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The end of NATO?

Griz882

Griz882

Frightening children with the Griz-O-Copter!
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Yardstick said:
www.thetimes.com

Europe ‘would struggle to put 25,000 troops on the ground in Ukraine’

Defence chiefs’ hopes of a 64,000-strong ‘deterrence’ force is unlikely to be fulfilled, sources say
www.thetimes.com www.thetimes.com


Seems like Trump, Vance and company were absolutely spot on regarding europes dereliction of their own defense. Absolutely pathetic
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The real story here is that this is a positive development. Europe is finally realizing that they need to ensure their own defense. I believe that was always the intent of NATO. America’s oversized role was initially the result of post-WWII restructuring but gradually became a bad habit. Nice to read they are getting their act together, it is a plus for the free world.
 
cfam

cfam

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Randy Daytona

Randy Daytona

Cold War Relic
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Griz882 said:
The real story here is that this is a positive development. Europe is finally realizing that they need to ensure their own defense. I believe that was always the intent of NATO. America’s oversized role was initially the result of post-WWII restructuring but gradually became a bad habit. Nice to read they are getting their act together, it is a plus for the free world.
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It will be interesting to see if nations will actually end up funding these defense plans. Considering the amount of money needed to fund social programs with worsening demographics as well as the green transition and job supporting industries, most countries are going to have a difficult time politically prioritizing defense.
 
BigRed389

BigRed389

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ChuckMK23 said:
Slash and burn indeed....

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It’s interesting for sure.

Sounds good on paper, plays well to the public…but I have literally no idea how it is actually supposed to make anything better, and can also see where if poorly applied, could actually make things a hell of a lot worse.

For example, in the acquisition nerd world, there’s always been a 3 star in charge of the Navy Trident missile program, since like the 1960’s. Since it was stood up, in addition to maintaining that capability, they’ve had hypersonic missiles and nuclear cruise missiles thrown on top of their portfolio.

The entirety of Missile Defense Agency is a question mark. Definitely a new addition post WW2 and GWN. But should they be headed by a 3 star? Honestly…probably. On the other hand, I know there are folks in certain circles of influence to JD Vance (Big Tech) that advocate for Combatant Commands effectively running their own acquisition.

That said, I’m sure there are examples to the contrary of doing less with more too.
 
Randy Daytona

Randy Daytona

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BigRed389 said:
It’s interesting for sure.

Sounds good on paper, plays well to the public…but I have literally no idea how it is actually supposed to make anything better, and can also see where if poorly applied, could actually make things a hell of a lot worse.

For example, in the acquisition nerd world, there’s always been a 3 star in charge of the Navy Trident missile program, since like the 1960’s. Since it was stood up, in addition to maintaining that capability, they’ve had hypersonic missiles and nuclear cruise missiles thrown on top of their portfolio.

The entirety of Missile Defense Agency is a question mark. Definitely a new addition post WW2 and GWN. But should they be headed by a 3 star? Honestly…probably. On the other hand, I know there are folks in certain circles of influence to JD Vance (Big Tech) that advocate for Combatant Commands effectively running their own acquisition.

That said, I’m sure there are examples to the contrary of doing less with more too.
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I remember SecDef Robert Gates trying to cut about 100 flag officer positions back in 2010, but can’t remember what the final total was.

www.pbs.org

Secretary Gates' Goal: Save $100 Billion From Military Cuts Over 5 Years

Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced that the Pentagon will cut thousands of jobs, reduce some of its dependence on private contractors and close a major military command base in Norfolk, Va. Margaret Warner is joined by defense experts Winslow Wheeler and Thomas Donnelly.
www.pbs.org www.pbs.org
 
Griz882

Griz882

Frightening children with the Griz-O-Copter!
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The Army went through something like this (maybe the Navy did as well at the same time) and to me it seemed to land mostly on one-star types. The group I worked for went from having a brigadier general to an SE leader. Several facility commands went from O-7 to O-6 and some functions were consolidated. This might have been part of Gates’ efforts.
 
Randy Daytona

Randy Daytona

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Griz882 said:
It will be worth watching Germany for the next week.
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Saw that - highly unusual for Germany.

Romania had its first round election last Sunday - the winner of the first round was George Simion. He has proposed to appoint Calin Georgescu as Prime Minister (he is the person that was banned in the previous election.)

The final round is May 18th, which I believe is also the first round of Poland’s election.

www.politico.eu

Romanian election results: Trump fan George Simion wins first round, Nicușor Dan comes second

The far-right chief qualifies for the presidential runoff, in which he will face centrist Bucharest Mayor Nicușor Dan.
www.politico.eu www.politico.eu
 
Faded Float Coat

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Randy Daytona said:
I remember SecDef Robert Gates trying to cut about 100 flag officer positions back in 2010, but can’t remember what the final total was.

www.pbs.org

Secretary Gates' Goal: Save $100 Billion From Military Cuts Over 5 Years

Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced that the Pentagon will cut thousands of jobs, reduce some of its dependence on private contractors and close a major military command base in Norfolk, Va. Margaret Warner is joined by defense experts Winslow Wheeler and Thomas Donnelly.
www.pbs.org www.pbs.org
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Can we agree that this is likely the logical beginning and end of comparisons between Robert Gates and Major Hegseth.....? JFC....:rolleyes:
 
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