Army Family Programs Facing Cuts

By Newsroom America Staff at 23 Oct 2012

(Newsroom America) -- A number of programs aimed at providing assistance to Army families are likely to be cut back as the Defense Department budget shrinks and troop strength is drawn down, military and civilian leaders said.

"Over time, we’re going to have to decide what programs we think are the most important" concerning a range of programs from PTSD awareness and off-base housing to financial planning, said Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno.

"These are the things that are going to be difficult," Odierno said at a Military Family Forum of at Association of the U.S. Army’s annual convention. "We’re going to have to decide what we need and what we don’t need."

Earlier, Odierno and Army Secretary John McHugh said family programs would get priority regarding what should be retained under budget cuts that have already begun and could be greatly increased if Congress fails to reach a budget deal before the end of the year regarding sequestration.

"Whether it’s PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) issues or separation issues, we’ve got to make sure they’re adequately funded," McHugh said.

Under existing budget rules, the military faces some $487 billion in cuts over 10 years. Without a deal on sequestration, an additional $500 billion in defense cuts will be added onto that figure.

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