The bite of US budget cuts

The US would have to abandon some military missions and trim troop levels if President Barack Obama presses ahead with new proposed defence cuts, the Pentagon said last week.

Obama announced a goal of saving US$400 billion on security spending by 2023 as part of a larger objective of cutting the US budget deficit by US$4 trillion.

US Defence Secretary Robert Gates, a holdover from the Republican Bush administration who is expected to step down later this year, has warned repeatedly in the past against further deep cuts in defence spending.

Minutes after Obama announced his austerity plan, the Pentagon renewed those concerns
even as Gates endorsed Obama’s commitment to a thorough review before making any cuts.

Obama has pledged that his budget reductions will not compromise national security.

Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said Gates “has been clear that further significant
defence cuts cannot be accomplished without reducing force structure and military capability.”

The Pentagon said Gates was not informed of Obama’s decision on budget cuts until Tuesday.
Morrell said the issue would not affect the timing of Gates’ expected retirement.

The Pentagon said it would conduct a broad review of its missions, capabilities and “America’s role in the world,” identifying alternatives for Obama’s consideration.