Some reduction in defense spending, especially on the civilian side and in procurement, may well be justified. Every department and agency could use some significant reductions.
Any cuts that negatively affect the readiness of our military to meet any challenge when called upon to do so is unwise, dangerous, and a violation of the Federal government’s primary responsibility under the Constitution.
I agree that R&D, procurement, and future weapons needs looking at, but I have a slightly different proposal, although it’s based on your idea.
How about dollar-for-dollar-year-for-year cuts in any other part of the defense budget. In other words, you cut a 2015 defense dollar, then you also cut a 2015 dollar in some other area....education, irs, foreign aid, food stamps, etc. You cut a 2025 dollar in defense, then you cut a 2025 dollar in (see the above).
A 2015 dollar can’t be balanced by a 2025 dollar. Near term dollars must be matched by near term dollars.
What do you think?