Posted on Feb 9, 2014
LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU®
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During our guard drill we talked about the downsizing. historically the national guard was left alone because one of the best ways to downsize was move people from active to reserves or national guard so we can still utilize the expertise of trained service members.&nbsp;<div><br></div><div>The reserves and national guard are also on the chopping block. I don't know if this is the best idea since the guard has proven their use deployed. I have served more time in the active duty component and can see that cutting there is going to be difficult. Do we cut equipment? R&amp;D? Training? People? Civilian Contractors?</div><div><br></div><div>I would want to say that the military may want to go to six ligma, or even look at outsourcing. I agree that we need some sort of made in america act to protect jobs and national security interests, but saving costs by outsourcing some work in order to maintain our military strength may be a good idea. I wouldn't be opposed to privatizing some components of the army that can be to cut costs. In the end, I truly believe we need to keep a viable, effective, and lethal force, not just for ourselves, but for the world...</div>
Posted in these groups: 702767d5 DownsizingMoney budget BudgetC1553409 Force Reduction
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Responses: 8
SFC Stephen P.
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The first thing we need to do is embrace the necessity of reducing cost. Our commands and agencies within the DOD have exhibited a great reluctance to streamline operations and increase efficiency. In order for the armed services to remain relevant, we must first admit that portions of it are currently irrelevant. Our purpose is to deter and fight wars, not to secure employment for our friends.

Instead of trimming the fat, our gut reaction is normally to justify our existence with scope creep or Washington Monument Syndrome.
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CMDCM Gene Treants
CMDCM Gene Treants
10 y
I will translate that to mean - hey Congress stop spending DOD money to employ Civilian Contractors (your friends - or lobbyists friends) to do what the Military can do cheaper.
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SFC Stephen P.
SFC Stephen P.
10 y
MCPO, your translation is incorrect. I fully support the use of contractors and civilians in place of service members when tactically appropriate. A civilian can be a great cost savings since we needn't equip nor train them for combat.

Whether the programs are administered by civilians or military members, if they are wasteful they are wasteful.
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LTC Contractor
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The Army in all of its components are downsizing first by enforcing the regulations more strictly.  Waivers for lapses in judgement are disappering.  Secondly SSD and other schools are forcing NCO's to get their schools done or get out.  Early retirement is another means to reduce the ranks.  In the Officer Corps I have noticed that the necessary schools are cutting their class sizes so that not all CPT's and LT's will be able to get to thier schools in a timely manner
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CMDCM Gene Treants
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Navy has gone through this before and is probably going through it again.  As for all services, #1 Cut Civilian Contractors - Period.  From busing tables and cooking to providing Security both Stateside and Overseas and everything in between.Soldiers and Sailors can and will do these things at a lower cost providing savings (and not putting money into the pockets of Politicians).  I should stop here.

#2.  Cut the Active Services if you mist (and it will happen) but the National Guard still should belong to the States, not the Federal Government.  Turn over all of the Equipment and other surplus gear available and do not give it to foreign military powers. 

#3. Less people on ACDU, less training money needed, but keep the people trained to the same standards. Train like you fight.
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