Cutting Defense Spending Leaves U.S. Ill Prepared For Future, Says Panel

By Sarah Mamula - Talk Radio News Service

In our current state of economic concern and budget frugality, the notion of cutting defense spending is gaining popularity among Democrats and Republicans alike. However, the independent panel assigned to examine the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) says that in order for the U.S. military to make much needed changes, an increase in budget is vital.

Almost a week after presenting the panel’s recommendations to the House Armed Services Committee, former National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley and former Defense Secretary William Perry came together once more Tuesday in front of the Senate Armed Services Committee to reemphasize the importance of modernization within the military.

“It’s important to plan a force that we’ll need 10 to 20 years ahead,” said Perry. 

The former Defense Secretary explained many of the panel’s recommendations, including sustaining additions to the U.S. ground forces, augmenting Air Force long-range strike capabilities and increasing maritime forces in the Western Pacific.

“What we have described as a need will be expensive,” said Perry. “But, deferring recapitalization could entail even greater expenses in the long run.”

Many committee members agreed with the panel’s advice regarding potential budget constraints that would deter improvements in U.S. defenses. 

“We are in the midst of a great national debate about the priorities and spending habits of our government driven by the mounting debt,” said Senator John McCain (R-Ariz). “For the first time in a decade, there’s a growing call for real cuts in defense spending and a willingness on both sides of the aisle to consider it.”