Fed: Jeffery warns against runing down defence forces

AAP General News (Australia)
04-25-2007
Fed: Jeffery warns against runing down defence forces

Governor-General MICHAEL JEFFERY's warned against running down the defence force in
an era when a crisis could emerge far more quickly than a military could be rebuilt.

Addressing an audience at the Australian War Memorial .. which included JOHN HOWARD
and KEVIN RUDD .. he said there are crucial and enduring lessons from the sacrifices of
our Anzacs.

He says the security of the nation is its primary responsibility .. and capable defence
forces can be run down in a year or less .. but take many years to rebuild.

Yet in the history of modern war we have never received more than six to 12 months
notice to fight.

AAP RTV mb/wz

KEYWORD: ANZAC CANBERRA (CANBERRA)

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