Jim Webb

We will continue to size and shape the force through all necessary means while retaining an intrinsic value that attracts and keeps the highest quality airmen.

Is that the way things work?

The opening up of infantry schools, et cetera, is pursuant to a request by the Secretary of Defense.

We are probably going to end up with a similar formula as we draw down.

Was a really tragic circumstance for the family, and I think a stain on the Army's reputation.

This subcommittee faces a very clear challenge this year as we address the need to control the increasing costs of personnel programs.

I think, first of all, it is a little sad that we are not remembering what this individual did for the respect of the military, leaving millions of dollars behind and voluntarily enlisting and going over and serving.

I think that if we as Congress would actually say that this is a commitment we want to follow through on, that we could find a way to do it if we are willing to take on entitlements, if we are willing to take on the rest of the budget…

Medicare Part B is a very expensive program, and we do not count that when we look at the cost of TRICARE in terms of DOD funding.

What we are talking about is an obligation to provide them medical care for the rest of their life based on a compensation package that begins the day that they enlist and is amortized over the rest of their life.

Actually, if you will see the first line there, that is the lowest tier. Also, let us remember if somebody is on that upper tier, they are also paying Medicare again for the money that they are making.

As I have said many times, our health care difficulties, as we have seen from the last 3 days in the Supreme Court, is a national problem.

So you are continuing the process that was begun when Secretary Gates initiated it?

I totally agree with that, but what I am saying to you is you cannot renegotiate the front end once the back end is done.

So if you are somebody out there, having retired, looking at what it is going to cost you for health care, you are seeing... a significant jump with the proposals from DOD.

I think we have an obligation to provide them with a benefit package that is very generous and reflects their sacrifice and service.

I believe whether there is a specific contractual obligation or not, when someone has served a full career, we have a moral obligation to provide them with lifetime medical care.

Do you see any indication of a resistance in the employer community because of the deployment cycles?

Secretary Hale, you mentioned the cross section of the Total Force when it comes to the reductions that we are looking at.

Taking care of those who have served is the best way to recruit people in the future

If you are medically retired from the military, it is 30 percent or above where you can use commissary and exchange.

The number one priority of the Federal Government from my point of view is to defend the Nation

If part of the outcome of my evaluation is that there is a reduced requirement for U.S. or ISAF combat power, I'll make that part of my recommendation, sir.

Neither of them were brought for the formal consideration of Congress.

I think we're being presumptuous here when we keep talking about how we're trying to train up the Afghanistan military and the police forces.