 CHAR: The Strategic Rocket Forces is the one branch of their armed  forces the Russians have funded at full level since the end of the  cold war, unlike the army, navy or air force. Both the President and  the unnamed military official at the briefing are incorrect when  they describe it otherwise. America also needs Russian cooperation  in many areas of international policy, and it is very unlikely that  any president would shoot themselves in the foot by trying to  dictate terms as Bartlet does.