Panetta Promises More Defense Cuts

The Hill reports:

President Obama's pick to lead the Pentagon made clear Thursday that he intends to continue cost-cutting efforts begun last year by Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

CIA Director Leon Panetta, whom Obama plans to shift to the Pentagon, vowed to maintain the strongest military in the world.

But, speaking at a White House briefing announcing Obama's new national-security team, he sent a message to the defense establishment: The Pentagon will be "disciplined" in spending federal funds under his watch.

"It is time for tough choices," Panetta said.

Gates started an internal budget-cutting drill last year that uncovered more than $100 billion in savings. Most of those savings were directed to hardware programs, with a smaller amount going to deficit-reduction efforts.

Obama has ordered the Defense Department to lead a "comprehensive" study of Washington's national security missions and America's role in the world.

It is likely that review will suggest missions the military believes it can shed to save money. Overseeing the completion of that study will be among Panetta's first high-profile tasks, assuming he is confirmed by the Senate.

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