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Readiness Subcommittee Chairman Solomon Ortiz Joint Readiness and Air & Land Forces Subcommittees Hearing on H.Res. 834: Ground Force Readiness

April 16, 2008

"Today we meet in a joint session with the Air and Land Forces Subcommittee to discuss and hear testimony on House Resolution 834. This resolution identifies ground force readiness shortfalls, acknowledges strategic risk, and resolves that Congress shall commit to attempting to restore the health of our ground forces.

"The purpose of this resolution, and of this hearing today, is on improving military readiness -- about how we, as members of Congress, can restore readiness to ensure a well-trained, well-equipped ground force for a safer homeland. Today we seek solutions -- a way forward.

"As we know, the readiness of the ground forces is measured in three categories: equipment, personnel and training. Today, the Army, Marine Corps, National Guard and Reserves are reporting lower levels of readiness in all three categories than they were in 2001.

"This is a fact, no matter how you measure it. Using Army and Marine Corps current metrics to measure readiness against all requirements, there are significant shortfalls.

"In previous hearings we have learned that our troops are worn out, and their families are stressed from repeated deployments. Equipment has been consumed by combat, and pre-positioned stocks are depleted.

"Equipment shortfalls and time constraints limit the amount and type of training our troops receive as they prepare to protect this country. While we have the world's best counter-insurgency trained ground force, we do not have a force that is prepared for many of the tasks they could need to support other contingencies.

"This reduced readiness posture has left the United States in a risky strategic position.

"At a hearing last week with the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army and the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, we heard that neither was confident of their respective service's ability to deploy to meet other contingency requirements should they arise. This leaves America more vulnerable than we want to be, and more importantly, than we should be.

"What we do know is concerning on many levels. But it is the unknown that concerns me the most:

"I commend every one of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines serving today. The sacrifices they make are honorable.

"But as General Cody said, 'The awards our soldiers have earned reflect their accomplishments and bravery on the battlefield. But their valor is not enough to restore balance and readiness to our Army.'

"He is right; that is our job.

"I ask my colleagues to join me in co-sponsoring House Resolution 834 to recognize readiness shortfalls, acknowledge strategic risk, and most importantly, make a commitment to restoring the health of the ground forces. I look forward to our witnesses' testimony today and hearing their recommendations on restoring strength to the ground forces.

"The Chair recognizes the distinguished gentleman from Virginia, Mr. Forbes, the ranking member for the Readiness Subcommittee, for any remarks he would like to make."