President Barack Obama briefs the press on a new defense strategy as Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, prepare to offer remarks at the Pentagon, Jan. 5, 2012. Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter, members of the Joint Chiefs and service secretaries participated in the briefing. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo
In Creating New Defense Strategy, Obama Attempts To Outflank Congress -- Scott Wilson and Greg Jaffe, Washington Post
As President Obama stood on the podium in the Pentagon briefing room Thursday to outline the nation’s defense priorities, the military stood with him. Their primary audience was a few miles across the Potomac River — in Congress.
Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, whose beloved Army will face a significant troop reduction under Obama’s plan, was at the president’s side. Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James F. Amos, whose service will also shrink, stood just behind him. And over Obama’s right shoulder loomed Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, the former commander in Iraq who is now chief of staff of the Army.
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My Comment: America's military strategy and budget process has always been a political tool used by politicians .... but this military strategy review was actually a process that started in 2010 when the Democrats were in control of both houses of Congress. What has changed is America's debt crisis, and what should the priorities be. For President Obama and his supporters in Congress .... they have made it very clear that supporting the military in its present form is not their priority.
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