Army Preps Cost-Cutting Measures

Preparing for tight budget

In anticipation of stinging budget cuts, Army leaders have directed a host of cost-cutting measures that will roll back support for community and recreational activities, freeze civilian hiring and halt restoration and modernization projects.

In a recent memo, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno and Secretary John M. McHugh outlined more than a dozen "near-term" and "reversible" cuts they said will "avoid even more serious future fiscal shortfalls." Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter directed all the services to draw up similar plans to mitigate the risks of severe budget cuts that will kick in should Congress and the president not reach a deal to avoid across-the-board spending cuts known as sequestration.