In a speech commemorating the 65th anniversary of the allied victory in Europe, Defense Secretary Robert Gates warned that current economic conditions require DoD to review every aspect of its operations to find savings to support necessary readiness and combat capabilities.  Speaking at the Eisenhower Library and Museum in Wichita, Kansas, Gates reminded the audience that President Eisenhower had once told his defense advisors that he wanted to cut the pentagon down to a “Spartan basis.”  Gates was reprieving that call.  Referring to the large defense funding increases since September 11, 2001 and the expectation for future budgets, Gates said “the gusher has been turned off, and will stay off for a good time.”  Gates cautioned that he was not calling for cuts to the total defense budget.  Rather, he wants increased scrutiny of funding needs and execution because of his concern that defense budgets may not be able to sustain the current force structure of people, planes, and ships.  He pointed to a number of examples of budget pressures that the Department either could not afford or had to contain.  For example, the Secretary took the opportunity to repeat his concern about Congress’ intent to restore funding for the F-35 alternative engine program and build more C-17’s, both of which are unfunded in the FY2011 DoD budget.  Such congressional actions, he warned, can only come at the expense of other DoD priorities.  He also cited budget pressure from increased health-care costs, which have risen from $19 billion to $50 billion in the last decade.  The Secretary pointed to the focus he has placed on reviewing weapons programs in the last two budgets and overhauling the acquisition process as examples of the action the Pentagon has taken to reduce costs.  But, he stated that much more action is needed.  DoD must take a hard look at the way it is “organized, staffed, and operated” and review every aspect of how DoD does business.  Gates specifically identified overhead for increased scrutiny (which the Defense Business Board estimates is nearly 40 percent of the budget).  Gates has set a goal for the FY2012 DoD budget preparation of reducing support and overhead costs by two to three percent in real terms and using those funds to sustain force structure and modernization.  The Secretary underscored three overhead areas for consideration:  1) headquarters and secretariats that report to or supervise other headquarters and secretariats; 2) executive flag officer billets that can be reduced in grade; and 3) commands and organizations conducting repetitive or redundant functions