreneurial arena. In a geopolitically tense environment, these soft skills become core assets when navigating partnerships, defense-related procurement, and large-scale deployments. Veteran founders often excel at building cohesive teams, aligning stakeholders with shared goals, and delivering on ambitious timelines—qualities that are essential when operating in sectors shaped by global power dynamics.

In closing, the discussion hosted by veterans breakfast clubs and led by seasoned professionals like Dr. Bud Cole offers practical takeaways for veteran entrepreneurs. The rise of China as a potential great power carries implications for strategy, risk, and opportunity across markets, including those where veterans transition to business leadership. By focusing on resilient supply chains, targeted innovation, and disciplined execution, veteran-owned ventures can not only weather changes in the balance of power at sea but also thrive by delivering reliable, mission-aligned solutions to government and commercial customers alike.



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