What incentives is the Army utilizing in order to attract and keep our best, brightest, and most experienced Soldiers to the Reserve force as they transition out of the Active Duty Component?

We need all the jobs we can get, and we need to keep the revenue that is being generated there.

the strategy to shift our focus towards the Asia-Pacific demands that marines not only go back to their roots of amphibious warfare

I really believe we need 38 amphibious ships.

To lose 7 cruisers early that are not near their expected end of life... does not add up.

These ships will be great ships for their specific missions; but they obviously do not have nearly the capabilities of the 7 Aegis Class cruisers.

The new strategic guidance clearly states the DOD will increase focus in Asia-Pacific and rely more heavily on maritime forces in the Middle East.

The status of the amphibious fleet concerns me, especially with our strategic shift to the Asia Pacific.

It will put our Air Defense, ASW, and future BMD mission at risk.

As you know we have aging L-class ships.

I know that part of that strategy is an increased operational capability and presence in both the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific.