Steve Buyer: “I think the challenge of those responsibilities that we face on the Committee on National Security is that in this new…”

“I think the challenge of those responsibilities that we face on the Committee on National Security is that in this new modern era, I guess that post-cold-war era, we have such greater reliance now as the force has been downsized. Our belief in the total force concept places great stress on the Reserve system and that of the National Guard. We have to be forever mindful and thoughtful with our hearts with regard to the stressors that we are placing upon the employers that both of the gentlemen mentioned, upon the families. Take the Air force Reserve, for example. It is not like advertisements where they say well, it is 1 weekend a month and 2 weeks in the summer or some plan. They are spending so much time now with that Reserve commitment that employers are being stressed and it is a great stress on the family, and we have to be forever mindful with regard to how we take care of the Reserves so we can keep quality men and women in the reserves.”