Accession Number:

ADA561888

Title:

U.S. Economic Debt Crisis Solutions: Adjusting Army Manpower

Descriptive Note:

Research paper

Corporate Author:

ARMY WAR COLL CARLISLE BARRACKS PA

Personal Author(s):

• Fleckenstein, David

Report Date:

2012-02-27

Pagination or Media Count:

34.0

Abstract:

In response to the United States Governments debt, which exceeded 14 trillion by the third quarter 2011, Congress agreed to a plan to reduce government spending. This two-part plan raised the debt ceiling by 2 trillion through 2012, but included a caveat of 2.5 trillion in future reductions. Prior to the July 2011 Congressional agreement, the Defense Department had identified savings totaling 450 billion, but additional military spending cuts are expected as part of the overall deficit reduction plan and continuing pressure on the budget. At the forefront of U.S. military cuts are personnel, which account for the single biggest part of the defense budget according to Dov Zakheim, former Pentagon Chief Financial Officer. This statement was reinforced by an August 2011 Defense Business Board study, which found the current military retirement system unaffordable. Thus, it is likely that senior military leaders in coordination with policy makers will recommend adjustments to military manning levels. Any adjustments to military manning must be carefully considered so as to guard the national interests and strategies of the United States while retaining its current place as the worlds only military superpower.

Descriptors:

• *ARMY
• *ARMY PERSONNEL
• *MANPOWER
• *MILITARY BUDGETS
• *MILITARY FORCE LEVELS
• *POSTWAR
• *REDUCTION
• ACTIVE DUTY
• AFGHANISTAN CONFLICT
• CIVILIAN PERSONNEL
• DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
• IRAQI WAR
• MILITARY HISTORY
• MILITARY RESERVES
• OVERSEAS

Subject Categories:

• Economics and Cost Analysis
• Humanities and History
• Personnel Management and Labor Relations
• Military Forces and Organizations

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE