Veterans Affairs Secretary James Nicholson last week in New York City extolled the virtue of a military draft, saying the American society would benefit. Associated Press news service quickly circulated his remarks on the draft, whereupon the VA issued a disclaimer, saying his comments “may have been misconstrued” and that he does not support a return to the draft. The Bush Administration repeatedly has affirmed its no draft status.
The emphasis on speed in the Pentagon’s newly unveiled slate of acquisition reforms may come with increased near-term cost increases, analysts say. But according to U.S. defense officials, the new weapons-buying construct provides the military with enough flexibility to prevent runaway budget overruns in major programs.
