Charles Taylor: “I rise at this time to speak about an issue which I believe to be very important. I requested that the committee…”

“I rise at this time to speak about an issue which I believe to be very important. I requested that the committee consider including language in the fiscal year 1997 Defense authorization bill authorizing additional funds for the purchase of combat boots during fiscal year 1997 and directing the Defense Personnel Support Center [DPSC], a unit of the Defense Logistics Agency [DLA], to procure a minimum of 85 percent of the anticipated consumption of combat boots. Over a period of 3 years this plan would provide a reduction in inventories of 557,000 pairs. At the end of that time, this country would have a 38-week peacetime supply of combat boots--including a 20-week mobilization stock. This supply, only a few weeks of boots at Desert Storm consumption rates, compares to an 18-week supply currently planned by the DPSC. Late last year the Military Boot Manufacturers Association [MBMA], which is comprised of the four manufacturers of combat boots for the military services, brought to my attention the fact that the DPSC planned to continue its reduction in inventory of combat boots over the next 3 years from the present 65-week supply to an 18-week supply of boots.”