Joe Wilson

Did SOCOM conduct a total life-cycle cost comparison between the M4 and SCAR before making its decision to not procure the SCAR at the original intended quantities?

Did SOCOM, at any time, reprogram money from the SCAR program? If so, was Congress informed in a timely manner and what effect has that action had on your budget for the SCAR since the reprogramming action?

How will the Army guarantee it does not simply award the contract to the lowest bidder, but focuses rather on a combination of quality, cost (life-cycle included), and manufacturing capability?

Did the Army conduct an Analysis of Alternatives prior to initiating the new carbine competition? If so, will you provide the Committee a copy of the analysis?

We appreciate your commitment to providing our soldiers with improved small arms at both close combat range and long distance shots in the mountains of Afghanistan.

I am interested in the Army's effort to compete Contractor Logistics Sustainment and Support (CLSS) contract for Route Clearance Vehicles (RCV) and the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) family of vehicles which has been carried out by…

I can't imagine knowingly bringing to this committee an end strength that wouldn't give us at least one-to-two and we want to get to one-to-three.

I am concerned obviously for the morale of the troops, for the families, their concerns and expectations of a career that could be in jeopardy.

To me, it is a classic case of where new recruits are trained, military opportunity is provided and our military service where young people can achieve to their highest potential.

I share the concern of Congresswoman Hartzler, too, that we are dealing with a well-financed enemy, sadly a very determined, educated enemy.

The equipment I have is now 5 generations removed, and I say that complimentary.

Again, I want to thank you.

Given that in FY11 the Air Force will use both voluntary and involuntary measures to reduce end-strength, why does it make sense for the Air Force in FY12 to add 600 people to its active duty end-strength?

I appreciate that the Air Force retention-oriented culture will have great difficulty with the involuntary officer separation/retirement actions being introduced.

It is my view that the conditions have even changed in the last month with the instability in the Middle East.

I am very concerned on the effect on dwell time. I am very concerned about the effect on morale, morale of the service members, on their families.

What is the status of the lifestyle center at Fort Bliss and is AAFES moving forward with lifestyle center options at other locations?

The Subcommittee received complaints that MWR activities were inappropriately engaged in providing personal information services to service members when private sector vendors were available to provide the services.

And so I want to thank all of you for being here today on behalf of military service members, military families, veterans, widows.

And I share the same personal view of Mr. Gordy. And I have had two sons serve in Iraq, another served in Egypt, and I have a fourth that will be deployed one day.

A simple review of the math suggests that the 5 percent surcharge may not generate sufficient cash to support a facility recapitalization program for the Defense Commissary Agency.

A recent review of products sold in commissaries revealed that some brand name products are only sold in commissaries and currently fail to meet the requirement to sell the same brand name in the private sector.

Well, that information needs to be shared with Members of Congress, and I will.

Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to welcome everyone to the second meeting of the 112th Congress of the Military Personnel Subcommittee.

Each year, the Department of Defense spends billions of dollars to provide services to military personnel and their families through the Defense Health Program.