After Bin Laden: next steps to winning the long war

The U.S. military is the foundation of American power not just for winning the long war against terrorism but for protecting all of America's vital interests. There will be an impulse to believe that the action against bin Laden validates that covert operations are an "easy button," a cheap and simple answer to the most vexing national security problems. They are not. They are just one tool in the toolbox.

For example, while the covert operation against bin Laden was a remarkable achievement, it would not have been possible without the military operations in Afghanistan that captured the detainees and served as a base for intelligence-gathering and a base to launch the attack against bin Laden. All the instruments of national power are needed. When used right, they reinforce each other. One is not a substitute for another.

Now is the wrong time to talk about gutting defense. Talk of retrenchment sends all the wrong signals to America's enemies and puts at risk the lives of American men and women in uniform who will have to conduct future operations. Eliminating waste is a worthy goal, but any funds achieved from efficiencies in defense operations should be reinvested in the military to offset the cost of modernizing and developing next-generation equipment.

The President and Congress should provide for defense with budgets that average of $720 billion per year for each of the next five fiscal years-in addition to the funding needed for ongoing contingency operations. Congress should make the defense budget as efficient as possible and reinvest dollars achieved from reforms in the military to offset the cost of modernizing and developing next-generation equipment.

Do Not Declare Victory Yet

The long war is not won. The United States and its friends and allies can win, but it requires continued courage and commitment like that demonstrated by American armed forces. What is needed now for the President and Congress to act with wisdom and resolve and make the right next steps.