To Arm a Nation: Rebuilding America's Endangered Defenses

Halloran, longtime military correspondent for the New York Times, is impressed with the capabilities and spirit of American tactical forces and their field commanders but has little good to say about the high command. His book is largely about the discouraging contrast between the two; his theme, forcefully and convincingly argued, is that American taxpayers have not been getting their money's worth in military power and national defense. Halloran is particularly critical of the defense industry that produces arms and equipment for our forces. Following a scrutinization of the defense establishment worldwide, he calls for a sweeping overhaul that includes abolishing the Joint Chiefs and setting up a single Chief of Military Staff under the Secretary of Defense; regulating the defense industry as a public utility; withdrawing most American troops from abroad; freezing the defense budget for at least five years; and absorbing the Marine Corps into the Army. (October 29)