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the agenda
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" the Passion of Bush "The Military
The war on terrorism is stalling, for lack of discrete objectives. The perpetrators of the events of September 11 are still at large, being harbored by any number of nations in central Asia. The war could very likely escalate into a major conflict, with the target being the formal governing apparatus of whole nations beyond Iraq, such as Korea, Iran, and even China. The military is quite capable of carrying out such operations, but the Administration is lacking in resolve. They're scared.
Agenda Items
We need to know exactly how much he Iraq is costing the taxpayers. Half a trillion dollars is just the official cost for the military personnel in country. Everybody worries about the headline number of hundreds of thousands of service members in Iraq. What nobody talks about is that there are even more civilian contractors on the U.S. payroll in Iraq that active duty military or reserve personnel.
As the world economy drifts ever deeper into recession, other political divisions will inevitably arise. Communism and totalitarianism thrive on poverty. Russia's dalliance with a free market economy was less than a disaster only because the economic environment in the rest of the world was so strong. Recession has weakened the legs of the Russian economy to the point of collapse. Similar conditions exist on virtually every continent. Weak political institutions give way for extremism, and the resolution of the world community of nations to eradicate the terrorism menace suffers the consequences.
The United States military must not fail in their purpose, to defend the American way of life. The American people must not fail in their support of the military, and their objectives overseas - however vague or ill defined. We must have faith in the military, and this faith must be bolstered by actions across the entire population.
The most important thing is to get everybody involved. The Selective Service should set physical fitness standards for all ages, forcing public schools and colleges to raise the bar on fitness. Athleticism must become the norm rather than the exception.
Traditionally Americans have looked to technology to win our wars. That is important, but we should devote more attention to the human factors. We need stronger, more independent, more confident military personnel. We need leaders not followers; we need teamwork not technology.
The "three strikes and your out" rule is unconstitutional. Those so considered should be inducted into the military and be used in drug interdiction. Their pay and benefits will go to the victims. A military tribunal can decide, after a minimum of ten years of hard service, if they can return to civilian status.
The "don't ask don't tell" rule is a disaster. Homosexuals in the military should be allowed to have their own units, if they so desire. Likewise with women, who should be allowed to serve in any combat arms position and every effort should be made to apply technology to make up for any shortcomings, e.g. in upper body strength.
The military is wasting its money in advertising for new recruits. This money should be given instead as bonuses to existing or retired service members who sponsor others to enlist. Friends will be billeted together at the same installation, if at all possible.
Nor should there be any more huge sign up bonuses. These individuals will earn two year associates degrees, or even bachelor's degrees if they remain in the service for a second tour of duty, in programs coordinated with higher education.
Students who remain at one of the service academies more than one year should not have to pay back any of their education. These are valuable individuals with solid training, and they will be required to work with local national guard or reserve units with the expectation (not requirement) they become full time service members once their education is completed. If they really are allergic to the military, they will be given extra points for federal job placement.
The military has a big problem retaining officers beyond their initial commitment. We need to find ways to convince them to make the military a career. Allow career officers to take a year off, say every sixth year, to spend in a civilian position at a federal agency in the U.S. Allow those with over fifteen years of service to take a two year sabbatical at half pay to do whatever they like, in exchange for re-upping for ten more years. Career officers with small children can be relocated less frequently, to keep the kids in the same school system. Similar programs can be created for career enlisted.
In bygone days a person convicted of a non-violent crime was given the option of serving their time in the military. That was a good program and it should be started up again. We owe people a fair chance at rehabilitation and the military is the best place for that to happen. Their criminal record should be cleared if they serve their time and get an honorable or medical discharge. People currently incarcerated should have such a chance too.
Add this up: the Pentagon has just cancelled the Comanche helicopter program; and recently cancelled the Crusader artillery program; and announed plans last week to close 20% of all bases in the U.S. Meanwhile, the Department of Defense budget is at an all time high. Where's all that money going? Iraq of course ~ did anybody plan on gutting the entire U.S. military capability just to get rid of one man, and to sniff around for Weapons of Mass Destruction that have been gone since 1990?
© 2003 by bill clark
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