Military Parade On Bastille DayFrom CBS News:
(AP) France will slash 54,000 defense jobs and push for a stronger European defense policy, according to a new strategy aimed at adapting French forces to evolving threats - from terrorists at home to insurgents in Afghanistan and beyond.
President Nicolas Sarkozy will present the plan - the biggest review of France's defense posture in 14 years - to military and security officials on Tuesday.
The long-term plan seeks to defend France better over the next 15 years, and its effects may take years to be felt.
The strategy, nearly a year in the making and released Monday, foresees leaner but more high-tech fighting forces that can quickly deploy to battlefields in evolving conflicts around the world.
Read more ....
News From Other Sources On France's Change Of Defense Policy:
French shifting strategic policy -- International Herald Tribune
France: A new defense plan for new threats -- AP
In New Defense Policy, France Joins Allies -- New York Times
Sarkozy sets out plans to give EU a bigger military role -- Financial Times
France to double spy budgets and cut 50,000 troops -- The Telegraph
FACTBOX: Facts about France's new defense strategy -- Reuters
My Comment: They are cutting their force projection from 50,000 to 30,000 .... and this is improving their defense posture? The biggest cut is in support and logistical teams .... but these are the same teams that U.S. forces found were understaffed and crucial to their plans while leading up to the last Iraq War. Still .... this policy change is necessary, and it is a definite change from past French Government policies and (in)actions.
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