Harry Truman actually said...

I think that the backbone of the defense of this country is in its civilian components.

Remarks to Members of the National Guard Association

10/24/1950

More Harry Truman Quotes

The best answer to that is that I have appointed more career men in all the fields than any other President.

I have no comment on either question.

Yes. I have been in elective office for 30 years.

Yes, there is a very good reason--because we want to get them both constructed.