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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered a budget cut of 8% for military services amid a $500 billion budget increase. Analysts believe this aims to reassess legacy systems, particularly the Marine Corps' Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations strategy, which has resulted in wasted spending and operational failures.

Critics, including former Navy Secretary Jim Webb, argue that the strategy is outdated due to advancements in Chinese defensive technologies and hypersonic missiles, compromising the U.S. response capabilities. Eliminating programs associated with this strategy, such as the NMESIS and Landing Ship Medium, could save billions and help restore the Navy and Marine Corps' operational effectiveness.