strategic dispersion of the fleet may have made sense during the Cold War, but there is no sound national-security reason for doing so today

But this does impact on the question of Iran's motivation in taking certain actions.

It's a really serious issue, in terms of what we are trying to do.

I intend to support, strongly, everyone here.

There were opportunities that this administration had that were arguably overlooked that could have affected Iran's conduct in a different way.

The risk is always there, Senator.

I am certainly hopeful that we can reduce the force structure so that we can have a different discussion regarding the end strength numbers that have been proposed.

I appreciate your answers, and wish you good luck.

Another factor in this, and it does go into the way that our force structure levels have oscillated and the way that they are going to now, is the disruption of the rotational cycles and the hardship that puts on planning, on morale…

I believe strongly that military leaders should be held accountable, but certainly in this situation today... the consequences of what I believe has been a failed strategy should be shared at a far higher level.

I would just like to say one other thing. I would like again to associate myself with something that Senator Warner said and express my gratitude to your father for the service that he gave our country and for all of us to remember that he…

I would be interested in having those as you assume your new job. I think it is something worthy of discussion on the costs.

I would submit that somebody needs to go in to the big boss and close the door and talk about what this is doing to the United States military.

the issue of regional instability, what you've alluded to a number of times in your testimony, is the key.

But as a guiding principle, I think we should all agree that there should be no political input in the promotion process other than through the forms of fitness reports.

I am deeply troubled by the 15-month deployment requirements that have been put on the Army.

the question has been, how we recuperate, as a Nation, for what many of us believe was an enormous strategic blunder.

I think that he is the right individual for this job.