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n the context of taking $400 billion out of the next 12 years of defense spending, President Obama has asked for a "comprehensive review" of "missions, capabilities and America's role in the world." 

 

Of course, last year we had just such a review: the 2010 "Quadrennial Defense Review" (QDR).

 

Absent a revolt from the authors of this new review, we already know the conclusion: here's a justification to take out that $400 million -- or on average $33.3 billion per year (or for 2012, for example, 6 percent). 

 

Unless this new review is a radical departure from previous ones, it will be a sham.  If it is anything like the 2010 QDR, it will not address the fundamental issues, and it will require none of the basic information needed to put together a competent budget and national strategy, nor a realistic plan the Pentagon can actually follow to reduce spending by $33.3 billion, or any other amount, per year.

 

"Sham" is a harsh term, and it may seem to you a big stretch to question the competence of existing defense budgets and national strategy. 

 

For those who think I am going too far, I urge you to read one of the essays of The Pentagon Labyrinth.  In his introduction - "Why Is This Handbook Necessary?" - colleague Chuck Spinney lays out the arguments in a devastating manner.  I urge you to read this short (3,300 word) essay; find it at http://pogoarchives.org/labyrinth/01-spinney-w-covers.pdf.

 

As you read the essay, and as you observe how Robert Gates and Barack Obama convene their new "comprehensive review," ask yourself, "Are they doing this right, or are they just going to wherever they want to go?" Or, you might find yourself asking, "Is this another sham?"

 

Find the rest of The Pentagon Labyrinth: 10 Short Essays to Help You Through It" at http://dnipogo.org/labyrinth/ and http://www.cdi.org/program/index.cfm?programid=37.  If you want to purchase an audio version of the entire handbook, go to http://www.cdi.org/friendlyversion/printversion.cfm?documentID=4656.

 

_____________________________
Winslow T. Wheeler
Director
Straus Military Reform Project
Center for Defense Information
301 791-2397