U.S. to shrink army to smallest size since WWII, reports sayFebruary 24, 2014 - 21:57 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Pentagon will reportedly unveil plans later to shrink the nation's army to its smallest size since after World War Two, in a cost-cutting drive, according to BBC News. An entire class of Air Force attack jets is tipped to be axed under plans, as Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel outlines his 2015 budget. He is expected to propose trimming the Army to about 440,000 personnel from a post-9/11 attacks peak of 570,000. The U.S. military is under pressure to downsize after two costly foreign wars. The number of active-duty U.S. Army members is already expected to be pared down to 490,000, as the U.S. prepares to end its combat role in Afghanistan later this year. "We have to face the realities of our time," Pentagon press secretary Navy Rear Admiral John Kirby told the Associated Press. "We must be pragmatic, we can't escape tough choices. He and the [military service] chiefs are willing to make those choices." According to the Wall Street Journal, Hagel will also recommend reducing housing allowances and other benefits, limiting pay raises and increasing healthcare premiums. However, the military cost-cutting drive would probably cause ructions on Capitol Hill, which is gearing up for November's midterm elections. The plan is said to take into account government cutbacks as well as U.S. President Barack Obama's pledge to end land wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. "You have to always keep your institution prepared, but you can't carry a large land-war defense department when there is no large land war," a senior Pentagon official told the NYT. Under the proposed cuts, the military would still be able to defeat any adversary, unnamed officials told that newspaper, but be too small to engage in protracted foreign occupations. Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |