What we are talking about is an obligation to provide them medical care for the rest of their life based on a compensation package that begins the day that they enlist and is amortized over the rest of their life.

Medicare Part B is a very expensive program, and we do not count that when we look at the cost of TRICARE in terms of DOD funding.

I think that if we as Congress would actually say that this is a commitment we want to follow through on, that we could find a way to do it if we are willing to take on entitlements, if we are willing to take on the rest of the budget…

I think, first of all, it is a little sad that we are not remembering what this individual did for the respect of the military, leaving millions of dollars behind and voluntarily enlisting and going over and serving.

We are probably going to end up with a similar formula as we draw down.

this subcommittee faces a very clear challenge this year as we address the need to control the increasing costs of personnel programs.

was a really tragic circumstance for the family, and I think a stain on the Army's reputation.

The opening up of infantry schools, et cetera, is pursuant to a request by the Secretary of Defense.

Is that the way things work?

We will continue to size and shape the force through all necessary means while retaining an intrinsic value that attracts and keeps the highest quality airmen.

I feel like that is the proposal that was laid out by the Chief.

Are you comfortable with that number? Is the Army comfortable with that number?

It is a corporate process?

For 2 months the Air National Guard, with the help of Governors from every State, has been battling the Active Duty Air Force over proposed budget cuts.

Thank you, Senator Gillibrand, for being the motivating factor in having this hearing.

He made a statement that he would personally support--in his opinion, he could personally support something that had not been in the budget.

This is the front page of the Marine Corps Times this week. Grunt training for women starting now, infantry school admissions, new combat tests, et cetera.

Thank you very much, Mr. O'Brien. Let me begin by thanking all of you for your extraordinary breadth of experience that has been reflected in your testimony today, both written and oral.