By early 1994, defense cutbacks reduced the unit's assigned inventory to 18 F-16s, and eventually to 15.

Then defense cutbacks led to the layoff of many thousands.

"I know because of my defense cutbacks, I'm not exactly too popular with a lot of them."

The announcement of a defense cutback would be taken by the world as evidence that the American retreat has begun.

The program was later expanded to aid areas hurt by the closing of military bases and other defense cutbacks.

"Because of the shifting, the defense cutback has not been a blow to the economies of the South."

Its sales were up slightly last year after declining amid defense cutbacks during much of the 1990's.

In addition, he was sent to the Air Force reserves rather than into active duty due to defense cutbacks.

When economic historians look back, Mr. Williams said, they will see that "the single big story is the defense cutbacks."

After the defense cutbacks, he added, Hughes was "in a good position to apply these advanced technologies toward developing interactive video systems for the airlines."