Former US Generals & Admirals: Defense Cuts Likely to Harm America's National Security

WASHINGTON, Feb. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the U.S. contemplates the most significant reductions to the defense budget in the post-World War II era, the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs (JINSA) asked a cross section of its military advisors to analyze the proposed cuts and comment on their specifics. (FULL REPORT)

"It would be the height of irresponsibility to put on the backs of our military men and women drastic cuts in military modernization and investment," says JINSA Visiting Fellow Peter Huessy in an introductory essay.

The analysis includes former officers from all five branches of the U.S. armed forces and examines the impact proposed budget cuts will have on America's war fighting capabilities.

THE ARMY

Major General Daniel A. Hahn (ret.) believes the budget cuts "will have a big but manageable impact on the army." One of his chief concerns is the likelihood of cuts to aviation modernization programs such as helicopters, which have proven vital during operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"Regardless of what happens, the Army plans to prevent a hollow force through balancing personnel, training and maintenance, and equipment funding," says Hahn.

General James T. Hill (ret.) worries that the strategy to meet the budget shortfall will damage "what is absolutely critical to our national defense – the ability to attract and retain the very best of our countrymen."

THE NAVY

Rear Admiral Terence E. McKnight (ret.) believes American naval power "will be stretched to the limits and major mission areas and overseas commitments will have to be eliminated."

"The navy will no longer be able to project power in such regions as the Caribbean, Mediterranean, or possibly the Middle East," he warns.

Additional Former ARMY and NAVY officers as well as Officers from the AIR FORCE, MARINE CORPS AND COAST GUARD contributed commentary to the report.

READ THE FULL REPORT

ABOUT JINSA
JINSA is a national 501 (c) (3) non-profit, non-partisan, non-sectarian organization that advocates on behalf of a strong U.S. military, a robust national security policy, and a strong American security relationship with Israel and other like-minded democracies.

For more than 30 years, JINSA has achieved a reputation as a credible and independent resource. Its findings and recommendations are published in academic journals, local and national media, and online.

SOURCE JINSA