(CA Rep. Duncan) Hunter wants more thorough study of military

[question everything]

Saturday, February 4, 2006

Hunter wants more thorough study of military

By: MARK WALKER - Staff Writer

U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter said Friday that a new Pentagon examination of the military and its needs is incomplete. Hunter, chairman of the House of Representatives Armed Services Committee, said the Quadrennial Defense Review released Friday has become "a budget-driven exercise which limits its utility to Congress."

(snip)

The specifics of what Hunter is talking about will be known in a few weeks when the committee issues its report, which the congressman said "will provide us with a more complete picture of America's national security needs." On Wednesday, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, are scheduled to appear before Hunter's committee to discuss its budget requests.

(snip)

Since the terrorist attacks of 2001, the report states, the Marine Corps has increased the size of its infantry by 12 percent, added an additional helicopter squadron and boosted the number of its light armored units by one-fourth. The report also notes the Marine Corps is establishing its first-ever special operations force akin to Navy's SEALS and the Army's Special Forces.

(snip)

The report also states the Pentagon is expanding its psychological and civil affairs units by one-third, saying that "multipurpose Army and Marine Corps ground forces will increase their capabilities and capacity to conduct irregular warfare missions."

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2006/02/05/news/top_stories/22_34_512_3_06.txt

[leesa]

1. I want a more thorough study of Duncan Hunter's role in the arms for $$$

corruption a la Duke Cunningham. Hunter's involved in that scandal up to his eyeballs.

[salin]

2. forgive me, but given what we now know about Hunter

it is hard not to read this and suspect what new equipment is deemed (by him) to be needed is based more on some connected (to him) lobbyists clients than it is based on actual stated needs by those in the military.