Afghanistan and Pakistan: The nature of the troop presence in Afghanistan is currently under a review coordinated with NATO. It is expected that the review will recommend that the US increase its troop presence in Afghanistan by over 10,000 soldiers. Gates’s more definitive policy argues that the US military should focus on working with Provincial Reconstruction Teams and local governments in order to foment effective reconstruction. The goal is to weaken the Taliban presence and remove opportunities for al Qaeda infestation. As for Pakistan, the plan is to ally with the Pakistani government in order to coordinate counterinsurgency measures in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Iraq: Gates pledges to maintain a commitment to the Status of Forces Agreement, which removes our military presence by 2011. However, he does note that we will continue to be “involved in Iraq on some level for many years to come – assuming a sovereign Iraq continues to seek our partnership.”
The policy faces the threat of an ascendant Chinese military with particular attention to Chinese satellite technologies and potential threats to bases and naval assets. In addition to the direct telephone link he arranged with the Chinese defense ministry, he commits to continued engagement in a “strategic dialogue.”
Space and Technology: Gates commits to protecting US access to space via satellites and prioritizes the protection of technology networks and interests.
Gates will prioritize the expansion of Unmanned Aerial Systems for intelligence collection and Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles for counterinsurgency measures. Gates proposes that the DoD purchase systems that are cost-effective in order to promote “budget stability.” He argues for a more unified defense acquisition process to avoid parochialism and waste.
Gates stresses due focus on nuclear stewardship. He argues that, beginning with the Air Force, the US needs to improve its inspection protocol and unify the responsible bureaucratic structures. Specifically, Gates proposes creating a new Global Strike Command under which all Air Force nuclear capabilities are housed; the plan will headquarter policy for nuclear deployment in an office of Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration. Pursuant to task force recommendations, Gates will review the possibility of creating an Assistant Secretary of Defense for Deterrence and crafting a new “strategic roadmap” for our nuclear arsenal. Notwithstanding, prudent management of US nuclear capabilities is one of Gates’s priorities.
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.