VFA News Analysis: May 14, 2008

Defense Secretary Robert Gates chided Pentagon planners with having “next-war-itis,” a condition marked by compulsions to plan for even unlikely future wars at the expense of focusing on the current engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan.

A concern with budget math has extended debate in Congress over an enhancement of veterans benefits, even as shortcomings in care for those with psychological trauma from combat are revealed nearly daily. Less noticed in this cash-flow debate is the increasing amount poured into weapons systems that are increasingly behind schedule, over budget and occasionally of dubious use to a military facing asymmetrical threats.

In the debate over increasing G.I. Bill benefits, more advocates are piling on to urge Congress to pass the measure. Failure to approve the new benefits would amount to a betrayal, they say.  One novel way to pay for the benefits has been proposed in the House.

It’s important to remember that while the debate continues at home, our men and women in the military continue making sacrifices over there.  Some making these sacrifices have in fact already paid a steep price.