There is considerable pressure right now to cut spending by the government. The reasons are starkly clear and there are a number of agencies and programs that could find themselves on the chopping block. One of the biggest targets is the Defense budget and its sheer size requires that it get a good look. But a majority of the American people not only don't believe it should be cut, they don't think our national security apparatus is strong enough. A recent Gallup poll shows this clearly PRINCETON, NJ -- Americans are more likely now (45%) than they were a year ago (37%) to say the United States' national defense is "not strong enough." At the same time, fewer believe the nation's defense is "about right." This sentiment will make it tough for lawmakers looking to trim budgets and that is good for us and the rest of the world. Defense spending will drop for the next few years as we exit Iraq and Afghanistan, but those are hardly the only threats we face. Russia and China are both increasing their military might and even building expeditionary capabilities that point to increasing projection of their power. We are highly unlikely to stop the rise of a nuclear-armed Iran and that will completely destabilize the least stable region in the world. Our allies in Europe have no stomach for defense spending and are slashing already bare bones budgets and capability. We may not have asked for the job, but we are surely the police force for the free world. Deterrence is always preferable to war and that requires us to present a credible ability to shut down potential bad actors. We must convince any number of tyrants and troublemakers that if they step over the line there is a price to pay. That requires a strong and mobile military with the weapons of war to deliver anywhere needed. To make that delivery we must continue our dominance in the air and the sea as well as fielding a potent and flexible ground force. Many of our best deterrents are big ticket items and consequently under attack from those looking to cut spending. Aircraft carriers and fighter jets are certainly pricey, but they are vital for convincing enemies that we can deliver if needed. The largest defense procurement program we have right now is the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and since the F-22 program has been shut down it is the only fighter we will have going forward. It would be nice if we could save some money by buying fewer than we need, but that is a bet we can't afford to make. Both the Russians and the Chinese have serious contenders in development and if we can't be sure of our air superiority we can't fight the way we need to. In addition our Navy must be able to guarantee sea lanes and to project power close to the shore and inland as needed. Yes it costs money to build and maintain these capabilities, but defense spending goes to American companies providing good paying jobs and protecting our way of life. Seems like a win for everyone. We DO NOT want to return to the 'empty force' days of Carter and late 1970's. I remember that time all too well- soldiers, sailors and airmen got bored, got tired of having to 'share bullets' just to qualify; drug use skyrockted, and the quality of recruits dropped precipitously. Granted, this was post-draft time, but the dollars for DoD dropped even faster- thinking of the 'peace savings' after Vietnam. Those savings did not materialize with a hollowed-out military. Thank GOD for Ronald Reagan. Am I saying we need to double down now? No, not necessarily. Spending smartly, yes. But, given what we are hearing, I'm seeing an attitude that will get our guys killed in the future. Not to mention reservists and National Guardsmen without a damn thing- no trucks, no bullets, no training... Wolf
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Posted
Nov 01 2010, 03:37 AM
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BLACKFIVE