DEFENSE SPENDING REFORMS

Defense spending must be reformed as well.  Categorically, defense spending is part of the "discretionary" portion of the budget.  In terms of "non-interest" spending, it accounts for 1 of every 5 dollars spent.  Since 2001 the U.S. has spent over $1 Trillion in defense spending.  Defense spending is projected to return to more sustainable levels when the current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq wind down.  Nevertheless, the

Defense budget must undergo thorough review where reasonable and judicious reform is implemented in at least three key areas with special emphasis on elimination of waste, fraud and other forms of fiscal mismanagement...

01.  Defense Planning where NEEDS vs. WANTS per service with a greater focus on integration of overlapping elements of each service are clearly defined and delineated based upon a reasonable threat estimate in the short and long-term.

02.  Major reform in the areas of PROCUREMENT and CONTRACT MANAGEMENT are imperative.

03.  Examination of PERSONNEL COMPENSATION and BENEFITS must be conducted to improve long-term sustainability.

We clearly need to maintain a battle ready and vibrant national defense apparatus with the ability to triumph over all legitimate threats both foreign and domestic but we can do so more intelligently by review and reform concerning our resources and their deployment as we project peace backed by the credible threat of force around the world!!!