But the Pentagon's readiness and modernization problems are not due to budget cuts. Today's problems are predictable self-inflicted wounds deliberately created by people who chose to continue playing the defense power games instead of making the hard decisions. Three cents on the dollar for global responsibilities and global leadership. That, I think, would solve a lot of problems, not just for the Marine Corps but for the Air Force, the Army and the Navy. Any CEO of a global corporation should tell you that they cannot imagine an environment - where the American military presence is not absolutely a stabilizing influence that contributes to our economic prosperity.
Global responsibility demands globally capable behavior.
Where we do it right, we have stability. The number of ships in the fleet is down to 315 and the number of aircraft to 4,100, he said. Sen. John McCain, Arizona Republican, Defense Secretary William S. Cohen and Secretary of the Navy Richard Danzig spoke at the retirement and change of command ceremony. All three said one of Adm. Johnson's major accomplishments was his success in improving conditions for officers and enlisted personnel, especially his backing for a major pay increase for the military approved by Congress. With the 14th consecutive year of a decline in defense spending, we will sooner or later forfeit military superiority.