Panetta: Massive Defense Cuts Will Hollow Out Forces

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta warned Tuesday of “devastating effects” if the Congressional supercommittee fails to reach a compromise and the military is required to make large, across-the-board budget cuts.

“It would result in hollowing out the force,” Panetta said during a discussion with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the National Defense University in D.C. “Any kind of cut like that would literally undercut our ability to put together the strong national defense we have today.”

The supercommittee established by in the debt deal passed by Congress earlier is tasked with finding $1.5 trillion in savings, but if it fails to move forward with a proposal, then $1.2 trillion will be cut evenly from the Defense Department and discretionary spending.

Despite budget fears, Panetta noted Tuesday that the Pentagon is prepared to make $350 billion in cuts throughout the next decade. The Secretary explained that everything is currently on the table, including possible changes to the military’s retirement policies.

“It’s the kind of thing you have to consider,” Panetta said, adding that if the policies are reformed it will likely be done in a gradual fashion.