Bush, advisers to meet on transforming U.S. military

CRAWFORD, Texas -- President Bush and top military leaders are gathering at his ranch today to talk over their efforts to make the U.S. military more mobile and responsive.

Vice President Dick Cheney arrived in Texas on Thursday, ahead of today's meeting with Bush, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld and other military leaders, including Gen. Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

They plan to discuss Rumsfeld's plans to transform the military into a sophisticated, lighter force able to mobilize quickly in response to crises around the world.

"They will be talking about the administration's commitment to transform the military to the challenges of the 21st century," said White House spokeswoman Claire Buchan. "They will review broad strategies and priorities, talk about the global war on terrorism, overseas basing and ... the lessons of the Iraqi Freedom operation."

In between clearing brush on his ranch and taking runs, Bush has been meeting with a series of senior advisers on foreign policy.

Secretary of State Colin Powell and Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage were at the ranch Tuesday night and part of Wednesday to talk with Bush about trouble spots around the world, from Liberia to North Korea to the Middle East.