ACCESSION NUMBER:277357
FILE ID:TXT103
DATE:04/12/93
TITLE:ASPIN:  DEFENSE PRIORITIES IN THE POST-COLD WAR ERA (04/12/93)
TEXT:*93041203.TXT
ASPIN:  DEFENSE PRIORITIES IN THE POST-COLD WAR ERA

(VOA Editorial)  (450)
(Following is an editorial, broadcast by the Voice of America April 12,
reflecting the views of the U.S. government.)

U.S. Secretary of Defense Les Apin recently presented what he described
as "the first truly post-Cold War budget," reflecting new priorities for
the American military.  Aspin noted that one of the pillars of U.S. defense
policy is economic security.  He said that, "Consistent with U.S. military
needs and declining threats, defense spending will be cut, which will help
reduce the deficit and provide funds to invest for economic growth."  But
Secretary of Defense Aspin also stressed that, "Our new security won't be
found in merely cutting forces.... Our job is to buy the right forces for
the right missions for the future.  This budget begins to do that.  And it
provides the equipment and training that will keep our forces the best in
the world."

With the demise of the Soviet Union, threats to regional stability have
become one of America's principal security concerns.  Iraq's aggression
against Kuwait, ethnic and religious warfare in the former Yugoslavia, and
the collapse of civil authority in Somalia are examples of conflicts that
potentially threaten entire regions.  To address the threat of regional
instability, the United States will continue to maintain its military
1orces in a high state of readiness -- with special emphasis on mobility.

Weapons of mass destruction in the hands of potentially hostile regimes are
another major concern of U.S. defense planners.  The United States places a
high priority on efforts to halt the spread of nuclear, chemical and
biological weapons, as well as the missiles that can deliver them.  The
United States will continue to assist in the dismantling of weapons of mass
destruction in the former Soviet Union, and will develop improved ballistic
missile defenses.  To preserve deterrence, the United States will also
continue to maintain credible, strong nuclear forces.

The spread of democracy increases U.S. security and fosters global stability
and prosperity.  A major U.S. concern is the possible return of hostile,
authoritarian regimes, especially in the former Soviet Union.  To help
prevent this from happening, the United States is actively supporting
democratic reforms and will work to improve defense relations with the
emerging democracies.

A rapidly changing world is placing new demands on America's military.  Its
mission, however, remains the same:  to defend the lives and freedom of the
American people and their allies.  To carry out this mission, the United
States will continue to maintain, as Secretary of Defense Aspin pledged,
"the finest military forces in the world."

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