By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 31, 2008 – Balance is the key word of the new National Defense Strategy, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said during a news conference today.
Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters that the U.S. military must be prepared to perform the full range of missions. The department must be ready to wage a full-out war and handle irregular warfare and humanitarian missions, Gates said.
"Now, the reality is that conventional and strategic force modernization programs are strongly supported in the services and in the Congress," Gates said.
More at http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=50657
Link to National Defense Strategy: http://www.defenselink.mil/news/2008%20National%20Defense%20Strategy.pdf
Transcript of press conference: http://www.defenselink.mil/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=4268
