Fred on Defense and Military

Fred was at the Citadel today and announced his "Four Pillars of a Revitalized National Defense". These four pillars are:

1. Defense spending of 4.5% of GDP plus continuing operations (Iraq and Afghanistan)
2. Increase size of military: 775,000 in 64 army brigades, 225,000 marines
3. Modernize the armed forces (read, technology investment)
   
4. Take better care of soldiers (specifically the VA system)
   

This is a very bold defense plan for our current environment. No one can accuse Fred of pandering for a Dove-ish crowd.