The Last Word—Commander’s Column by Fred Apgar

At the end of February, Secretary of Defense, Chuck Hagel, disclosed details regarding his proposed 2015 Defense Department budget.  He indicated the changes are “part of an overarching decision to protect big-ticket programs and research projects by saving money on people” and “reductions in troop strength and force structure in every military service – active and reserve – in order to sustain our readiness and technological superiority”.  Highlights of the proposed budget include:

• Next year’s pay raise will be 1% (the same as this year);
• One year pay freeze for top military brass;
• $1 billion dollar reduction from the $1.4 billion dollar commissary subsidy;
• Changes to Tricare will increase deductible amounts and co-pays;
• Establishment of a new Base Realignment and Closure Commission;
• A reduction in Army active duty personnel from about 530,000 to 450,000;
• Elimination of the fleet of A-10 Warthogs;
• Elimination of the U-2 reconnaissance aircraft;
• Half of the Navy’s cruiser fleet will be “laid up” and taken out of normal deployments; and
• Scaling back of the Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship program from 52 to 32 vessels.

Since many of these proposed changes will require Congressional approval, our collective voices are an important element in the DOD budget process.  I urge you to express your opinions by contacting your elected representatives by going to their web-sites and sharing your views on this important matter.

The views expressed in this column are solely those of the Commander and do not represent those of VFW Post #8870, its membership, or VFW.