I am concerned about this ability to provide a continuum of medical care and attention for those who need to have their medical situation addressed.

I just wanted to raise one issue.

We are the strongest Army National Guard right now of all time, and we are making progress every day.

I don't understand how this can be the top priority for the State Adjutant General for years and still not be included somewhere in the budget.

I appreciate your mentioning the MRAP vehicles, the vehicles that have been used in Afghanistan.

I'm pleased to be able to come by and join you in thanking these witnesses for preparing testimony.

the Vice Chairman of the subcommittee, Senator Cochran, provided the leadership to accelerate the production of Light Utility Helicopters.

The Active Duty Navy has only had a 39 percent completion rate on the Post Deployment Health Reassessment form.

The decision to cancel the Next Generation Bomber was directed by the Secretary of Defense in the fiscal year 2010 President's budget submission.

I'm concerned that the challenges in view of the war and the constant separation from families and friends may have a very serious consequence in terms of the success of recruiting.

Are you confident that their medical needs are being met after returning from deployment?

Mr. Chairman, thank you for your leadership of this subcommittee, and in the Senate, generally.

Today's citizen soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines are an indispensable and operational reserve.

This has been an excellent hearing.

The Air Force is playing a unique and important role in the defense of our Nation.

I wonder whether consideration can now be given to modifying an existing platform to provide these capabilities?

We have an important duty to provide for the medical needs of our active, Guard, and Reserve personnel.

Because of your experiences and your knowledge, we take what you say very seriously.

I don't understand how this can be the top priority for the State Adjutant General for years and still not be included somewhere in the budget.

That's good. Well, we wish you well, and we want to be sure that the bill that we recommend provides the funds that are needed to meet those goals.

We want to thank you, too, for the definition of your priorities, in terms of funding for programs and activities.

We need to be sure we provide them with the funding needed to continue to carry out their missions in the way they have in the past.

We need to put some kind authority in place for call-ups of title 10 forces for homeland emergencies.

The activity we've noticed with concern in North Korea in the recent short-range missile testing has led to concerns about whether or not we are moving fast enough with a ground-based interceptor production line.

The budget proposes transferring Joint Cargo Aircraft purchased by the Army and the mission associated with those aircraft to the Air Force.