You are going to have to replace them is my point.

Mr. Secretary, I could not agree with you more.

My point is, I understand we have to build it. But maybe I am missing something, but usually we deploy systems that are at least built, not fully tested, but at least built.

So there is a possibility that in September 2004, this system will not be deployed?

We are deploying it in 2004; is that correct? Am I wrong?

Of course with this deployment forward, you have to have a rotational force upon it.

I think the long-term concern is if we stay at current levels of mobilization, eventually it's going to impact on Reserve component retention and recruiting as well.

it is very difficult to interject military forces into a region and it is sometimes more difficult to get them out

Unless the world wakes up and says this is a dangerous thing, and creates a set of regimes that will in fact get cooperation to stop those weapons, we are going to be facing a very serious situation in the next 5 years.

Our response to the North Korean situation has been to refer it to the United Nations, our response to the Iraq situation has been to, we hope, encourage the United Nations enforcement but prepare to go it alone.

I simply want to commend you for taking the initiative along with Senator Harkin on this very important issue

I have heard that a cut in the budget is not a reduction but an encouragement.