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30-03-09 Obama's Pentagon

During his campaign to become Commander in Chief,Barack Obama pledged to adapt "US military capabilities for current, not Cold War needs".In this programme Mark Urban looks at two competing approaches.Better intelligence gathering and nation building v traditionalists - who believe the defence of America still lies in investing billions in planes,tanks and ships.Mark investigates whether the Pentagon actually changed far more under President Bush than has been realised elsewhere.He hears from a senior British officer who says the Americans have learned hugely from their experience in Iraq,and now are world-class in counter-insurgency.Mark examines the pressures that will limit President Obama's room to manoeuvre.Externally there are the concerns about China's heavy investment in a blue-water navy and the disturbing risks presented by Iran's nuclear programme.Internally the arms industry lobby is a powerful one and many members of Congress will be keen to retain defence jobs in their districts.So cutting military spending may prove much easier in theory than practice.Mark Urban speaks to a series of experts and insiders,and asks if the Obama presidency will see substantial reform at the Pentagon(BBC.co.uk)