Posted on 08/17/2010 10:08:04 AM PDT by Pan_Yan
If you need further guidance about how far Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is preparing to go in his effort to change the Pentagon culture and to cap spending, take a look at three new targets he identified last week that have all been "third rail" issues for his predecessors.
Last Thursday, before San Francisco's Marines' Memorial Association, Gates raised questions about the Marine Corps' future and said he had ordered the new commandant, Gen. James Amos, and Navy Secretary Ray Mabus to define "the unique mission of the Marines going forward."
He said it after noting that the Corps had become "too heavy," having functioned in Iraq and Afghanistan "as a so-called second land army." The issue, he said, was going back to the Marines' unique capability for amphibious operations, having assault ships that can provide platforms to project forces across water and into countries.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
How about developing effective counter measures to those weapons instead of surrendering the Seas to them?
Ever think of that???
Gates wants to get rid of the Marines, military retirement, and military health care.
In short, Gates wants to gut the military.
If it’s SecDef vs. Uncle Sam’s Misguided Children, my money’s on the USMC.
I LIKE the way you think. Regards, BC
When Americans retake their government with efforts beginning this November, the goal must be that nothing of the Leftist Socialist past from say 1913 to date will remain standing. Anything resembling a government program must be privatized, and the Fed reduced to the simple tasks they were created by the States to manage.
The Fed is out of control thanks to the idiots of the Left that cannot cope with either themselves, the reality of the Constitution, and self government of, by, and for the people.
One thing I know about Marines who are “out” in a RIF like this, is that they almost universally want back “in”.
So it seems like an excellent alternative to create a “Marine auxiliary”, like a State militia unit, whose purpose is to keep them close to active duty standards, so that they could rapidly rejoin the Corps and move to active duty with minimal effort.
Say a State sets up a system like this. It would need minimal funding, because most of the expense would be born by the individual. But just by clearing legal hurdles and providing organizational structure, would go miles to keeping them fit.
They are not paid, and must keep their uniforms up to standards, but are allowed to purchase replacement uniform parts. They must also purchase their own specified semi-automatic only rifle and ammunition.
Once a month, they perform a stringent PT test, and take a written test of written training material they were provided the previous month. Height/weight standards are in force.
If there is a State emergency, they can be used, and paid, like National Guardsmen, as auxiliaries. But they cannot be federalized as a unit, only as individuals.
If a border State is willing to pay them some money, they can act as border guards, not under federal constraints, and as a militia they are not subject to Posse Comitatus rules.
I think this gives a good outcome for all.
These would be under the auspices of the State they were living in. As such, they are far less dangerous than even National Guardsmen. The only equipment they have are rifles they own, and their POVs, unless the State temporarily issues them other equipment, like radios and emergency response gear.
Likely, the State would arrange for them to unofficially keep their former rank in such a militia, but as a class designation, like E-5 and O-2 are used. They behave like Marines around each other because they want to, and subordinates are rated by superiors.
Senior personnel would be in charge of designing their training regimen, and evaluating their standards, such as signing off on PT tests.
Again, the overall purpose is to keep them in shape, so that if there is a recall, there will be a motivated and prepared reserve ready to get back on active duty. Unlike a “come one, come all” militia, though, they would have a focus on doing things the current USMC way, as a mutually supportive team effort.
They personally benefit. The State benefits in several ways, and at very low cost. Even the USMC benefits if there is a need for experienced and ready to perform inactive reservists.
Wasn’t the original purpose of the marines to make sure pressed sailors didn’t jump ship? ;-)
What bothers me is why Gates has gone public with this as though it's his idea?
“In short, Gates wants to gut the military.”
No he is just looking at reality. Just like the states, the federal government cannot afford these type of retirement benefits. Something has to be done or the system will break down and then everyone in the military will be screwed. 20 years and then getting 50% of your pay plus free heath care for life just is not going to work.
Problem is you are reading selected quotes through the filter of the Washington Post. His full text speech would probably speak more to discussion and recommendations than the article shows.
Thank you sir. Victory first.
So, you’re saying we need to scrap the all-volunteer military and re-institute the draft? And while we’re at it, weasel out of the promise(s) we made to those currently serving as well as Retired military?
the worst personnel pick of the Bush Presidency.
Perhaps Gates is a tool. PERHAPS!!!? I really wrote that!?
Let’s try Gates IS a tool for Obama. He’s already announced his intent to get out of that position allegedly as soon as he is confident the withdrawal from Afghanistan is going well. To blatantly state this obscene idea of gutting the Marine Corp., the Pentagon, whatever as I’ve not finished the article yet as seemingly his own idea, and at a time of multiple conflicts/wars is possibly to take the bullseye off of his Master The Obama.
It seems martyrdom is a prerequisite of staffing the Obama regime.
The reason that the USMC grows like this is that they are better at everything they do than the Army. It’s still true that threatening to send the USMC scares the living shyt out of our enemies.
No, he doesn’t. He has plainly stated that he wants to rebalance the Marines to make them more “marine,” not overly land-based.
Gates agreed to stay on for the first year of Obama’s term. I can’t imagine the angst and aggravation that has been, but I’m grateful to him for doing his best under EXTREMELY hostile conditions.
Now Gates is getting ready to leave. He is making cuts and hard decisions NOW, because
1) cuts are inevitable, spending must come down across the board if we are to avoid economic catastrophe, and
2) he knows full well that he can’t leave the decision about what and where to cut to whichever nincompoop Obama picks as his replacement.
It’s a pre-emptive strike. Gates is the best we’ve got in Washington right now. Aim your arrows elsewhere.
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