Posted on Dec 20, 2014
Civilian Leadership (Congress) influencing defense spending
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So, here is another example of defense spending being influenced by civilian leaders in congress that goes against what a service is asking for, in order to save jobs throughout political districts. Although I am for saving jobs, if a service (in this case the Army) says we don't need something, why should congress be allowed to continue to include in in the budget. There is 120 million dollars that could be used for something else that the service needs, or towards the overall government deficit. 120 Million may not put a dent in the deficit, but if this occurs a few more time, the money builds up.
http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/12/18/congress-again-buys-abrams-tanks-the-army-doesnt-want.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm
http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/12/18/congress-again-buys-abrams-tanks-the-army-doesnt-want.html?ESRC=todayinmil.sm
Congress
Budget
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 4
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This is a perfect example of why political rhetoric about "government shouldn't be picking winners and losers", or "crony capitalism", or "stop the wasteful spending", or "moochers" falls on deaf ears for me. Politicians are still perfectly willing to go against their own talking points when/if it keeps them in office.
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Because of civilian control. Period. Full stop.
It is up to our political leaders to decide when, if, where, and how to employ our armed forces. They control 95%+ at the strategic level (the other 5% is just the world getting its own vote). As such they control all aspects of our manning, structure, and equipping.
It is our job to give them our best professional advice. It behooves them to listen and at least seriously consider it, but they are NOT under any obligation to do so.
Editorial1: And it seems that they vastly overstate their ability to form independent and valid opinions.
Editorial2: Look at the bright side, at least the Army doesn't have F35s.
It is up to our political leaders to decide when, if, where, and how to employ our armed forces. They control 95%+ at the strategic level (the other 5% is just the world getting its own vote). As such they control all aspects of our manning, structure, and equipping.
It is our job to give them our best professional advice. It behooves them to listen and at least seriously consider it, but they are NOT under any obligation to do so.
Editorial1: And it seems that they vastly overstate their ability to form independent and valid opinions.
Editorial2: Look at the bright side, at least the Army doesn't have F35s.
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Couldn't agree more. You know what form of government has a military determine its own budget?a military dictatorship.
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