War on The Potomac

THE EMOTIONAL DEBATE OVER GAYS THAT FRAYED relations between the Pentagon and the new Administration has hindered rational discussion of a larger issue: how to restructure an efficient military that the country can afford. During his presidential campaign, Bill Clinton asked why, for example, the U.S. had "four air forces" -- the Air Force plus the air units of the Army, Navy and Marines. Now, Commander in Chief Clinton and the new Congress want answers.

Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Colin Powell delivered the Pentagon's counterstrike Friday. He dismissed the "four air forces" complaint, arguing that the aircraft in each of the services are "different, playing a unique and complementary role." And he dodged the separate question of whether the light infantry divisions of the Army and Marines amount to "two armies." Powell conceded only the "possibility" of cuts in the Army.

But the beleaguered top general, whose eventual replacement as Chairman of the JCS is rumored to be Air Force General George ("Lee") Butler, took pains to ease tensions. In a strong hint that he would agree to cutbacks in $350 billion worth of new aircraft now on Pentagon drafting tables, Powell admitted that the U.S. no longer needs so many deep-strike bombers and attack aircraft. Powell's report falls well short of Clinton's hopes for a major restructuring of the military, and will play little role in the defense budget the President sends Congress next month. Before then Clinton is likely to visit the Pentagon to seek a truce.