The Washington Times

Editorials/Op Ed

     In Tuesday's Op-Ed column "Boost military spending," Peter W. Huggins' plea for increased military spending ignores the fact that the Pentagon's budget is higher now, in real terms, than at any point since the end of World War II.

     What's more, President Bush's proposed 2008 budget is likely to further increase defense spending at the expense of other domestic priorities. Just a small portion of the increase will go to counterterrorism initiatives that ensure our safety as a nation.

     Less than a third of the $822 billion defense budget increase since September 11 has been allocated to fighting terrorists. Federal investment in aircraft and vehicles has more than doubled in the past five years. Clearly, most of this money has ended up in the pockets of defense contractors.

     Congress should carefully scrutinize Mr. Bush's 2008 budget proposal and assess the amount allocated for weapons programs of dubious value. If we reduce wasteful spending on Cold War-era weapons that are of little strategic importance, we could reinvest a substantial portion of the savings in homeland security, deficit reduction and other social programs that would ensure real security for America .

VICE ADM. JACK
SHANAHAN
U.S. Navy (retired)
Ormond Beach , Fla.