THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, November 16, 1994 TAG: 9411160015
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Short : 42 lines
Defense Secretary William Perry has announced plans to boost Pentagon spending on cost-of-living allowances, housing improvements, child care and other personnel-friendly measures by $2.7 billion over six years.
In a military where money is tight, trade-offs are required. And in this case Perry has come down on the side of putting people first, even if that means delaying or ditching some weapons on the wish list.
Perry didn't specify where the money will come from, but such projects as a new submarine, the Marines tilt-wing aircraft, the Army's Comanche helicopter and the Air Force F-22 were already looking questionable and may not now survive the cut.
There are no easy solutions when downsizing is the order of the day. Obviously the military would like to do it all - keep a large force under arms, acquire the most up to date weapons, and maintain the whole operation in a state of taut readiness.
But the Cold War is over and the federal debt approaches $5 trillion. So the size of the force is shrinking, facilities are being rationalized and some weapons must be put on hold or eliminated as luxuries, not necessities.
But Perry is undoubtedly right that the top priority, especially in a volunteer force that has to compete with the private sector for manpower, is treating the troops well enough to retain those already in uniform and to attract replacements. That means base housing that is adequate, allowances that defray the cost of living in expensive posts, child care and other aids to families put under pressure.
Millions who have gone through downsizing in the private sector have learned that doing more with less may create a leaner, meaner operation, but it also increases stress. Those pressures are even more intense in the armed services. Perry has clearly seen a need that many in Hampton Roads have experienced first hand. And he has addressed it in the right way. by CNB