America's Military Readiness Crisis: "Grossly Irresponsible"

WH CONDEMNS READINESS SOLUTION OBAMA VOTED FOR

Washington, DC, May 9, 2016

On Friday, the White House Press Secretary described House efforts to restore military readiness as “grossly irresponsible.” House efforts to invest in readiness in the near term, while providing the next administration the flexibility to determine their own strategy and funding for ongoing operations are very similar to the approach a Democrat-led Congress took in 2008. President Obama, Vice President Biden, Secretaries Clinton and Kerry, and Senator Sanders all voted for this approach. (Senate Roll Call Numbers 161, 162; H.R. 2642; June 26, 2008)

While the White House spins from the podium, here is a snapshot of our Military’s readiness crisis:

  • Of the 271 strike aircraft across the Marine Corps, 87 are available for flight operations.
  • Last year, the Navy had a significant carrier gap in the Persian Gulf.
  • Army units are not achieving equipment maintenance standards due to OPTEMPO constraints.
  • The Air Force is short 4,000 maintainers and more than 700 fighter pilots this year.

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Flash back to April 14th, when Fox News shed light on the significant military readiness crisis. Touring several Marine Aviation Squadrons, Fox News spoke with pilots and maintainers who are struggling to prepare their aircraft and personnel to deploy. Watch the segment below: