The president insists forces will remain ‘agile, flexible and ready’ despite billions in defence spending cuts
A leaner U.S. military will bid goodbye to nation-building and counterinsurgency, instead embracing coalitions with allies, President Obama announced on Thursday. According to the Washington Post, cuts to the military necessitated by the state of the American economy will mean smaller Army and Marine corps, fewer forces stationed in Europe, and likely a reduction in nuclear arms. Instead, the U.S. will invest in Special Operations forces, cyber-security, and unmanned drones. While focus will shift to Asia, Obama has committed to maintaining a large presence in the Middle East, where tension continues with Iran. Speaking from the Pentagon, with Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and the Joint Chiefs of Staff by his side, Obama said ““Yes, our military will be leaner, but the world must know the United States is going to maintain our military superiority.” Cuts to projected defense spending over the next decade will be roughly $480 billion, according to a deal worked out with Congress in August; a further $500 billion in cuts could follow in a separate deal.