Elizabeth Dole on Defense

Post-cold-war weapons buildup

Mrs. Dole proposed a post-cold-war weapons buildup to reinforce the country’s nuclear arsenal, reminiscent of the Reagan era. She said the current Administration had been taken in by the “empty promises” of weak treaties and by “rogue and outlaw nations” threatening the US with weapons of mass destruction. Source: New York Times, Diana Jean Schemo, p. A21 Sep 28, 1999

Abandon ABM treaty & Test Ban treaty

Dole vowed to increase military spending and abandon the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty of 1972, criticizing an Administration that, she said, “failed to develop a strong national or theater defense system.” She also opposed the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, calling it “neither effective nor verifiable.” The treaty, which banned nuclear test explosions, was signed by President Clinton in Sept. 1996 but has net been ratified by Congress. Source: New York Times, Diana Jean Schemo, p. A21 Sep 28, 1999

More pay, more training for military personnel

Dole promised to rebuild the military by advancing its equipment, training and salaries for the men and women serving in the armed forces. She also called for a missile-defense system to protect the nation against assaults and “accidental launches.” Source: Martha Bellisle, Associated Press Aug 22, 1999

Pentagon has been reduced to a triangle: build it back

Dole called for a missile defense system to guard against possible attacks from countries developing missile technology. “I’m very concerned that the Clinton-Gore administration has reduced the Pentagon to a triangle, and we’ve got to build it back.” Source: Mary Neubauer, Associated Press Jul 12, 1999

Re-build military for greater readiness

[Post-Cold War restructuring] grew into a perilous 39% drop from defense spending levels in the mid-1980s. Today, we are seeing the results in lowered readiness, in aging hardware & in reduced morale. I want to build it back up. Shortfalls have stripped units of essential equipment and spare parts. Last year, only 50 percent of non-deployed ships were mission-ready. Lack of equipment grounded aircraft and reduced tank training hours. Source: Speech at United States Naval Academy, April 14, 1999 Apr 14, 1999

Build and deploy an SDI missile defense

The American people still have no defense against a nuclear missile. Congress has spoken out clearly for a renewed effort to build a national missile defense. The Clinton administration [waiting] on a deployment decision. Friends, the debate is over: Missile defense is an absolute requirement-to protect our free world-to reduce the threat of rogue nuclear powers to our people & our allies.. Let’s gear our programs up and make the investment we need to bring an effective system into reality. Source: Speech at United States Naval Academy, April 14, 1999 Apr 14, 1999

Increased spending needed to keep the peace

Are all these defense investments really needed? National defense is now only 16% of the Federal budget, the lowest share in the past 50 years. It is true we no longer face a single superpower adversary. But we face a world where. advanced weaponry puts serious threats in the hands of smaller powers. Failing to [make investments in defense] increases the likelihood and the costs of violent conflict. We can keep the peace and pursue American commitments only with strength. Source: Speech at United States Naval Academy, April 14, 1999 Apr 14, 1999

Restore shortfalls in Armed Forces personnel

The Navy recruited some 7,000 fewer sailors than its goals last year. The Air Force is some 1,000 pilots short of its official goals. Some Army units train at only 60 percent strength. When we stripped our defenses like this after World War II, we paid the price... in communist expansion in Europe and Asia, and soon, in war on the Korean peninsula. Let’s restore basic readiness, and let’s make those essential investments in the advanced weaponry and technologies we’ll need in the 21st Century. Source: Speech at United States Naval Academy, April 14, 1999 Apr 14, 1999

Need SDI against rogue nations and terrorists

Today the United States reigns as the world’s only superpower. But rogue nations and terrorists still threaten our people, our freedom and our way of life. I believe there is an urgent need to refurbish our military and resolve to develop and deploy a strategic missile defense system at the earliest possible date. Source: Exploratory Cmte Announcement Speech, 3/10/99 Mar 10, 1999

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