The U.S. Defense Department says the Obama administration will propose
to Congress that U.S. ground forces be cut by 100,000 as part of nearly
$500 billion in defense budget cuts during the next decade.
U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta told reporters at the Pentagon
Thursday that the administration will request a 2013 defense budget of
$525 billion. That is $6 billion less than the request for the current
fiscal year, which ends September 30.
Panetta said the plan is to increase the Pentagon budget to $567 billion
by 2017.
He said the defense department is also asking for an additional $88
billion for overseas operations to maintain support for troops in
Afghanistan. The plan also includes a shift in focus to the Asia Pacific
region and the Middle East.
The
announcement marks the start of this year's annual budget debate. The
White House is expected to send its national budget plan to Congress in
mid-February.
President Barack Obama unveiled the new strategic plan for the military
earlier this month.
More cuts are expected in the years ahead, as the Pentagon reduces the
number of troops, delays or trims plans for buying new ships, aircraft
and weapons, and shifts its focus to creating a more agile force.
Congress and the Obama administration battled all last year over the
federal budget and national debt. Republicans in Congress have opposed
White House efforts to raise revenue in addition, and said the
administration's proposed budget cuts were insufficient. However, many
Republicans support deeper cuts in domestic programs rather than the
military.
