John McCain actually said...

I remain concerned about the impact of these cuts, which, in my view, reflect budgetary imperatives rather than the national security threat...

What are the potential operational implications of these early retirements?

I think it's been described by the acquisition czar in the Pentagon as 'acquisition malpractice.'

Sequestration would likely result in a smaller force structure that is ill-equipped, ill-trained, and ill-prepared to meet future challenges...