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Although it is the fifth key challenge, national interests were not discussed in this book or presentation. A full discussion would require its own book. However, the main issues are as follows: manage great power relations; stop the development and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and when that isn’t possible, deter their use; fight against global terrorists and secure America, its allies and friends from their threats; interdict other transnational threats like illegal drugs and human trafficking; coordinate cybersecurity; prepare for and respond to natural and manmade disasters; facilitate the settlement of regional conflicts where America can help; and promote justice, liberty and sustainable development.
America must balance its national security expenditures with economic resources. In 2014, the American military spent about one-third of all worldwide military expenditures. The American military’s burden on the American economy is an average of 60% higher than that of other nations. China and Russia’s official spending is about half of America’s spending. America’s European allies outspend Russia while China outspends America’s East Asian allies.
National security expenditures must be at a level the economy can support. The U.S. must use threat assessment to determine size, composition and disposition of its capabilities. Unconventional threats against America are growing while the threat of a conventional war against the U.S. remains low. America has the most powerful conventional military. Only a fool attacks into an enemy’s strength. Therefore, a conventional attack against the U.S. is unlikely. Any attack would likely be unconventional; for example, terrorism like 9/11 or cyber-based. Therefore, America can tolerate reduced conventional military forces while using the savings to bolster defenses against unconventional attacks, fund new priorities and decrease its deficit.
Require allies to spend a minimum of 1.4% of GDP on defense and efficiently convert that spending into an effective military force. Allies must develop effective cyber and intelligence, including counterintelligence, capabilities.
Budget $41 billion per year for overseas contingency operations. If more money is needed, add a surtax on income per the proposed balanced budget amendment.
U.S. military costs in all areas are skyrocketing and money must be saved. Personnel costs are too high and must be reduced via a reduction in personnel. As a result of the high cost of personnel and the low threat of a conventional war, proposed changes will cut the size of the Marine Corps by 20,000 from 202,000 to 182,000; replace 88,000 military personnel performing commercial activities with 62,000 civilians; shrink the officers’ corps by 50,000; add 10,000 Special Operations Forces personnel; and add 18,000 personnel for tactical and theater air defense and electronic warfare.
Operations and maintenance expenses will be reduced by reducing America’s overseas footprint and overhead costs.
Investment will be reduced by spending less on equipment, military construction and family housing because of the reduced number of personnel.
Increased investment will improve counterterrorism with better intelligence, policing, border security, and disaster preparedness. Invest more in cybersecurity. Invest in weapon systems including torpedoes and missiles including new strategic missiles and nuclear weapons. Invest in electronic warfare. Invest in defenses against attack from sea and air including by missiles, aircraft, and submarines. Invest in unmanned platforms in all domains. Finally, invest in space capabilities.
Specialized combat aircraft are better than multi-role aircraft for each mission because multi-role aircraft must, of necessity, incorporate design compromises. In battle, such compromises can be deadly and technology can never fully compensate for weaknesses in design. Therefore, the U.S. should acquire two new combat aircraft, one each for the air superiority and close air support roles. The proposed air superiority fighter will take its cues from the F-35 and F-22. The close air support plane will take its cues from the F-35 and A-10. Both must be survivable; stealthy with low visibility to radar, infrared and optical detectors; equipped with countermeasures, electronic and otherwise; have a combat radius of 1,000 nautical miles; have a short takeoff and landing capability; produced in an aircraft carrier version; able to perform unmanned operations; and cheaper than the F-22 and F-35.
Naval strategy must emphasize command of the sea rather than projecting force from sea to land. The Navy will field 9 aircraft carriers. The number of destroyers will be 100. The Navy will build 26 littoral combat ships and a new frigate. Initially, 14 new frigates will be built. This will expand to 40 as the littoral combat ships are retired. The number of ballistic missile submarines will be 12. The number of attack submarines will increase to 80. Future construction of current amphibious assault ships, amphibious transport docks, and dock landing ships will be canceled. Instead, build 9 of a new class of amphibious aircraft carriers of approximately 70,000 tons displacement. Each will have a well deck for amphibious operations and be able to carry approximately 40 aircraft. In addition, build 10 of a new class of amphibious transport docks with destroyer capabilities like armaments and the Aegis system. In order to provide more cost-effective forward operating capabilities, the US will construct 10 expeditionary fast transports and 6 expeditionary support bases. The number of other ships will be about the same as the current fleet. The anti-submarine warfare and mine countermeasures missions will receive additional resources.
The Coast Guard should enhance its anti-submarine warfare and mine countermeasures capabilities. It must be better resourced for the Arctic; for example, by building new ice breakers.
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FixAmericasFuture_Present_No_AudioCost Estimate
Cost estimate incorporated into the reforms, mostly Retirement.