Key Points and Summary: As the U.S. defense budget nudges the trillion-dollar mark, cuts seem inevitable. One option is retiring outdated or mismatched platforms.
-The A-10 Warthog, once essential for close air support, has been eclipsed by the F-35’s abilities.
-Next, the Littoral Combat Ship’s counterinsurgency roots don’t address modern high-tech threats.
-Aging F-15C/D fighters should give way to advanced F-15EX models. Meanwhile, B-52J bombers, despite upgrades, are outclassed by the stealthier B-21.
-Finally, the HUMVEE—originally intended for rear-echelon duties—has proven too vulnerable on modern battlefields.
-Phasing out these five systems can free resources for smarter, more effective defense investments.
Five Legacy Weapons the U.S. Military Should Retire Now
With a defense budget that is approaching nearly $1 trillion a year (if you round up), the U.S. military could stand to be cut.
But what is the best way?
Few want to reduce pay and benefits for defense personnel.
It is challenging to close bases and installations.
F-35 Lightning II demonstration team members sprint to their positions during the ground show at the Defenders of Liberty Air & Space Show at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., May 17, 2019. The team’s ground show consists of pre-flight inspections with sharp, quick-paced movements that showcase the pride and professionalism of the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Alexander Cook)
The United States could bring more soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines home, but that would endanger our friends and embolden our enemies.
The next lever to pull would be to cut weapons programs.
So, let’s look at five pieces of military hardware that need to go.
The A-10 Warthog Has Seen Better Days
The first is the A-10 Warthog.
Yes, I have seen it fly in air shows, and I was impressed by its speed and maneuverability. The Warthog was meant to be a “tank plinker” during the Cold War, and it had an outstanding record during Operation Desert Storm when it made mincemeat of Saddam Hussein’s armored hordes.
The A-10 saved numerous soldiers and marines with close air support missions during the Global War on Terror in Iraq and Afghanistan. But it’s time for the A-10 to go.
The close air support mission can be conducted by the F-35, and the A-10 is no longer needed.
It has enjoyed a colorful career, but it is time for a pink slip for the Warthog.
An A-10 Thunderbolt II prepares to take off from Al Asad Air Base, Iraq to provide close air support to ground troops in Iraq. The 438th Air Expeditionary Group A-10 jets perform 10 sorties daily–900 in this last four months. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Cecilio M. Ricardo Jr.)
The LCS Needs to Go Away
Next on the chopping block is the Littoral Combat Ship.
The LCS, or to some, the “Little Crappy Ship,” needs to go away. The LCS was intended for counter-insurgency or counter-terror operations.
The United States needed a ship that could sail close to shore and make a difference in “small wars.” The LCS was designed to fill that need.
Unfortunately, with the rise of great powers such as Russia and China, the LCS would not likely survive a battle with a larger enemy destroyer or frigate.
The LCS is a ship without a mission, and it should be headed to retirement.
Completely Retire the Older F-15s
I would like to completely retire the older F-15C/Ds and replace them with the F-15EX. The F-15EX Eagle II is such a powerful airplane with upgrades that make it easy to fly and win a modern dogfight against the best pilots from China and Russia.
Sure, the F-15EX is not stealthy, but it significantly improved over the dated F-15C/Ds.
“I’m very familiar with the F-15C — it’s the platform where I spent most of my time in the Air Force, and it’s falling apart. There’s a number of them sitting at Warner Robins Air Force Base right now with cracks, just looking for ways to cut those aircraft … We’ve got to get new aircraft to these units who are flying so far beyond their initial design service life so they can safely operate and defend our nation,” said Lt. Gen. David Nahom who was then the deputy chief of staff for plans and programs.
F-15 fighter. Image: Creative Commons.
Say Goodbye to the B-52J
It’s also time to retire the B-52J. This airframe is just too old. It has a remarkable service record dating back to the Cold War.
It is still being upgraded to keep up with the times, but the B-52J would be better served by staying in retirement at the “Boneyard” at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.
Thank you to this great bomber, but it is time to pass the torch to the B-21 Raider. The cost savings from the B-52J could be transferred over to the B-21 program and would allow the Air Force to purchase 200 stealth Raiders.
B-52 Bomber. Image: Creative Commons.
No More HUMVEES in This Man’s Army
Last, the HUMVEE should be retired. This light vehicle was never intended to be used in tactical situations. Its job was supposed to be in the rear as a service vehicle only. It was never supposed to serve on the frontlines.
That’s why so many soldiers and marines died or were wounded in HUMVEES due to Improvised Explosive Devices and roadside bombs in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Efforts to up-armor HUMVEES still have not solved the problem. I’ve driven and ridden in many HUMVEES during my time in the Army, and the best I can say for them is that I am still alive. That’s not much of a ringing endorsement.
Sometimes, one needs to be creative when cutting waste and fat. There are plenty of places in which the defense budget can be reduced.
So, it is time policymakers make tough choices and use a level of common sense, or the defense budget will balloon beyond what we can afford. These pieces of hardware have served the military well, but they need to say goodbye forever.
About the Author: Dr. Brent M. Eastwood
Brent M. Eastwood, PhD, is the author of Don’t Turn Your Back On the World: a Conservative Foreign Policy and Humans, Machines, and Data: Future Trends in Warfare. plus two other books. Brent was the founder and CEO of a tech firm that predicted world events using artificial intelligence. He served as a legislative fellow for U.S. Senator Tim Scott and advised the senator on defense and foreign policy issues. He has taught at American University, George Washington University, and George Mason University. Brent is a former U.S. Army Infantry officer. He can be followed on X @BMEastwood.
