Military officials have warned that if the US defense budget is not increased from planned levels during 2002-2007, they will not be able to modernize their forces and maintain the ability to deploy around the world. The Clinton Administration plans to announce $16 billion in defense increases during a five-year period to protect the modernization program. Vice President's Gore's campaign is quick to claim that this proves support for defense by both Clinton and Gore, but the Republicans point out that Clinton has cut the defense budget far too deeply. The military says it needs $90 billion a year for procurement; Clinton promised but never delivered $60 billion per year.--Stephen V Cole