
The
proposal, described by several Pentagon officials on the condition of
anonymity in advance of its release on Monday, takes into account the
fiscal reality of government austerity and the political reality of a
president who pledged to end two costly and exhausting land wars. A
result, the officials argue, will be a military capable of defeating any
adversary, but too small for protracted foreign occupations.
The
officials acknowledge that budget cuts will impose greater risk on the
armed forces if they are again ordered to carry out two large-scale
military actions at the same time: Success would take longer, they say,
and there would be a larger number of casualties. Officials also say
that a smaller military could invite adventurism by adversaries.
“You
have to always keep your institution prepared, but you can’t carry a
large land-war Defense Department when there is no large land war,” a
senior Pentagon official said.
Outlines
of some of the budget initiatives, which are subject to congressional
approval, have surfaced, an indication that even in advance of its
release the budget is certain to come under political attack.
For
example, some members of Congress, given advance notice of plans to
retire air wings, have vowed legislative action to block the move, and
the National Guard Association, an advocacy group for those part-time
military personnel, is circulating talking points urging Congress to
reject anticipated cuts. State governors are certain to weigh in, as
well. And defense-industry officials and members of Congress in those
port communities can be expected to oppose any initiatives to slow Navy
shipbuilding.
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