Where do you draw the line, budget vs meltdown, the CIC I believe does not cancel the program, the military leadership does, eg you have this much money to spend...you decide.
History books are great, but usually the author has a view that they are trying to get across.
Try "Seven Deadly Scenarios" by Krepinevich, sub title...A Military Futurist Explores War in the 21rst Century.
Its always been a balancing act with the budget.