Department of Defense Authorization for Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2004, Vol. 6

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Excerpt from Department of Defense Authorization for Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2004, Vol. 6: Hearings Before the Committee on Armed Services, United States Senate, One Hundred Eighth Congress, First Session on S. 1050 Senator Nelson is a man who I have come to have a great respect for and have a great friendship with. I am truly pleased that you are here. I look forward to working in a very bipartisan way to make sure that our military personnel, active, Guard, and Reserve and their families, are well-taken care of as we move into this authorization process. As Senator Nelson knows, this subcommittee has a strong tradition of operating in a bipartisan spirit on behalf of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines. I look forward to working with him on matters of such critical importance to the mission of our armed services and to the welfare of its great personnel, military, civilian, and their families. In recent years. Congress, working closely with the Department of Defense, and in partnership with private groups like those represented here today, has accomplished a great deal to better compensate our personnel for their service and sacrifices, and to enhance the attractiveness of military service. These efforts have been successful. Recruiting and retention are strong. The caliber of our people has never been higher, and the Armed Forces are ready for the challenges that they will face, but we are mindful of the high tempo of operations and extended deployments that have been sustained for so long. We appreciate the sacrifice of the heavy reliance on the Guard and Reserve and the personal sacrifices being made all over our Nation by our active duty. National Guard, and Reserve personnel and their families. At this critical moment in our Nation's history, when our Nation depends so heavily on the performance of the men and women of the Armed Forces, it is vital that we continue to provide the support and quality-of-life programs that demonstrate our commitment to the well-being of our troops and their families. This hearing is designed to be a broad overview of the proposed budget for fiscal year 2004, and the legislative recommendations of the Secretary of Defense, the military services, and the advocates for those who rely on the personnel programs of the Department of Defense. While in the past recruiting and retention have been issues before this subcommittee, I believe our focus this year will be a little bit different. Reserve call-ups increase by the week. Programs for family members have taken on increased importance. Protection against chemical and biological hazards is foremost in our thoughts. The readiness of our Armed Forces and how we provide for them and their families is at the forefront of our minds. We have three panels before us this afternoon. First, we will hear from Dr. David Chu, Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. Joining Dr. Chu will be Dr. William Winkenwerder, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, and Thomas Hall, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs. Our second panel will consist of the personnel chiefs of the military services. They will be followed by a third panel of representatives of The Military Coalition who will present the concerns and interests of military personnel, active, Reserve and retired, and their family members. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com