FY 1989 Department of Defense Statement on the Science and Technology Program to 100th Congress, Second Session

摘要

The military strength of the nation is often evaluated in the number of tanks, ships, aircraft and personnel that can be brought to bear on national security objectives. Certainly these are factors that must be present if our military goals are to be achieved. However, sheer dependence upon numbers is a difficult strategy for the US to pursue. The build-up of Soviet nuclear and conventional forces places great pressure on the US and its Allies and threatens international security. This build-up is based in large measure on fielding military forces that vastly outnumber their opponents. The nature of our society and our economy precludes matching the Soviets tank-for-tank, aircraft-for-aircraft, satellite-for-satellite or man-for-man to provide a viable deterrent to their global ambitions. In order to preserve our common defense and our future security, prudent improvements must be made to our forces as further threats to our national posture and readiness arise.