Laird, Melvin R.
Laird, Melvin R. (1922– ), secretary of defense, 1969–73.Laird began his political career in the Republican Party after military service in World War II, serving in the Wisconsin State Senate (1946–52) and then in the U.S. House of Representatives (1953–69). President Richard M. Nixon appointed him secretary of defense in 1969.
Under Laird's leadership, the Pentagon experienced cuts in military spending, the closing of military installations, and withdrawal of forces in the Vietnam War. However, he pleased the services by ending many procurement policies of Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara. During Laird's tenure, the United States under the Nixon Doctrine urged its allies to do more for their common defense via emphasis on regional alliances and increases in their defense budgets.
Besides focusing on Vietnam, Laird also dealt with arms control issues and changes in the military draft. In 1972, the United States and USSR agreed to a treaty limiting each country to two antiballistic missile sites of 100 missiles each. In response to controversy over inequities in conscription, Laird helped move to “zero draft calls” and an All‐Volunteer Force by 1972.
Under Laird's leadership, the Pentagon experienced cuts in military spending, the closing of military installations, and withdrawal of forces in the Vietnam War. However, he pleased the services by ending many procurement policies of Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara. During Laird's tenure, the United States under the Nixon Doctrine urged its allies to do more for their common defense via emphasis on regional alliances and increases in their defense budgets.
Besides focusing on Vietnam, Laird also dealt with arms control issues and changes in the military draft. In 1972, the United States and USSR agreed to a treaty limiting each country to two antiballistic missile sites of 100 missiles each. In response to controversy over inequities in conscription, Laird helped move to “zero draft calls” and an All‐Volunteer Force by 1972.
Mark R. Polelle
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Laird, Melvin R.