Any decision about sending more U.S. troops to Afghanistan will not be rushed, U.S. President Barack Obama pledged at the naval station in Jacksonville, Fla.

"I will never rush the solemn decision of sending you into harm's way. I won't risk your lives unless it is absolutely necessary," Obama told military personnel to round of applause. "And if it is necessary, we will back you up to the hilt. Because you deserve the strategy, the clear mission, and the defined goals as well as the equipment and support that you need to get the job done."

He noted his administration was increasing the defense budget, including spending on the Navy and Marine Corps, in a bill he said he would sign this week.

"To make sure we're spending our defense dollars wisely, we're cutting tens of billions of dollars in waste and projects that even the military says it doesn't need, so that that money can be better spent on taking care of you and your families and building the ... 21st century military that we do need," Obama said.

He said for the first time in the history of the all-volunteer military force "every component of every branch of the military, active, Guard and Reserve, met or exceeded their recruiting and retention goals."

He paused to remember the 14 Americans who died Monday in two helicopter crashes in Afghanistan.

"Our people are our most precious resource. We're reminded of this again with today's helicopter crashes in Afghanistan. Fourteen Americans gave their lives," Obama said. "They were willing to risk their lives, in this case, to prevent Afghanistan from once again becoming a safe haven for al-Qaida and its extremist allies. And today, they gave their lives, that last full measure of devotion, to protect ours."