As I recall, in the beginning stages of Korea it also meant that our performance suffered because we were just trying to make the best of a bad situation. We shouldn't consciously put ourselves in that spot.

Unfortunately, the world has a way of determining the demand. It's somewhat beyond our control.

That is, and that creates some real challenges for us.

General Amos and General Chiarelli, given the current operating environment and focus of training on preparing for ongoing operations, how does the Army and Marine Corps plan to maintain the full spectrum of combat skills that could be…

I think the American public has a right to know that if something else comes along we're going to have a very difficult time meeting the national security threat that faces the country.

That would be at the top of your priority list?

It's like being on a treadmill. We're running faster and faster, but we're staying in place.

What about the possibility of introduced biofuel crops or establishing an industry that could grow and boost the Afghan economy?

So at least on a short-term basis, we'd have to continue to rob Peter to pay Paul?

I think we can all agree that mobilization and dwell time goals are very important to the overall health of the force--but we are still falling short of meeting those goals.

The development of a robust and licit agriculture sector is essential to the long-term success of our efforts in Regional Command-South.

Are the amounts requested by the Army and Marine Corps sufficient and executable by the depots and logistics bases or do you require additional resources?