Armed Forces
How does the policy affect the status, strength or composition of the armed forces?

Each of the policies that addresses this issue and their proposed steps are below:
US Defense Policy Survey proposed by Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Obama Administration

Veteran Care: Gates pledges to continue and expand Veterans’ health care programs, particularly those focusing on stress disorders, brain injuries and other common ailments emanating from the most recent conflicts. He pledges funding for health research tailored to veterans and continues Warrior Transition Units meant to facilitate troop rehabilitation. Gates also proposes that Veterans health information is modernized and coordinated with new technological platforms. 

Forces

National Guard: Gates for the expansion of active military forces and increased support for the National Guard. The plan is to provide more funding and policy support for guard troops without blurring the lines between guard duty and active service.


Afghanistan Strategy, Mar. 2009 proposed by President Barack Obama, The White House
Subsequent to the initial increase of American forces in Afghanistan by 17,000, the new strategy further increases American trainers by 4,000.

"Up, Up and Out," a New Defense Strategy proposed by Paul Kane, Marine Veteran
The policy calls for a transformation of the US military.  First, it would eliminate the Air Force and limit the continued deployment of air power to the other branches of the US armed forces.  Air power, the policy argues, is of secondary importance in today's warfare.
 
It also proposes structural reform to the military's personnel pyramid.  Even if military personnel are not equipped to be promoted, it argues, the Defense Department should retain them as experienced assets in whom the DoD has invested a great deal of time and resources.

Smart Power proposed by Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State
While the Smart Power strategy does not ignore the deterrent power of military force in foreign policy, it diverts the focus from a strong military to a strong diplomatic corps.

Coming Soon
Re-imagining Community Colleges (CAP) in Education by Center for American Progress



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Policies Related to this Issue
US Defense Policy Survey proposed by Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Obama Administration
Afghanistan Strategy, Mar. 2009 proposed by President Barack Obama, The White House
"Up, Up and Out," a New Defense Strategy proposed by Paul Kane, Marine Veteran
Smart Power proposed by Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State