Okay. How are we going to make that up?

I have been told that we are going to increase to 27,000 Active-Duty marines, but this does not include any increase in the number of Marine Judge Advocates General (JAG).

I have to go to another hearing, but I will be back, Mr. Chairman.

Has there been any thought of expanding the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences?

we are taking more civilians to war in this war than any war in the history of America.

Do you have the tools necessary to make sure that civilians and contractors within operational theaters follow the rules and make sure that there are not things that go unpunished?

It is a joy being on this committee. I think all members work in a bipartisan fashion, but no one has been easier to get along with than Senator Nelson.

If we are going to err, it is my view that I would rather have more soldiers than you need than not enough.

What about the Air Force?

Is that the same for the other Services, I hope?

From the Navy point of view, Admiral Ferguson, I have been told that the Navy is short 191 JAGs and 63 enlisted personnel.

Is there anything more we could do to help any of the Services to give you the flexibility and money you need to retain key people?

I, along with Senator Kerry, authored legislation that would allow, for the first time, contractors accompanying the force in combat theaters to be court-martialed.

Secretary Gates said about curbing the growth of the health care budget in the future, he has described it as 'eating the Department alive.'

I would give it a B plus.

I agree with the access problem, but personally, I think in a bigger picture, at sometime we are going to have to deal with the number of entitlements for health care.

In the current system, it would be almost impossible. But somebody has to get a grip on this.

We have to somehow get ahead of this. I don't know if we can maintain 12 percent forever.