much attention has been given to the current readiness of our combat units.

General Amos, Marine Corps unit readiness has normally been rated in terms of the ability of units to perform full-spectrum combat operations in a high intensity conflict.

Do you see the MRAP as significant a piece of equipment for use in Afghanistan as it was used in Iraq, given the difference in terrains between the two?

General Chiarelli, how do you gauge the effectiveness of these programs?

What is being done to ensure that Guam has adequate resources to make the necessary infrastructure improvements to its port and roads to support the buildup of marines and other U.S. forces?

Unfortunately, the Army cannot influence demand, and the current level does not appear likely to improve significantly for the foreseeable future.

The risk is significant. We have not had sufficient time, equipment, and continuity of personnel to fully train to some of our critical Marine Corps core competencies.

Do you have the right types of equipment and in sufficient quantities to fully equip our forces for success in Afghanistan?

I believe our veterans are being unfairly targeted.

Secretary Gates strongly endorsed increasing the Army and Marine Corps end strength during his discussion of priorities for the fiscal year 2010 budget.

do you foresee any risk or the possibility of an inability of the Army to provide adequate body armor to deploying forces?

The practice of stop-loss, or involuntarily keeping soldiers on Active Duty beyond the end of their obligated active service, would come to an end by March 2011.