Mullen Repeats Claim Debt is ‘Greatest Security Threat’ at His Last Presser

Written by Ross Wilkers Defense & National Security, Latest News Sep 21, 2011

DoD photo

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has frequently called the national debt the biggest threat to U.S. security.

At his last press briefing before retirement Tuesday, Mullen again said the debt was the country’s biggest security threat and said decisions regarding force structure, personnel and operations will be necessary.

“It is because I believe that our national debt is our greatest national security threat that I also believe we must do our part to reduce it, to limit its harm,” Mullen said.

Mullen added he believes the Pentagon can find more than $450 billion in cuts over the next 10 years, but shared concerns over further cuts expressed by Defense Secretary Leon Panetta earlier in the briefing.

“I believe that if we can avoid further cuts, we will have an opportunity to set priorities and make the hard choices needed to build a stronger force for the future,” Mullen said.

Click here to watch the full briefing.

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