I would just like to say one other thing. I would like again to associate myself with something that Senator Warner said and express my gratitude to your father for the service that he gave our country and for all of us to remember that he…

But as a guiding principle, I think we should all agree that there should be no political input in the promotion process other than through the forms of fitness reports.

the issue of regional instability, what you've alluded to a number of times in your testimony, is the key.

Right, and I think that the thing that we often miss in this debate, because it's become like the Battle of the Psalm, politically, in terms of the way people have dug in up here on trying to resolve this issue, but there are instabilities…

I just think that is something that should be said for the record.

My belief is that in terms of our national strategy with Iraq the successful end point would be a time when there are no longer United States combat forces on the streets of Iraq.

I don't believe that. I can't see a new strategy here, in terms of national strategy.

I am certainly hopeful that we can reduce the force structure so that we can have a different discussion regarding the end strength numbers that have been proposed.

I appreciate your answers, and wish you good luck.

Another factor in this, and it does go into the way that our force structure levels have oscillated and the way that they are going to now, is the disruption of the rotational cycles and the hardship that puts on planning, on morale…

I believe strongly that military leaders should be held accountable, but certainly in this situation today... the consequences of what I believe has been a failed strategy should be shared at a far higher level.

I would be interested in having those as you assume your new job. I think it is something worthy of discussion on the costs.