National Security Requires Long-term Deficit Reduction

TASC President Calls for Strategic Approach to New Budget Reality  

CHANTILLY, Va., Dec. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Industry and government leaders should accept that additional cuts to defense spending are likely to be part of a deficit-reduction deal, says David Langstaff, president and chief executive officer of TASC, Inc.  Speaking at a National Press Club Newsmaker panel with other defense chief executives, Langstaff presented the case that additional cuts to defense spending are not only possible, but also necessary to help reduce the debt, along with spending cuts in other sectors, revenue increases, reform and economic growth measures.

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"The reality is that the greatest threat to our national security over the long term is our federal debt," says Langstaff.  "We need to stop believing – or pretending – that there is a scenario out there that offers no defense cuts.  The question is whether we make them responsibly or irresponsibly."

Langstaff emphasizes that maintaining current spending levels in defense is not a realistic alternative to defense cuts under sequestration.  He suggests that strategically targeted, phased and predictable defense spending cuts – implemented in an orderly fashion over time – can be managed by both government and industry without putting national security at risk, provided the cuts are aligned to essential capabilities and not so deep as to threaten the national-security mission.

"Those of us who stand for national security should be the first to step up and be willing to sacrifice something," says Langstaff.  "We should think of this as a fiscal stair-step down that ensures responsible and strategic cuts over time that are aligned with the objectives of today's national-security mission and assure the development of the necessary capabilities to counter tomorrow's emerging threats." 

Download the full text of Langstaff's remarks.  For more information and career opportunities, visit http://www.tasc.com.

Media Contact:  Christine Nyirjesy Bragale, TASC Public Relations Manager, [email protected], (703) 653-5996.

SOURCE TASC, Inc.