Protecting Our Future

Robert Gates, our Secretary of Defense, having spent over four years at this post, retires in June and offers the nation some parting advice, "It is vitally important to protect the military modernization accounts." It seems as though the Obama Administration is going to whole-heartedly ignore that piece of advice.

According to Secretary Gates, the Pentagon needs a 2-3% budget growth to sustain current operations. How much can they expect? The White House says zero to defense budget growth and wants to cut future budgets. The 2011 defense budget is an estimated 3.5% of GDP, half of what was spent during the Cold War years.

While one may argue that since the Cold War is over the cuts are therefor logical. Consider the recent Senate Armed Services air-land subcommittee hearing where two senior officers in charge of U.S. airpower discussed delays and problems with the new fifth-generation F-35 jet. This coming at a time when the Chinese are beginning to flex their muscles in this area with their new J-20 stealth fighter. "We have been pretty inconsistent in underestimating the delivery of Chinese technology and weapons systems," according to Navy Vice Admiral David J. Dorsett. Additionally, Rear Adm. David L. Philman, Navy director of warfare integration say's China's advanced weaponry is foremost on his mind, "...If we don't keep our edge, then we will be behind, or at least lose or advantage."

As a nation we need to be mindful that all we hold dear must be defended against seen and unseen threats. And that it would be prudent to listen and take the advice of those whom we charge with our protection.