Congressional veteran shocked by potential cuts to special operations.
Lawmaker Expresses Shock and Outrage Over Possible Cuts to Army’s Special Operations Forces
Rep. Mike Waltz (R-FL), a retired U.S. Army Green Beret and chairman of the subcommittee on readiness, said he was “stunned and appalled” over reports the Department of Defense is considering making cuts to the Army’s special operations forces.
Military officials have previously raised the prospect of such a personnel decision, though the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday that the Army will cut about 3,000 troops, roughly 10% of its ranks, and will inform Capitol Hill of its plans in the coming days.
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The reported cuts would apply mostly to troops in support roles like psychological warfare, civil affairs, intelligence operators, communications troops, and logistics.
Army Secretary Christine Wormuth acknowledged this week that “there’s some room to make some very modest targeted reductions there” because “the Army is in a moment of transformation where we are really pivoting from [counterinsurgency] and [counterterrorism] to large-scale combat operations: So, we’ve got to transform our force structure,” according to Breaking Defense.
She and Gen. Randy George, the chief of staff of the Army, are expected to brief lawmakers on force structure changes in the near future, though some have already shared their skepticism.
“I am stunned and appalled by reports indicating the U.S. Army will cut 3,000 troops from its special operations ranks as a means to manage their worst recruiting crisis since the Vietnam War,” Waltz said in a statement on Thursday. “The Secretary of the Army is trying to claim she’s only cutting support troops like intelligence analysts, psychological operations troops, and logistics personnel. In reality, these support troops are critical to our special operators success in remote locations in 60-70 countries on any given day all over the world.”
Last month, Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) expressed a similar sentiment, saying he was “very concerned” about how a possible reduction in special operation forces could hamper the United States’s competition with China.
“I’m very concerned about the pacing threat of China simultaneously with the reduction of SOF. When you look at the things that would deter China, SOF are on the tip of the spear. And so I think that the more we invest in our special operations, problems that ultimately could harm our nation over the next decade or two could be prevented,” he said, per Defense One. “It’s unclear that this administration understands the value of SOF. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be proposing cuts.”
“There’s been no decisions made,” George told lawmakers in July during his confirmation hearing regarding possible cuts.
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What is the role and importance of the Army’s special operations forces in our national security?
Ut emphasized the need to maintain the readiness and effectiveness of the Army’s special operations forces. However, Rep. Waltz was quick to condemn any potential cuts, expressing his shock and outrage at the prospect.
As a retired U.S. Army Green Beret and chairman of the subcommittee on readiness, Rep. Waltz is well-versed in the vital role that special operations forces play in our national security. These highly skilled and specialized forces are trained to carry out missions in unconventional warfare, counterterrorism, and special reconnaissance. Their expertise and capabilities are crucial in protecting our nation’s interests and combating various threats around the world.
Rep. Waltz’s shock and outrage over the possible cuts stem from his deep understanding of the significance of these forces and the potential consequences of any reduction in their numbers. Special operations forces undergo rigorous training and have unique capabilities that are not easily replicated. Any diminishment of their strength and capacity could have serious implications for our military’s ability to respond effectively to emerging threats and carry out complex operations.
Moreover, special operations forces often work in close collaboration with other branches of the military, intelligence agencies, and foreign partners. Their skills and expertise are essential in coordinating and executing joint missions, ensuring the success and safety of all participating forces. Cutting these forces could disrupt the delicate balance and coordination needed for successful operations, putting lives at risk and compromising our national security.
While it is important to periodically reassess and optimize our military’s structure and composition, any decisions regarding cuts to special operations forces should be made with utmost care and consideration. Such decisions should be based on a comprehensive analysis of strategic priorities, operational requirements, and potential risks. Any proposed reductions should undergo a rigorous evaluation process that involves expert input and meticulous consideration of the potential consequences.
As Rep. Waltz rightly points out, the reported cuts to the Army’s special operations forces warrant serious concern. The preservation of our military’s capabilities and readiness should be of paramount importance, and any measures that could compromise these must be thoroughly scrutinized. In a rapidly evolving global landscape where threats to our national security continue to emerge, it is essential that we maintain a strong and highly capable special operations force.
As discussions concerning the potential cuts unfold, it is crucial that lawmakers carefully consider the implications and engage in a thoughtful and informed dialogue. The expertise and insights of individuals like Rep. Mike Waltz, with their firsthand experience and knowledge, are invaluable in shaping these decisions and ensuring that our military remains prepared and capable of protecting our nation’s interests.
Ultimately, the future of our Army’s special operations forces will depend on the collective efforts of lawmakers, military officials, and experts to safeguard their indispensable role in our nation’s defense. Let us hope that the shock and outrage expressed by Rep. Waltz serve as a catalyst for a thorough and rigorous evaluation of the potential cuts, leading to a decision that prioritizes the strength and effectiveness of our special operations forces.
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