Defense Secretary Leon Panetta believes that the US would face “hollowing out” its military if the “sequester mechanism” actually comes into play. Panetta told reporters Sept. 20, during a briefing on the DADT repeal, that the Defense Department could trim another $450 billion over the next 10 years, but it is “not going to be an easy process” and will inevitably “force us to take on greater risk.” However, if the “potentially devastating mechanism known as sequester” takes effect, forcing additional cuts, it would “seriously weaken our military, and it would really make us unable to protect this nation.” Additionally, said Panetta, the sequester would affect our economic strength. “Cancellation of weapon systems, construction projects, research activity would seriously cripple our industrial base,” he said, adding, that “would be unacceptable not only to me as Secretary of Defense but to our ability to be able to maintain the best defense system.” (DOD transcript)
The U.S. military is sending more fighter jets to the Middle East to step up its war with Iran, adding to what is already the largest buildup of airpower in the region since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. For now, the operation shows little sign of coming to a quick…