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Special Ops cuts could affect safety
Updated: Wednesday, 06 Mar 2013, 9:19 PM EST
Published : Wednesday, 06 Mar 2013, 9:19 PM EST
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - America's elite warriors are no match for the sequester, which some leaders say could cripple the nation's safety net.
Adm. William McRaven, in charge of U.S. Special Operations Command, said the sequester will have a "dramatic impact on current and future missions of the Special Operations Command."
All armed forces contribute to the Special Operations Command and are looking at serious cutbacks that will impact their ability to conduct special operations.
"Obviously we've got this perfect storm with the continuing resolution and sequestration," McRaven said. " I'm already cutting 60 percent of my flying hours back in CONUS. I'm reducing also some of my deployments... about 20 percent of my deployments going forward."
Former Navy SEAL, Scott Taylor said a 20 percent reduction is huge in an already small force.
"Whether you're speaking about SEALS or special operations in general, you are talking about a small force and a small amount of folks who can go through that training and actually make the cut to make it happen," Taylor said. "So recruiting efforts are very important to be able to get the numbers that you need to be able to fill those ranks."
Naval Special Warfare Group 2 based at Little Creek is among the units in SOCOM facing reduced deployments.
Taylor, who is now a candidate for a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates, applauds McRaven's efforts to inform the public about this crisis, especially at a time when the nation is increasing its reliance on Special Forces.
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