Tennessee Top
08-16-13, 02:57 PM
During his testimony before the House Armed Services Committee Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton Carter warned that if Congres didn't curtail the current rate of growth in personnel costs the training and modernization budgets would be squeezed resulting in a "hollowing out of the force".
Back in the 70's the Joint Chiefs argued the military was a "hollow force" due to low pay, housing allowances and sub-par travel reimbursements that forced families into financial hardships everytime they moved which was often.
The argument now is that force levels, recruiting and retention are all strong while the money to train and support the forces, operate ships and aircraft, maintain facilities and equipment, is being hit hard.
Many will argue that reducing pay and compensation might quickly erode troop levels and the quality of the force just like it did back in the 70's and 80's.
There is no easy answer for the DOD. But pitting compensation against modernization is not the answer. Maintaining both is the price of keeping a highly motivated, effective, well-trained voluntary military force. Our military leaders need to face that fact before it's too late.
Back in the 70's the Joint Chiefs argued the military was a "hollow force" due to low pay, housing allowances and sub-par travel reimbursements that forced families into financial hardships everytime they moved which was often.
The argument now is that force levels, recruiting and retention are all strong while the money to train and support the forces, operate ships and aircraft, maintain facilities and equipment, is being hit hard.
Many will argue that reducing pay and compensation might quickly erode troop levels and the quality of the force just like it did back in the 70's and 80's.
There is no easy answer for the DOD. But pitting compensation against modernization is not the answer. Maintaining both is the price of keeping a highly motivated, effective, well-trained voluntary military force. Our military leaders need to face that fact before it's too late.