Loading American body armor and helmets for Ukraine. File photoMOSCOW, 29 Oct. Washington's supply of weapons to Ukraine has reduced the US defense capability and depleted its military stocks, writes retired US Marine Dakota Wood in an article for 19fortyfive.
"For about 20 years, the operations of the US military have been using equipment, ammunition and equipment that were intended for the fight against the Soviet Union. Unfortunately, military stocks were not replenished with modern counterparts at the same pace. As a result, the States were left with outdated equipment and faced the problem of reducing weapons. America's support for Ukraine has only exacerbated the problem. <…> The reserves are approaching the level of the military reserve, and it will take years to replenish them", he stressed.
The author of the article noted that with such military stocks, the United States will not be able to participate in another conflict. «The states will not be able to support Israel, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea or anyone else if they are forced to protect one of their NATO partners in Europe,» Wood said. «.
"What other assessment can be given to our army in such a state, if not to call it weak?", the marine asked.
American experts have repeatedly expressed doubts about the combat readiness of the American army. For example, former presidential adviser on national security issues Robert O'Brien noted that only the marines and nuclear forces are highly effective, and the potential of other military branches is assessed as weak and very weak. And defense strategist Mackenzie Eaglen warned that a severe shortage of conscripts could have catastrophic consequences for the army.