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Less is more

January 6, 2012

The Pentagon has released a 'defense strategic review,' outlining the future of the United States' military strategy. President Obama said the US will pare down its military while increasing its Asian presence.

https://p.dw.com/p/13f0o
A soldier takes apart a gun
US troops have already left IraqImage: AP

Despite plans to cut back on military spending in the long term, US President Barack Obama said on Thursday that the US was committed to remaining the dominant military force in the world.

"Our military will be leaner but the world must know: the United States is going to maintain our military superiority with armed forces that are agile, flexible, and ready for the full range of contingencies and threats," Obama said at a news briefing at the Pentagon.

Obama's speech comes as the Pentagon released a 'defensive strategic review,' which spells out the US military strategy in the long term. The review envisions cutting nearly half a trillion dollars (390 billion euros) from military spending over the next 10 years while shifting the focus of future American military presence.

Moving resources

More forces are to be sent to the Asia Pacific theater, Obama said, while adding that the US would remain vigilant in the Middle East.

President Obama delivers a speech
Obama was joined by military officials at the PentagonImage: dapd

"I firmly believe, and I think the American people understand, that we can keep our military strong - and our nation secure - with a defense budget that continues to be larger than roughly the next 10 countries combined," Obama said.

Future US troop deployments would also be smaller in the future.

"As we look beyond the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan - and the end of long-term nation-building with large military footprints - we'll be able to ensure our security with smaller conventional ground forces," said Obama.

The United States recently withdrew the final troops following the war in Iraq and is winding down its engagement in Afghanistan, with all troops scheduled to be pulled out by 2014.

Author: Matt Zuvela (Reuters, dpa, AP)
Editor: Nicole Goebel