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February 25, 2014

Pentagon Budget Expands Special Ops, Cuts Benefits 
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The Pentagon has outlined a five-year budget plan that would shrink the
number of active-duty soldiers to its smallest size since before World
War II while expanding the number of special operations personnel.
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel outlined the proposal on Monday.

Chuck Hagel: "These recommendations will adapt and reshape our defense
enterprise so that we can continue protecting this nation's security in
an era of unprecedented uncertainty and change. As we end our combat
mission in Afghanistan, this will be the first budget to fully reflect
the transition Do D is making for after 13 years of war."

Under the plan, the number of active-duty soldiers would decrease to
about 450,000, but special operations forces would increase by about 6
percent to nearly 70,000. The plan also includes cuts to military
benefits.

 

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