The U.S. military will no longer be flying strike sorties against Gadhafi's armored columns and ground forces. I believe this would be a profound mistake with potentially disastrous consequences.

Secretary Lamont and General Bostick, are any of these costs included in the President's budget request for fiscal year 2012 or in the current 5-year plan for DOD or the Army?

preventing and responding properly to incidents of sexual assault remains a high priority for each of your Services, and progress has been made.

Do you think that additional legislation is needed to enhance the sexual assault prevention programs in DOD and your Service?

Senator McCain.

Our intent with the enhanced involuntary mobilization authority is to assure access to the Reserve component in an era of persistent conflict.

The White House recently announced a national initiative that focuses on the employment, education, and wellness of military personnel and their families.

every year Congress authorizes modernization and construction of new facilities intended to improve the quality of military life for members and their families.

These policies and regulations may include the following restrictions on the assignment of women...

I'm confident we will continue to see the same proactive, informed engagement throughout the implementation process.

What do we need to do to avoid being accused of breaking faith with servicemembers who have served honorably?

how are the programs aimed at developing financial knowledge working out: are they well-received and attended and do you have any recommendations on how to improve these programs?

Sergeant Major Chandler, Master Chief Petty Officer West, Sergeant Major Kent, and Chief Master Sergeant Roy, are there alternative sources now for short-term loans needed by junior personnel, e.g., from on-base credit unions?

What is your assessment of the effectiveness of the training for your Service thus far?

how will these reductions affect dwell time, assuming we are still deploying units to Afghanistan?

Last year, we received testimony from DOD witnesses that more than half of the 300 local educational agencies serving military children were not meeting academic standards in reading/language, arts, and/or math.

I agree with them and do not concur with assigning female marines to combat elements.

I've also expressed my own reservations on the administration's proposal to increase TRICARE Prime enrollment fees for retirees.