Force reductions should begin by identifying the capabilities that take longest to create again. On that principle, the hardest parts to regenerate deserve the greatest protection from cuts. The criticism of Britain and several European NATO members is that immediate savings drove the opposite choice: expensive capabilities were removed precisely because they cost so much to retain. The aim is to retain the ability to rebuild after reductions, without restoring an imperial-scale Grand Fleet.
Notable Point · 3:55-5:22
Which capabilities should survive a peace dividend?
A proposed rule for force reductions protects capabilities that take longest to rebuild, even when they offer large immediate savings.