Our military has been ridden hard since Desert Storm. Then there was the Bosnia/Kosovo rotation, and then the focus on Iraq, and then the transition of focus to Afghan. So, we go all the way back to 1990. That is 23 years of a tough optempo.
What has made it so rough? I would argue for downsizing the military during the Clinton era to 10 divisions, and then in the Obama era to the brigade equivalent of about 8 divisions. And now they want to make it smaller.
There was a 2 simultaneous wars strategy primarily to fight 2 wars if necessary. Alternate reasons for that manpower level would be what we see now. An extended war, and especially one we’re not particularly concerned with winning quickly, would tap the strength of those who serve.
What’s the best answer?
Increase back to 13 divisions, rid ourselves of the brigade focus, and put a warrior in the White House. That plan is, of course, listed backwards.
Obama should resign due to incompetence.
Desert Storm started it, and it’s been going on ever since. Our country’s leaders have forgotten the purpose behind having a big stick. Carry a big stick so you WON’T have to use it. Democrat administrations in particular seem to think the military is just another tool in the toolbox, so why not use it, eh? Well, they’re using it up, wearing it out, and NOT paying to maintain it.