I remember the Ford and Carter years. I was active duty in both. Actually Carter didn't take office till 77 which means the military problems in 1976 were Ford and Dec of Def Rummy's doings. And there were problems which was part of what was the set up for the Carter years. This is far worse and far worse has been done to the military since Carter left office and before Osbama got in.
We have a GOP POTUS picked Sec of Defense who refuses to in protest step down. Why is Gates remaining as SEC of Def a problem? Because it gives the appearance of GOP approval and credibility to Osbama's military policy.
Carter made some horrid mistakes and ranks among the worse presidents but destroying our military was not among them. Reagan inherited a more ready and disciplined Navy than what Ford handed Carter. I remember the 77-80 changes real well especially from 78-80.
The military has been on a downward spiral in manpower and equipment since the days of Poppy Bush and no one DEM or GOP {except a vocal few in congress} has even raised a voice or hand to correct matters. Two GOP presidents after Reagan didn't care nor have two DEM presidents either. A GOP house and senate majority didn't care under Clinton or Bush Jr, nor has a two house majority DEM cared since. Why would they care now any of them?
Osbama needs to have his hand called on this issue. You don't tie the hands of troops with insane R.O.E.'s. Gates needs to grow a spine and either start standing up and speaking out in opposition or resign. In 2010 I hope some men and women of character and conscience run in the GOP or Independents and I hope the Rockefeller Republicans who have helped get us where we are get tossed out on their seats along with the DEMs they enabled since 1995.
Your absolutely right. I also served under Carter, and until that time, was very politically ignorant. It was during this time of service that I became politically aware, and discovered my conservative roots.
Thank you also for placing into proper context the downfall of our Military over the past few decades. You catalog nicely the Liberal GOP's hand in conspiring with the Liberal Democrats in bringing this about.