Military compromised

I’m gravely disappointed in the failure to find an alternative to the March 2013 sequester. Furthermore, I’m deeply concerned with its impact on the security of the United States of America.

Military unit readiness will steadily decline as key wartime training is canceled and air, space and cyber systems maintenance is deferred. Thousands of Department of Defense employees, including National Guard and reserve technicians, will be furloughed, and active-duty airmen could lose their jobs.

Military quality-of-life programs will be affected as commissaries close on Wednesdays, tuition assistance programs are curtailed, children’s education via the DOD schools system is impaired and eventually there is a reduction in services under Tricare (the health care program serving uniformed service members, retirees and their families).

In the end, our “all-volunteer force” will be required to carry twice the burden of these cuts as compared with other federal programs. Our government is asking those currently serving and veterans of the past to accept a renegotiation of their service contracts, as it attempts to balance the country’s budget on the backs of those who served.

Time remains for Congress to find a solution and ensure the nation’s ability to defend itself.

Lauren McCormick

Fayetteville