1. a) Who is the U.S. Secretary of Defense?
b) What is the role of the Secretary of Defense?
c) What is the purpose of the Pentagon?

2. What spending cuts has the Secretary of Defense proposed for this year? Be specific.

3. How does the Secretary explain his reasoning for the cuts he has determined to make?

4. a) What is significant about the cut in the size of the U.S. Army?
b) What was the population of the U.S. in 1940?
c) What is the population of the U.S. today?

5. a) If you know anyone who is or has been in the military, ask him/her to give an opinion on the cuts in the size of the Army as well as the other cuts the Secretary of Defense is planning to make. Ask them to explain their support for or opposition to the cuts.
b) Ask a parent the same question.
c) Compare these points of view to that of your teacher.

6. Do you think the Pentagon is making cuts in the right areas to cap its spending? Explain your answer.