Bad times are bad times. Unsurprisingly, the economical crunch will feel also the US military. US Defense Secretary Robert Gates recommend to shrink US military commands.

Defense Secretary announced that he needs savings of about $100bn in the military budget in the next five years, axing one of the ten major US military commands and reduce the number of generals and admirals is one part of the solution. Moreover, cutting the use of outside contractors, is even more reasonable.

The fact that the US military grew rapidly after 9/11 is obvious. However, if all the divisions, departments and units are also workable, it is questionable. Therefore it is logical, that at the time when all the society is tightening the belts, military should not be excluded and the weakest parts should be cut off. It is just fair.

Therefore the step and decision of Robert Gates is right, vital. Nevertheless, if this decision is also popular, it is questionable. Of course that it is popular among those Americans who have nothing to do with the army, but who are paying the army with their taxes. But the reaction of Virginia Gov. Bob McDonell, Republican, is natural. Because eliminating Norfolk´ s Joint Forces Command would mean also less jobs in Virginia. The reaction of Virginia Democrats, Sens. Mark Warner and Jim Webb is also natural from the very same reason.

Dagmar Benesova

Photo: ISIFA