Military Update 20160825 – Strategic Landpower, taking care of our Infantry (by MG Scales – ret), more Reaper drones for the Air Force, debate about our military readiness, and more.
More Reapers for Air Force. The Air Force has contracted with General Atomics for more MQ-9 Reaper drones. The contract is worth over $370 million. Read more in a news story by Air Force Times, August 16, 2016.
U.S. Military’s Readiness – What is the Real Story? Some defense observers are saying that our military is suffering from a readiness crisis. They contend that the military is over-extended, too small, underfunded, and lacking proper equipment and training. Others say that we are doing just fine. Retired General David Petraeus argues that the military readiness is a myth (see news report in Military.com, Aug 10, 2016). Retired General Carter Ham says that Petraeus is wrong and we do have some ‘Readiness Woes’ (see news report in DoD Buzz, Aug 17, 2016). Hmmmm.
What About Our Infantry? The majority of military deaths since World War II have come from the ranks of the infantry. The infantry is just a small part of our military but does the bulk of the fighting. Retired MG Robert Scales talks about the outcomes when we don’t prioritize the needs of the infantry. Read more in “Why Aren’t We Doing More for the Infantry”, Task & Purpose, August 18, 2016.
Strategic Landpower. ML Cavanaugh provides his thoughts on a neglected policy inititive in “Strategic Landpower is Dead. Long Live Strategic Landpower”, Modern War Institute, West Point, August 14, 2016.
