Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told House appropriators on Wednesday there is “no margin of error or any buffer” built in to the Defense Department’s Fiscal 2016 budget request “for strategic surprise.” Although Dempsey said the military “remains strong today,” that would not be the case if sequestration returns in 2016. He said the current service Chiefs have “made more proposals on changing pay and compensation, healthcare, and weapon systems than any in history.” Although he acknowledged it’s been a difficult journey, he said DOD has “taken that responsibility on.” Now it’s time for Congress to do its part and push some of those proposals through, he suggested. If Congress approves funding below the President’s 2016 budget request, which does not adhere to Budget Control Act funding levels, the US will have to change its defense strategy, said Dempsey. However, he maintained, “We think our strategy is what the nation needs.”
US Space Command Should Always Be Led by a Guardian
Sept. 12, 2026
General Stephen Whiting took command of U.S. Space Command in January 2024, and if customary three-year tenures hold, his tour would end in January 2027. The question now before the President and Senate is who should follow him? Whoever they choose, it has to be a Guardian—and so should every successor…
