On the recordMay 17, 2012
I, too, rise in opposition to the amendment. Like my colleague from Georgia, I am also an active reservist and a physician in the military. We are fortunate that we now have an all-volunteer force. Indeed, we are blessed that we have such capable men and women that are willing to put on the uniform. But as we start to have a drawdown, as we start to go through total force management, we want to make sure that we keep opportunities for those that are the brightest, the most capable, and the fittest for the longest period of time. I will tell you that being a physician in the Reserves is a lot different than enlisting in the active duty force. Going through initial entry training, military occupational specialty training is a very rigorous course of instruction. As a physician, I have concerns. I think that while well-intended, the Secretary has already had the ability to grant waivers for exigent circumstances and when in the best interest of the Department of Defense and that this amendment is not required.
