Biden says US must maintain small force in Middle East, has no plans for major Defense cuts
In an interview with Stars and Stripes, Former Vice President Joe Biden said that, despite the ongoing operations abroad and increased government spending, he does not foresee major cuts to the Pentagon budget.
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In fact, he said defense spending could increase in a Biden Administration.
"I don't think [budget cuts] are inevitable, but we need priorities in the budget," Biden said.
Biden said, however, that the Defense Department desperately needs to innovate in emerging technology such as beefing up its cyberwarfare capabilities and unmanned aircraft.
"We have to focus more on unmanned capacity, cyber and IT, in a very modern world that is changing rapidly," Biden said. "I've met with a number of my advisors and some have suggested in certain areas the budget is going to have to be increased."
Should he become commander in chief, Biden said he would press for an inclusive military able to maintain its dominant position as the world's most powerful force.
He has vowed to better equip the National Guard, which often trains and deploys with outdated equipment and has said transgender people should be able to openly serve in the military.