Cuts to defense spending in the debt reduction bill could total nearly $1 trillion over 10 years -- more than double what President Obama had proposed earlier this year -- and sap American military might worldwide, say analysts and members of Congress.
"The reality is that it will be very difficult," said Todd Harrison, a budget expert at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. If the cuts are targeted, the Pentagon could be forced to make tough choices but still maintain a potent force. "This will really forces (the military) to rethink its strategy," Harrison said. "That's not always a bad thing."