And the Pentagon has resisted getting involved in the conversion.

And because the Pentagon resists mounting any military operation except with massive force, the price is usually too high.

The Pentagon and its contractors resist competition and the discipline of the market.

At first, the Pentagon strongly resisted the idea, then gave in but dragged its heels on implementing the legislative order.

Even after the bombing started in late March, the Pentagon repeatedly resisted efforts to plan for a ground war.

The Pentagon resists deeper cuts, saying there is no one in Moscow with authority to negotiate.

The Pentagon and its supporters in Congress will resist anything that reduces the defense secretary's control over most of the annual intelligence budget.

"The allies were desperately trying to give us political cover and the Pentagon was resisting it," one senior administration official said.

Pentagon and military officials have resisted calls to increase the size of the Army, saying they would rather find efficiencies elsewhere in the service first.

Last year the Pentagon resisted taking on the added responsibility and cost of fighting drugs.