Op Ed - 21st Century Military

This Op Ed was published in the New York Times today. The piece lays out a plan by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates to "modernize" the military. The move focuses on adapting the military to warfare in the 21st century. Our idea of war today is no longer two countries confronting each other with fighter jets and tanks. The enemy has changed so the tactics must change too. Gates suggests there is no longer a need for the Air Force. The Army Navy and Marines all have there own aircraft. The Air Force hardly participated in the Iraq war compared to the other branches.

Gates feels the advancement policies also cause good soldiers to leave the military. If an enlisted soldier fails to move up the ranks he/she is forced out of service. This should be changed so the military keeps the valuable soldiers who have experienced combat. The selection process should be open to a wider variety of applicants. He suggests that everyone be required to serve and those who show talent and performance be offered a spot. At the same time he feels the move will make politicians more knowledgeable about the military and give many a personal connection whether they or a son or daughter have been in the military.

I agree that Gates is looking in the right direction with this plan. However, it is not a given that warfare will remain this way. It would probably be a bad idea to eliminate something as important as the airforce which has been around since planes were invented. He also makes a valid point saying that forcing out experienced soldiers who are not able to move up is bad for the military. After going through training and gaining experience, that soldier becomes a valuable asset.