Contact: Josh Holly; 202.226.3988
Hunter Opening Statement for Army Strategic Initiatives Hearing
Washington D.C. – U.S. House Armed Services Committee Ranking Republican Duncan Hunter (R-CA) today released the following opening statement for the full committee’s hearing regarding the Army’s strategic initiatives:
“Mr. Secretary—my good friend from Texas—welcome back to the Armed Services Committee. It’s great to see you again in your new capacity as the 20th Secretary of the Army. Thank you for your continued public service to our country.
“General Casey, I’d also like to welcome you back to the Armed Services Committee. You also are no stranger to this Committee—former Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army, former Commander of Multi-National Forces-Iraq, and today you sit before us as the 36th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army. A special thanks to you as well for your continued public service.
“We are very fortunate to have each of you serving our country, and we are grateful that you have taken the time to be with us today. As has already been said, the Army asked to have this hearing so the Secretary and the Chief of Staff could present the committee with a set of strategic initiatives they have developed to set the Army on a strong course for the future. General Casey, it is my understanding that based on current demands, you believe the Army is out of balance and that these strategic initiatives you are here today to discuss are intended to restore this balance, and to prepare our great Army for a period of persistent conflict.
“The war we are fighting today is, without a doubt, wearing on our forces. However, I ask both of you—are we supposed to only fight the wars that improve military readiness? No one will argue that the readiness of our military is absolutely crucial to the national security strategy. However, should declining readiness trends spur us to throw up our hands and give up, or should these trends be a warning to all of us and compel us to identify, fund, and fix the shortfalls that put our nation at risk?
“The ‘holes in the yard’, which are the shortfalls in equipment that existed when this war started, the sustained combat operations in extremely harsh conditions, and the simultaneous effort to transform the Army all stress the force.
“Gentlemen, I’m very glad you are here today to talk with us about your strategic initiatives. We have, at times in our history, been caught off guard and forced into a reactionary mode. That is never good. It is a reflection of your leadership and character that you are here today—not at our request—but at yours to alert us of your concerns, your needs, and your strategic vision for our Army.
“I am very glad to hear that one of the areas you intend to concentrate on is support for our soldiers and their families. I absolutely believe that taking care of soldiers and their families no matter where they are is our top priority.
“I would like to point out that when it comes to taking care of soldiers and their families that this committee has a reputation for stepping up to the plate. For many years this committee has raised the issue of increasing end strength. And it was this committee, as a result of the Army’s testimony over a year ago, that took the lead and made sure the Army received every penny it asked for in regards to reset. Let there be no doubt that this committee will take the lead again to ensure the Army gets the necessary funding it needs to take care of the soldiers and families of both the current and future force.
“In order to do so we must know what is required. My challenge to both of you is for you to control the bureaucracy; don’t let the bureaucracy control you. If our Army needs something; tell us.
“Again, I want to thank all of you for your service to our country. Thank you for being here and I look forward to your testimony.”
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