In my opinion, that is the bigger issue, sir.

General Dempsey, I understand that $120.0 million is spent each year on the repairs and maintenance for the Mi-17 helicopters owned by the Afghanistan security forces.

In addition to Mi-17 and RD-180, the United States is engaged with Russia concerning contracts in several areas.

over each of the past 10 years, what percentage of your respective Service has been prescribed an opiate medication for a chronic condition

What procedural measures have been implemented within your respective Service to mitigate risk with regard to prescription of opiate medication?

We owe you a tremendous debt of gratitude both in peace and war.

General Dempsey, what is the cost of the current contract?

I do not want to dwell too long on this issue, and you have been very gracious in talking to me about it on previous occasions, both on and off the record.

I would like to gain clarity on these numbers.

General Dempsey, how much money has yet to be paid to Rosoboronexport for the 16 remaining helicopters?

Is there any data on whether the prescription for chronic users increases over time?

The reports about a secret waiting list, and about neglect of care, and about disregard of the responsibility to provide that care are beyond alarming.

Just so I understand, I use the term but what does that mean?

I want to join in expressing my very strong alarm about the reports from Arizona.

26 percent were prescribed some form of opioid in 2011 and 24 percent in 2013.

26 percent in 2011 to 2013, 24 percent?

I think many of my colleagues feel very at home with this image, which is a reminder of a household name-- Ramona and her father. It is a great story written by Beverly Cleary. In fact, it is a prize-winning story, part of a series, and my…

And that could be in the course of the individual soldier's entire service? Or over what period of time?

We need to make sure that we do whatever possible to prevent this kind of overuse and abuse.

Is there an automatic re-evaluation when a soldier or an airman or Marine, or sailor goes from active duty to veteran status?

Many of us on this Committee have been concerned about the lack of interoperability of the Army medical records with the VA records.

I think it is important to remove the stigma of Post Traumatic Stress by not referring to it as a disorder.

Is that not an important question?

And is there a way, for example, to have trip wires, for a lack of a better word?

These reports indicate not only a betrayal of trust but also, very bluntly, violation of our criminal laws.