Word: laird
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Although the Administration's studies have yet to produce specific guidance for the next decade, Laird and others in the Administration believe that the American defense establishment of the future will be significantly smaller than it is today?and even somewhat below the pre-Viet Nam level as the war burden lessens. While the fiscal problem and Congress' attitude force Laird to cut more and earlier than he otherwise might, some of the reductions seem?despite his protests?to fit into his long-term intentions. In appearing to be dragged into making economies, of course, Laird also maintains his credentials...
...Laird's long-range plans start to come into focus, both for the overall design of the military apparatus and the internal operations of the Pentagon, a number of contrasts with the Kennedy and Johnson Administrations are becoming evident. Some represent reactions to changing conditions or the culmination of trends begun years ago. Others are conscious departures...
...been apparent for years that forward deployment of large American ground forces in Asia and Europe would eventually be reduced, if not eliminated entirely. Viet Nam, North Korea's pugnacity, the Russian invasion of Czechoslovakia and other bad news have deferred this realignment but not canceled it. Laird acknowledges that the American Seventh Army is in West Germany, for instance, more to meet political needs than strictly military ones. Although he places little credence in talk of detente with the Russians,* he does not rule out an eventual pullback from Europe. Technical developments in military transportation, such...
...prospect, then, is for the Army and Marines to shrink proportionally more than the Air Force and the Navy. While McNamara emphasized a balance of forces and strengthened conventional elements as well as nuclear components of the arsenal, Laird is likely to encourage at least a partial return to the approach of the Eisenhower years. The stress then was on developing strategic nuclear weapons?long-range bombers, missiles...
...simply foolhardy," says Laird, "not to make maximum use of the great talent, wisdom and experience available through the Joint Chiefs of Staff and within the services." Before his press conference last week, Laird thoroughly briefed General Earle Wheeler, J.C.S. chairman, on what was to be announced. The first thing the Secretary did after the conference was to give Wheeler a full rundown of the question-and-answer segment. Says the general: "The tenor of doing business in the Pentagon has changed, and it is a productive change...