We recognize the importance of coalition operations. America's military does not have to go it alone, but we must be involved and in many cases, we must lead. As has been proven, it is often the commitment of America's Army, that makes the difference between success and failure, and many times determines whether a coalition is even possible. This is the reason we cannot turn war into video games. We must have precision strike and we must develop that technology, but we must have the right balance between precision strike and dominant maneuver.
Land forces provide the most visible and sustained form of U.S. commitment.
When you see troops on the ground, you know the United States means business. The Army will play a key role in that effort. In Europe, even though our troops have been reduced from 213,000 to 65,000, the Army provides stability and economic opportunities. In Asia, our minimum investment of troops on the ground creates regional stability and expands relationships in a potentially dangerous area. It's an area where the U.S. must be involved in order to maintain the balance of peace.