What's the most important thing the military should do while going through this downsizing period?

Do not repeat the '73 RIF manpower will never be replace by machines  preserve and protect the current troopers  the first  cost cutting is usually the manpower machines which mean big business which means $  But a machine will never replace a person

I think laying off the Department of the Army civilians and placing reservists on in

As hard as it is to believe, President Obama may have gotten something correct. We do need to rethink the mission of the Armed Forces and make adjustments in manpower, equipment, organization, and training accordingly. We have wasted a helluva lot of money preparing for a high-tech version of World War II. We will always need a Navy that can project force and an Air Force that can dominate the skies over any battlefield (and secure the sovereignty of the air space over America), but will we ever again fight Army or even corps size engagements? 

In determining how or who will be downsized, look at the individual, don't look at only their rank and/or years of service. Those that have proven their value, should not fall under the ax just because they did not get advancement. Look at their evaluations, awards, and assignments before they are downsized. Downsizing should not be based on a general rule.

Downsizing will not solve any problem. If they want to cut soldiers off they should retrain them before doing so because we were not prepared well during service.

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As civilian companies do give everyone close to retirement and whose position is not deemed critical early the opportunity to V.E.R.P. (Voluntary Early Retirement Program), allow those who have accrued over 30 days of leave to take them, re-evaluate those not meeting minimum health standards for their height/weight, and re-evaluate those not meeting minimum requirements for their time in rank.

A large problem we face when entering a downsizing period is a disconnect between the working "gears" of the military and the decision makers in the White House. We are viewed as simply another category to reduce spending on and when its time to cut costs downsizing seems the easiest way to do so. Leadership in government needs to see us not as an easily expendable category but as individual assets that work together to be the backbone of the United States. We should not be afraid to question, and when needed, stand together against the decisions haphazardly made. We need to support those who will represent us and actively involve ourselves wherever possible to build a connection between the workers and those who will ultimately decide the future of our military.

There are a few things in my opinion that the military must do while going through this period. The first thing is to keep the NCO's, Officers, and leaders that actually care about there soldiers, and the uniform that we wear. I believe that we are in a stage that we have entirely to many toxic leaders, NCO's, and Officers alike. we must get rid of these individuals in order even think we are going to be a stronger, and more professional service. The military must also take pride in the individuals that we recruit. We have to weed out the individuals that actually want to be part of a brotherhood, someone that wants to be part of something that is bigger then themselves, and not someone just trying to get a pay check, or money for school. Finally last but not least, the military needs to start taking care of the brothers, and sisters in arms, and there families a lot better. There are military families that struggle day to day, with different problems, and the government needs to crack down, and get to the root of these problems so that these military families become stronger, because without a strong family, our brothers and sisters that wear this great uniform, for this great country are useless.

Maintain technology/R&D funding.