Retiring Defense Secretary Robert Gates already has killed the most inefficient programs, and the ships and planes acquired during the Reagan buildup are coming to the end of their lives. To maintain a large global military force, the U.S. faces a big bill—and Mr. Panetta some tough choices.
The White House announced earlier this month it is seeking an additional $400 billion in Pentagon cuts by 2023. The White House proposal blindsided the Pentagon, which was given less than 24 hours advance notice of the plan.
Mr. Gates had outlined in recent months a series of efficiency measures aimed at forcing the department to live within its means and stave off just such cuts. With the White House announcement, the second part of that mission appears to have failed.
Some analysts believe that given the size of projected federal deficits in coming years, even deeper defense spending cuts may be necessary. That would require Mr. Panetta to take a much deeper look at military strategy, potentially abandoning some missions.
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