China, Russia, and North Korea Signal Warnings to the U.S.
During a recent military parade in Beijing, leaders Xi Jinping of China, Vladimir Putin of Russia, and Kim Jong Un of North Korea made a bold statement to the United States, appearing together in a show of solidarity.
As Congress reconvenes, discussions around military funding are heating up. The Senate and House Budget Committees are pushing for increased military spending, which includes additional funds for the Army. However, there’s a debate in Washington among officials suggesting that America ought to cut back on military expenses. Some experts believe that would be a grave error at this critical juncture.
Reports indicate that the Army has already reduced its active-duty forces from about 450,000 to 360,000 soldiers. There are ongoing plans to further minimize both civilian and military positions in an effort to create a “leaner, more lethal force,” while also supporting missile defense projects like Trump’s Golden Dome initiative.
In a related note, the Air Force Chief of Staff, David Albin, recently stepped down and criticized the Army’s budget for being slow to adapt, suggesting that the Air Force should expand, potentially at the expense of the Army. This kind of shifting seems troubling—centralizing funds in one area while neglecting the others can weaken the overall military structure.
Critics often highlight China as a reason to downsize the Army, asserting that future conflicts will primarily involve naval engagements. But this perspective may be shortsighted; the reason China hasn’t attempted to invade Taiwan or directly confront the U.S. has more to do with America’s considerable military strength—encompassing more than just naval power.
While aircraft carriers—which serve as floating airbases—are crucial, their capacity is limited. They can only deploy a small number of aircraft compared to China’s ability to launch hundreds from fixed bases and fortified islands in the South China Sea. Relying solely on carriers could leave the U.S. forces outmatched in firepower.
This points to the ongoing importance of a robust Army. It’s a key part of U.S. military capability that China struggles to rival, causing Chinese leaders to think twice before engaging in conflict.
Indeed, while there’s a need for more naval vessels, the real challenge lies in America’s industrial capacity. Even if budget reallocations were made, shipyards might not be able to keep pace in a prolonged conflict. This is more an industrial issue than simply a budgetary one, and cutting Army funds could inadvertently weaken U.S. defenses, emboldening China and eroding the confidence of U.S. allies.
Some critics propose that the Army should focus less on traditional personnel and tanks, advocating for a shift towards drones. Yet, the situation in Ukraine raises concerns about this approach. While drones are significant, both sides in that conflict have developed effective countermeasures. Soldiers remain essential for holding ground and achieving victory.
Ultimately, it’s the tenacity and strength of U.S. service members that can deter aggression. A strong military serves not only as a deterrent but also as a means to foster job opportunities for young Americans. Downsizing the Army amid escalating global threats would be, frankly, ill-advised.
Moreover, bureaucratic hurdles have plagued the military’s effectiveness for far too long. Too many consultants, excessive research, and bureaucratic obstacles can hinder operational success. Rather than reallocating between branches, the focus should be on streamlining processes and eliminating waste, thus expanding capabilities across the board.
Drones can certainly support combatants, but they cannot replace the need for ground forces. Each military branch requires greater resources, training, and equipment to contend with significant strategic adversaries.
In simple terms, cutting back is not a solution. Reducing troop levels would only serve to benefit adversaries like Beijing and Moscow. As we navigate these challenges, caution is paramount.
