The second major action item is the acceleration of the defense effort in
particular areas affected by the fast pace of scientific and technological
advance.
Some of the points at which improved and increased effort are most
essential are these:
We must have sure warning in case of attack. The improvement of warning
equipment is becoming increasingly important as we approach the period when
long-range missiles will come into use.
We must protect and disperse our striking forces and increase their
readiness for instant reaction. This means more base facilities and standby
crews.
We must maintain deterrent retaliatory power. This means, among other
things, stepped-up long range missile programs; accelerated programs for
other effective missile systems; and, for some years, more advanced
aircraft.
We must maintain freedom of the seas. This means nuclear submarines and
cruisers; improved anti-submarine weapons; missile ships; and the like.
We must maintain all necessary types of mobile forces to deal with local
conflicts, should there be need. This means further improvements in
equipment, mobility, tactics and fire power.
Through increases in pay and incentive, we must maintain in the armed
forces the skilled manpower modern military forces require.
We must be forward-looking in our research and development to anticipate
and achieve the unimagined weapons of the future.
With these and other improvements, we intend to assure that our vigilance,
power, and technical excellence keep abreast of any realistic threat we
face.