Defense & Foreign Affairs

The threats and challenges confronting the U.S. today, and the pressures these threats have placed on a shrinking U.S. military structure have been seriously underestimated. A mismatch exists between our national military strategy and the resources required to implement that strategy. Defense spending has steadily declined over the last two decades from 6.2% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 1985 to approximately 3.4% of the GDP in 2006. The VFW urges the Congress to significantly increase defense spending to adequately fund all needed weapons programs, quality of life initiatives, military healthcare, and troop end strength requirements.

Today, we live in an unstable global environment confronted by the ever increasing threat of a long range missile attack from China, North Korea and Iran. The VFW continues to support the development and expeditious deployment of a ballistic missile defense system to protect our nation and allies.

It is important for the security of Europe, and U.S. strategic interests in the region, that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) continue its expansion with other countries that are prepared to accept the responsibilities of alliance membership. The VFW continues to call for securing Europe through the expansion of NATO.