Pentagon mulling significant cuts to US military

WASHINGTON: The Pentagon is reportedly evaluating a series of significant cuts to the United States (US) military as part of a broader initiative to downsize the federal government.

Federal cuts are part of a proposal associated with US President Donald Trump during his second tenure. According to the US media, the potential changes could reshape the command structure of the military and eliminate certain oversight functions.

Among the proposals under consideration is the abolition of the Directorate of Oversight of Joint Force Development, Training and Education. The directorate plays a critical role in ensuring that military training and education programmes meet the evolving needs of the armed forces.

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Its elimination could raise concerns about the oversight of military readiness and the effectiveness of training programmes.

The Pentagon is also reportedly contemplating the merger of the US European Command (EUCOM) and the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) into a single command.

The proposed merge reflects a huge shift in how the US military addresses security challenges across different regions, particularly in light of increasing geopolitical tensions and resource allocation consideration.

Another proposal involves merging the US Northern Command (NORTHCOM) and the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) into one unified command. This change could streamline operations and improve coordination between the two commands, which are responsible for military operations in North America and South America, respectively.

The backdrop to these proposals is the ongoing debate over the size and scope of the US military budget, which has consistently been one of largest in the world. For fiscal year 2023, the US military budget was nearly $858 billion, higher than any other country in the world.

The whopping budget encompasses a wide range of expenditure, including personnel salaries, equipment procurement and research and development.

The discussion surrounding the potential cuts come at a time when the US military is also facing scrutiny over its strategic priorities and operational effectiveness. Advocates for military reform argue that a leaner, more efficient command structure could enhance the military’s ability to respond to emerging threats while also addressing concerns about fiscal responsibility.