hear hear

we need more men like the honorable robert gates.

Every new year is supposed to be an occasion for new hope, but 2011 hasn't even begun and already there is cause for regret. Defense Secretary Robert Gates is planning to step down next year, and his departure will leave the capital even more short of the kind of people it needs: grownups.

i just hope he goes down swinging.

target list:

amphibious tank for the marines
joint strike fighter v/stol variant

and how about a cap on the number of general officers, set a healthy amount below the current level?

give consideration to eliminating theater commands with the exception of northcom and removal of all combat units from europe within 5-10 years, korea in 10-20 years. DoS should be resourced for international diplomacy, not the military. extend the career timeline of all active-duty officers by two years and mandate overseas tours in an embedded liaison or training position with other countries to build relationships and provide international perspective to all officers, preferably during the captain/major timeframe.

the military needs more tooth, less tail, and a lot less overhead.