President Bush said on Friday he was committed to building a US armed forces that will be defined less by its size and more by its mobility and swiftness.
Bush, who is awaiting the results of a sweeping review of U.S. military strategy, told the 2001 graduating class of the United States Naval Academy that they had to be ready to accept and embrace change in military technology.
"We must build forces that draw upon the revolutionary advances in the technology of war that will allow us to keep the peace by redefining war on our terms," Bush told the 903-member graduating class and their families seated under an overcast sky at the Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
"I am committed to building a future force that is defined less by size and more by mobility and swiftness, one that is easier to deploy and sustain, one that relies more heavily on stealth, precision weaponry and information technologies," he said.
The cadets, wearing dress white uniforms, seemed more interested in getting their diplomas and handshakes from Bush than listening to his speeches.
Many of them showed wild enthusiasm as all 903 wrung the outstretched hand of the president. The most exuberant was Bobby Rashad Jones.
Jones had the distinction of having the lowest grade point average of his graduating class. He got a standing ovation from his classmates when his name was called out. He charged up a ramp, slapped Bush's hand then literally leaped into Bush's arms and gave the startled president a bear hug.
Adm. Vern Clark, chief of naval operations, later observed wryly that the handshakes included "high-fives, hugs and a couple of cross-body blocks disguised as hugs."
At the end of the ceremony, all 903 joyfully threw their white hats as far into the sky as they could.
Bush's speech offered a hint that out of the defense review could come recommendations for a smaller, more high-tech military.
The United States has 1.4 million troops on active duty, with another 800,000 in reserve or the National Guard.
Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says he has made no decisions yet on possible troop cuts despite reports that the Pentagon may cut forces to have a more mobile military. Cuts could also save high personnel costs to divert that money into high-tech arms -- ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Reuters)
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
