So Monday Chuck Hagel recommended that the U.S. military should be downsized to Pre-WWII size. This move could be pretty significant in American Military Policy by setting new precedence for the demobilization of Military Defense after war. Some could see this move as an evolution in our standing Federal Forces by which Hagel recommends concentrating forces to tactical special force units and cyber security which are truly 21st Century concerns. As a curious historian I am particularly eager to see what the narrative is going to be in Congress when it comes to Military appropriations and whether or not they will follow the recommendations of the Secretary of Defense or to maintain a steady course. The implications of a military downsize will certainly have an effect on our Military Industrial complex and our economy. I am reminded of Dwight D. Eisenhower who spoke of the dangers that were inherent in a powerful "Military Industrial Complex" in his farewell speech to the United States. He suggested a balance approach that not only considered the here and now but the preservation of democracy for generations to come.
CNN Blog about the proposed cuts by Chuck Hagel
http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2014/02/24/hagel-cuts-would-reshape-military-after-longest-war/
Broadcast of Dwight D. Eisenhower's Farewell Address
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWiIYW_fBfY
No comments:
Post a Comment