WASHINGTON -- (American Forces Press Service) The United States "will not cut corners" when it comes to national defense, President Bush told about 1,500 members of the Reserve Officers Association Jan. 23.

"The tools of modern warfare are effective. They are expensive and in order to win this war against terror, they are essential," he said. "Whatever it takes, whatever it costs, this patient, this resolved nation will win the first war of the 21st century."

The president said the military takes top priority in the 2003 budget. It includes more than $48 billion in new defense spending and another pay raise for the military.

"This will be the largest increase in defense spending in 20 years," Bush said. It will be used to invest in more precision weapons, in missile defenses, in unmanned vehicles, in high-tech equipment for soldiers on the ground.

The president said the military deserves to have the best equipment since they have proven themselves to be the best.

"There was no doubt in my mind that when I unleashed our great military, that our men and women would perform bravely. They have not let us down," he said.

The military has been relentless in its pursuit of the terrorists, he said. "No matter how long it takes, no matter where we have to look, our United States military will patiently and surely hunt down the murderers and killers and terrorists and bring them one by one to justice."

The Reserve Officers Association presented its Minuteman of the Year 2002 award to the president. The award recognizes those who personify the ideals of the Minuteman, courage, love of country and selfless service. Bush was cited for providing steadfast leadership during a time of crisis and rallying the nation to defend freedom and democracy wherever they are threatened.