Does The U.S. Military Need More Soldiers?

One of the interesting debates going on between George Bush and John Kerry is whether to increase or decrease the size of the military. I have a few things to say about that.

Kerry’s argument is that the military is overstretched and we need two more divisions. He also wants to double the number of Special Forces.

Bush’s argument is that those extra soldiers are unnecessary and is pulling two heavy divisions out of Europe and thousands of soldiers out of Asia, including South Korea. The brigades that will be taking the places of the 1st Armored Division and the 1st Infantry Division will be smaller units with the new Stryker fast assault vehicles and air support to move them around the world in short amounts of time.

I have to disagree with both of them.

North Korea is crazy enough to start a war and not worry about the consequences. If they think they can win, or win by bluffing, they will invade South Korea with their million-man army, or launch missiles at Japan. Whether this huge force can be put into the field at the same time is questionable, but if they think they can win concessions from the United States, they'll do their best to make trouble.

We also need more troops on the ground to secure Iraq and Afghanistan; now is not the time to be reducing the size of the military. We still need large divisions and massive firepower to secure the peace.

With respect to Kerry's and Bush's plans for the military and North Korea's ambitions, it's a proven fact that armored forces with infantry and air support (or vice versa) will stop the enemy faster than sniper, sapper and demolition operations can. Special Forces belong behind enemy lines wreaking havoc.

Changing the basic structure of the the military is a very unwise move. I'm not sure I follow Bush's logic in doing this. With most of the U.S. Army on the move to or from Iraq (nine out of ten divisions), we need the extra strength to fulfill our treaty obligations, complete our current campaigns and have a fresh military force that is ready to strike terrorists worldwide.

Let's do the job right so we can accomplish ALL of the missions that we have (foolishly at times) taken on and have enough military power in reserve to deal with new threats.

My advice would be to add four more heavy divisions and the mobile brigades, plus triple the number of Special Forces soldiers.