Continuing US Stupidity...

This time, on their missile defense program. One of the only successful parts to the us BMD program has been the sea-launched SM-3 missiles. They have, unlike their land-based cousins, actually intercepted and destroyed targets - repeatedly, and in the majority of tests. You would think this would put them at the front of the line for development and deployment. You would especially think this, given that the US's most likely need to intercept missiles is likely to come from the Korean peninsula, where sea-based BMD could provide security for ongoing negotiations, and give the South Koreans and the Japanese some breathing room.

But you'd be wrong. The SM-3 has had a $95 million cut. The land-based system is still being fully funded. The wonders of the Pentagon are like unto God: Vague, mysterious, and sometimes defy all explanations.

One theory, though: BMD is an Air Force project, and both Secretary Rumsfeld and Chairman Myers are Air Force men, and they may not like the idea of seeing the Navy embarass them. It wouldn't be the first time a matter of national security was sacrificed on the altar of inter-service rivalry. Myers is on his way out, though, and we don't know who will replace him.