DoD Budget

A recent poll shows public sentiment
Shifting toward a balanced budget.
If true, this portends cutbacks
In all federal expenditures.

For the third time since World War II,
The Department of Defense
Is facing a major hit.
Where will the reductions come from?

For particulars, I ask opinions
From my esteemed colleagues
Who made military service
Their lifetime calling.

I can only offer an observer's views,
Starting with public opinion
On the national defense budget:
The people will not support another foreign war.

That would seem to argue for
Severe reduction in force for the U.S. Army;
And recasting the size and mission
Of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Will the Air Force become mainly
A technological and unmanned operation?
Are bombers and fighters yesterday's tools?
Will transport be the fliers' main role?

The Navy might be a winner, by virtue of
Its ability to monitor the hot spots on the seas
And deploy an instant attack force.
But are their ships too vulnerable?

Where does that leave nuclear weaponry?
We say that we will never use it
But maybe soon somebody will.
What do we if a putative ally is threatened?

Incidentally, lost in this big picture
Will be the fate of our service academies.
Will the Army still need eleven hundred
New officers from USMA every year?

Maybe it is time to dust off my
Previous warning that the fate of West Point
Again will be in jeopardy, leading to
Privatization to keep it functioning.

That would be a minor matter
In the large scheme of things, but symbolic
To the extent and dimensions of
Halving the U.S. budget for national defense.