Susan Davis

Hazing, particularly in light of the current ongoing deployments and responsibilities that are being asked of our men and women in uniform, is a very serious matter.

I am pleased that the subcommittee is turning its focus to the important issue of hazing in the military.

This issue concerns me as a member of Congress, as a veteran myself, but especially as the father of four sons currently in the military where it was the best environment for what I know is the opportunity of military service.

So we need to restore the confidence in our families that the Services are doing all that they possibly can to prevent hazing from occurring among the force.

I am sure that we would all agree that hazing is a serious and deplorable crime.

I am very pleased that the subcommittee is turning its focus to the important issue of hazing in the military.

There are anecdotal stories that service members are self-medicating themselves through alcohol consumption.

There continues to be concern that diagnosis and treatment for PTS and TBI are still not at the levels needed.

What are your Services doing as well to address alcohol abuse among airmen, sailors, and marines as well?

The Department of Defense has proposed cost increases for health care that not only will impact retirees, but they could also impact military dependents.

Has your Service looked at the potential impact of these fee increases and its impact on retention of the force?

What is the Department and the Services doing to address the healthcare needs of female service members and dependents?

Vision injuries have impacted 58,000 OIF and OEF service members according to DOD, hearing loss has been diagnosed in over 189,000 veterans from OIF and OEF according to VA.

This year, the Department of Defense has proposed yet another change to its governance structure.

Last year, this Congress directed the Comptroller General to conduct a review of women-specific health services and treatment.

What is the impact to the DHP if Congress does not authorize the TRICARE fee increases?

Frankly, I think this plan is wrongheaded.

I look forward, as well, to hearing from Assistant Secretary Woodson on his views on the status of the military healthcare system.

Their access to quality health care should not be added to their plights.

Our military personnel and their families consistently exceed expectations under tremendous strains and pressures.

Given the number of recently announced reductions, it is important for us to have a clear understanding of what the airlift requirements are to meet the new defense strategy.

We appreciate receiving your views on the fiscal year 2013 budget request for military personnel, and look forward to hearing how the proposed budget will impact our military personnel and their families.

Where we really need help is in the licensing and ability of our soldiers to... use that in another state.

We are obviously drawing down our forces. We are preparing our families.

I think I was really just concerned with whether or not there are individuals looking at the physical standards.