To the editor:

We should all support Defense Secretary Robert Gates eliminating the U.S. Joint Forces Command. This will save hundreds of millions that can be used to support the building of necessary military forces that actually can defend America.

Our local representatives in Congress are always supporting cutting the budget on the president’s domestic issues. If they truly want to cut this nation’s budget, they will support the defense secretary’s effort to control defense costs.

The defense secretary also should consider closing the Guantanamo Naval Base and returning it to Cuba, removing troops from Germany and Japan and closing these bases. These bases have long ago outlived their usefulness and do not add to our security.

William H. Harward

Suffolk