Defense

Democrats unveil plan to increase troop strength

House Democrats are fueling the longstanding debate over the demand to increase U.S. military troop numbers with new legislation that would increase Army, Air Force and Marine Corps end strength by 8 percent over the next five years.

Defense

'Losers' in 2004 base funding could be vulnerable to closure

Defense

Winners in military construction bill hope to stave off base closures

The fiscal 2004 military construction spending bill President Bush recently signed into law represents a multimillion-dollar investment in the future of military facilities around the country, possibly making them less vulnerable to the Pentagon's next round of base closing decisions.

Defense

Defense transformation leader suggests improvements

The Defense Department needs to spend more money and attention on a handful of specific combat readiness areas to better prepare for future military conflicts, according to retired Navy Vice Adm. Arthur Cebrowski, the Pentagon's resident military transformation guru.