Veterans

That is where the money would come from. We also knew that none of the Sexy big boy toys would get slashed. Troop training and quality of life would go first. Base housing will not be improved, Medical costs will be passed on, pay raises will be eliminated.

I agree that a lot of the weapons system are way over priced and need to be held to better standards. Who is driving these, who is the Face of the Contractor that is at the Pentagon pushing. Not the little guy, it is the retired Star talking with his buddies.

The MRAPS did great in Iraq, but a lot were to heavy for Afghanistan, so the Army's answer is a bigger, heavier APC. Good thinking.

The Slimmed down crews of the Navy ships were the result of the Brass' "Forward Thinking" to reduce cost. Again cutting personnel not systems. They are enamored with their toys, when they should be enamored with their people.

The cost escalation of the destroyers was based on infighting between Senior Leadership also. The old guard and new guard were busy fighting each other on what the future Navy needed. Thus delaying production which adds to the cost. Other factors are the QE that the Bernake has instituted. A dollar today is not worth what a dollar was yesterday. So for them to get equal profit they raise the prices to match the QE.

My main point is the debate should be targeted cuts spelled out directly to Senior Leadership. Not just tell them a flat number of cost savings they have to meet. If not the troops will suffer the burden of the loss of money.