On the recordJune 5, 1997
When voting on the defense authorization bill in the coming weeks, we must consider our Reserve component forces and the shortfalls in their funding. What will happen to our Reserve component readiness, compatibility and equipment interoperability with the Active Force if we continue to shortchange these forces? We must remember that as the American defense budget continues to dwindle, we will be relying more on these dedicated men and women who choose to serve in the Guard and Reserve. If we continue to ask these troops to do more with less, more operations and contingencies with less equipment, less training and fewer troops, we will see significant problems with recruiting, retaining the same caliber people that we choose to serve in this All Volunteer Force. Our Armed Forces, Mr. Speaker, are more than just Active Forces. They are a total force component comprised of Active, Reserve and Guard members.
Source
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