Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton Carter noted the contributions of special operations forces to history and its role moving forward in a speech at a conference in Washington, the American Forces Press Service reported Wednesday.
Claudette Roulo writes Carter told the Institute for Foreign Policy Analysis-Tufts University Fletcher School conference special forces cover less than two percent of the total defense budget.
Carter also cited the role of special forces in countering both old and new threats such as cyber warfare.
He noted how the threats sometimes occur outside of active hostilities and addressed the challenges sequestration will bring to the special forces community.
The department is ready to deal with any budgetary circumstance in the months ahead but that will require some sacrifice, he said.
“As we turn the page to a new chapter of American history, what is clear is that the (special forces) community will be part of this endeavor,†Carter said.
“The task before us is one that has existed as long as nations have fought wars—how to align resources with priorities,†he added.
