I know what the word decimate means Marshall. I think that the real point of the title of the thread is that Clinton and his programs had a profound impact on the Military. During Clinton's tenure There were cutbacks and a reduction in Military forces. More butter less guns!
The lesson that the USA was supposed to have learned more than 60 years ago was apparently once again forgotten. The office of the President is mainly Commander in Chief. Certainly there are other functions as well, but when it comes down to the root of things, it is about protecting us. That is accomplished by utilizing the Military usually. Clinton failed miserably in that he emasculated (for lack of a better term) our Military. Today's Troops are paying for his decisions (and Kerry's and the democrats), and some have paid with their very lives.
I do not like to debate over semantics because frankly, I am not very good at it.