国际英语新闻:Obama Unveils Strategy for Smaller, Agile Future US Military

Panetta said a "smaller, ready and well-equipped" joint force would focus on the Pacific, and the Middle East.

"This region is growing in importance to the future of the U.S. economy and our national security,' he said. "This means, for instance, improving capabilities that maintain our military's technological edge and freedom of action.  At the same time, the U.S. will place a premium on maintaining our military presence and capabilities in the broader Middle East."

Panetta said the U.S. military must be able to fight in several conflicts at the same time, and "confront and defeat more than one adversary at a time."

Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dempsey was asked by a reporter what message the results of the defense review would send to Iran.

"The message that we have had consistently for Iran is that we expect them to be a responsible member of the community of nations, not deny freedom of navigation, freedom of movement, freedom of access, and we are determined that they will not acquire a nuclear weapon," he said.

In his remarks, President Obama said details would be emerging in coming weeks.

"I would encourage all of us to remember what President Eisenhower once said.  That “each proposal must be weighed in the light of a broader consideration: the need to maintain balance in and among national programs.”  After a decade of war, and as we rebuild the source of our strength, at home and abroad, it is time to restore that balance," he said.

Obama said the U.S. defense budget will grow more slowly over the next 10 years, but it will meet U.S. global responsibilities.

Asked about force reductions in specific areas, such as Europe, Secretary Panetta said the United States will maintain commitments to Europe, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dempsey said the countrty will always act on the foundation of traditional strategic partnerships, such as NATO.