Has the Time Come To Move Off a Cold War Mentality and Reform Our Defense Policy?...

by: Les Carpenter
Rational Nation USA
Purveyor of Truth

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel announced plans today for major defense policy reform. The reported plan includes a plank that would shrink U.S. Army active duty personnel to what the New York Times called “pre-World War II levels.” For those who understand that the Cold War is over and the realities of modern warfare have change significantly this announcement should be a welcome one.

However, there is certain to be a huge outcry by the pro MIC and pro war advocates that the Obama administration is gutting America's military and the nation's defense capabilities. Nothing could be further from the truth. The statement that the defense policy reform plan will result in a return to pre-World War II levels is not completely factual. So, before signing onto some political right wing knee jerk reaction take the time to check out the factual information that is available for those with inquisitive minds.

In a nutshell the following FIVE considerations should get the juices of curiosity flowing.

1) The Army isn’t really going to pre-World War II levels.

2) We need them less, because there’s less war.

3) But also because the Cold War is over.

4) Don’t forget science!Don’t forget science!

5) Finally, the things that are actually problems aren’t really solveable with lots of troops.

We are facing new realities and truths. Basing our national decisions on on old realities and truths somehow just seems to me not to make a whole lot of sense. We should welcome new thinking as we establish new and modern paradigm's in which to base our decisions on.

Perhaps it's just me folks. But I really don't think so.

Via: Memeorandum