Defense spending

Does U.S. military need an overhaul?

AMERICA’S military is shrinking — and not by accident.

Over the last five years, Washington has slashed military spending by almost 25 percent. Whether measured as a percentage of gross domestic product or as a portion of the federal budget, the Pentagon’s operating budget is near historic lows for the modern era — and is slated to go lower.

Shrinking funds necessitate shrinking forces. Critics decry that today we’re defended by the smallest arsenal of ships, planes and warriors since before World War II. That’s an interesting factoid, but not a compelling reason to rebuild the military.