Does Sequester Limit Options for Actions Against Syria?--No Preventive Presence!

http://hamptonroads.com/2013/09/does-sequester-limit-options-actions-against-syriano-preventive-presence

Does Sequester Limit Options for Actions Against Syria?--No Preventive Presence!
02 September 2013 | 8:47 PM

Does Sequester Limit Options for Actions Against Syria—No Preventive Presence! The present Naval capability of US response to actions against Syria appears to be cruise missile attacks from 5 DD’s. (Announced today USS Nimitz Battle Group was in the Red Sea, delayed in the region after being relieved by USS Truman BG in the Indian Ocean). The Naval presence in the Mediterranean has been limited by, Afghanistan support, DOD budget decisions, sequester and the 2012 change in strategy to Pivot to the West/Asia. The naval presence in the region has been reduced over the years and except for BG ‘pass through’, a strong naval presence, BG’s have not operated routinely in the region. In the past ‘Naval Presence’ has been a key naval strategy; Peace through Strength—Peace through Presence. If the Navy had a strong presence in the region, Syrian actions (use of gas) may have been different.

There have been tensions in the region for years, Libya, Syria and Egypt, but the naval presence in the region has not increased. The lack of a strong presence could send the wrong signal to our friends and enemies and the lack of a strong force could limit any significant immediate response to an enemy action.

Sequester has limited the Navy’s ability to operate (reduced the number of BG deployments) as it has been required in the past, and has forced DOD to change its strategy of presence-- a Naval presence throughout the world. As sequester continues the U.S. military ability will continue to decrease and drastically the National Strategy of worldwide presence will continue to erode.

~snip~

The FY2014 budget and sequester actions are critical for the future of the Military. Congress must determine, what is the National Strategy, what do they expect of the military, is the U.S. going continue to be a World Power? Or is the budget/sequester going to determine where the U.S. priorities are going focused. The U.S. needs to be able to back up the strategy, or admit the budget will determine our lack of resolve.



unhappycamper comment: I'm all for having this discussion.



Where to start? How about feeding hungry American children? Perhaps we could start some serious infrastructure projects that create good jobs and fix our crumbling America. Opportunities abound.