Obama Unveils 'Leaner,' 'Agile' Military

He wants to shift focus from ground troops to 'irregular warfare'
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 5, 2012 11:43 AM CST
Obama Unveils 'Leaner,' 'Agile' Military
President Barack Obama speaks during a news briefing on the defense strategic guidance, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012, at the Pentagon.   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

President Obama officially unveiled his plan for a slimmed-down military with a speech at the Pentagon today, promising that budget cuts and a reduction in conventional ground forces wouldn't harm the nation's security. "Our military will be leaner, but the world must know—the United States is going to maintain our military superiority with Armed Forces that are agile, flexible, and ready for the full range of contingencies," Obama said, according to NPR.

Obama added that the military budget would still exceed that of "roughly the next 10 countries combined." He delivered the remarks flanked by Leon Panetta, and an array of top military personnel. The Pentagon also simultaneously issued an eight-page report on its new strategy, the Washington Post reports. Though it doesn't outline the exact changes, the document promises that "whenever possible" the Pentagon "will develop innovative, low cost, and small-footprint approaches to achieve our objectives." Click for more on the possible cuts. (More Barack Obama stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X