Military Force Reduction

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates plans to cut spending on support contractors by more than one-quarter over three years and close a military command in Norfolk, Va., according to Bloomberg News. The command shutdown could push as many as 6,324 people into unemployment.

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Gates cited the country’s budget difficulties in announcing the closure of the Norfolk-based Joint Forces Command, which coordinates planning and training across military branches. "We must be mindful of the difficult economic and fiscal situation facing our nation," Bloomberg quoted Gates as telling reporters at the Pentagon.

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