WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- U.S. military community and corporate leader outreach programs and events are to be resumed but trimmed in the new fiscal year to save money.
The plan to restart reduced outreach programs was detailed to U.S. military service chiefs is an internal memo from Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, the Defense Department said.
The cutback is the result of the U.S. budget sequestration measure, which curtails Department of Defense spending.
"It is unfortunate that sequestration restrictions have kept us from connecting with nearly a half-billion people worldwide over the last six months, and required us to withdraw support from more than 2,800 events throughout the country," the secretary wrote.
Slimmed-down programs being reinstituted include the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds air demonstration teams. Aircraft and parachute demonstration teams, band and ceremonial unit appearances, port visits, service weeks, and non-profit and corporate leader outreach are also being reinstated but at 45 percent reduced capacity, senior military officials were quoted as saying.
"Even given the austere fiscal climate, Secretary Hagel believes the Defense Department must preserve vital links between service members and communities across the country," Pentagon press secretary George Little said.
Additional details were not provided.
