House Armed Services Committee
Chairman Skelton's opening statement--February 14, 2007
"Welcome to the House Armed Services Full Committee Hearing on the FY 2008 Army Budget Request. Thank you, Secretary Harvey and General Schoomaker for appearing before us to present the Army portion of the Department of Defense budget. The Army has long needed an increase in both its end strength, that is the number of its people, and in funding to perform its role in defending the nation and prevailing in any future conflicts. I first learned this in 1995 when former General Ted Stroup testified in support of a 40,000 person increase in the size of the Army before this committee. I've been calling for an increase ever since. So I say to you gentlemen, you're in good company.
"I'm encouraged that the fiscal year 2008 Army budget request of $130 billion, a substantial $20 billion increase over fiscal year 2007, should go a long way toward meeting the need to increase the size of the Army and support the Army's requirements.
"The top priority I have in reviewing the Army's budget is readiness. General Schoomaker, in July 2006 and last month, I asked you if you were comfortable with the readiness of units in the United States, and your answer both times was no. This committee intends to do everything in its power to correct that. I remain apprehensive about the effect of the Iraq troop increase upon our readiness and the related strategic risk; in other words, our ability to fight elsewhere if called upon.
"Today, the Army is engaged in two primary conflicts. I came back from a recent trip to Afghanistan optimistic, feeling that our fight there is winnable. I wish I were as optimistic about Iraq and the President's proposed troop increase. First, the odds are slim that this change in tactics will improve the security situation in Iraq. Second, even though troops are already being sent to Baghdad to implement the President's strategy, I am not convinced that the Administration has a solid plan in place to provide the number of support troops required to give our combat units the best chance to succeed.
"Extension or troop increase in Iraq increases the strategic risk to the United States that we may not have the right resources when our military is next called upon to deter or to respond to a conflict. Strategic risk will not be eliminated at once, but resetting our equipment is a necessary start. Therefore, it is with some relief that I note that $37 billion in fiscal year 2008 war request is allocated to reconstitute equipment lost or damaged in the war. This should go a long way toward paying for resetting the Army.
"While we cannot neglect the future, I remain concerned over the Future Combat Systems program. I note that your budget eliminates 4 of the previous 18 systems in an effort to refocus on the technologies that show the most promise. I hope you will address the risks that remain in the program.
"Current security commitments have placed an enormous strain on our service members and their families. As I mentioned already, I welcome the President's proposal to permanently increase the size of the Army. The budget request reflects the first funding to increase the Army by 65,000 over the next five years. This increase will ease the stress our service members and their families are experiencing and the strain on overall military readiness due to the pace of current operations.
"While this end strength increase is good news, we much watch carefully how we achieve it over time. I am concerned that recruit quality continues to decline and I worry that we have not committed enough to retention bonuses. The inability of the Army to meet its authorized end strength of 512,400 for fiscal year 2007 is troubling in this regard. Our military strength is based on the quality of our people and any impact on that will cause exponential ripples throughout the entire force. We must be sure that we continue to pay them what they are worth, and care for the well-being of their families.
"There is much to commend itself in your budget and I look forward to working on it with the Department and my fellow Members over the next few months.
"Now I have a few housekeeping notes to take care of. First, gentlemen, please be so kind as to summarize your testimony. Without objection your full testimony will be entered into the record but I understand we have a four hour time limit and I want to save time for member questions.
"With that, I yield to the Ranking Member."
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