The air force association hosted this onehour event. Gen. Holmes well, good morning. This has to be the best job in the world that somehow i fell into, when i look across the room at our air force family. Its incredible. Believe me, the chinese would not like what we are talking about, what we are doing, getting together here today focused on defending this nation, all of us together. So a special thanks to everyone in the room attending, and of course our sponsors, our Defense Industry partners. When we can put Defense Industry in the same room as our warfight good. Hats also, thanks to the media for being here. You all it criticized sometimes, more than you deserve. If we dont tell the story about the most lethal combat, conventional combat force in the world, were going to miss opportunity to defend this nation. So the medias directly involved here. The good news, this morning we have the leader of the most lethal conventional combat force in the world, general mike holmes. Incredib
Something that needs to go. Work withbe happy to you on it. Many expertsey, have said that had we left a residual force in iraq, a nato which american troops would have been a part, that would not have been able to make the gains that it made, nor it have had attempted to make those gains. Agree with that . Well, as you recall, senator, we actually recommended, our military advice was that we needed to remain partnered with the Iraqi Security forces longer. And that, so i stand by that recommendation. Ago. Part of it years the size of it was being negotiated, but i was very much needed toe we continue to partner with them. Ourremember that partnership was on the basis of increasing their tactical logistics, their capability, their ability to be a responsible institution of government. Is that thetoday government has not acted responsibly in iraq. And i dont know that the presence of u. S. Military personnel uniquely would have outcome. He but you stand by your initial recommendation th
Discretionary funding for our nations highest duty, and that is the security of the country. And the sustainment of our military operations. And the wellbeing of the brave men and women of our armed forces. The bill before you today, mr. Chairman, will help meet the most pressing needs of our military as we address current and arising threats to the safety of our nation in an everchanging global landscape. It also takes into account the ongoing challenges of our current fiscal situation. Finding ways to trim excess spending and reduce lowerpriority programs without negatively affecting our troops or the success of our military missions. Providing our military with the highest standard of readiness is a top priority in this bill. This includes procuring important equipment and resources, supporting troop training and flight time and maintaining our bases and facilities. The bill marks investments in important Defense Technology r d, to help advance the safety and success of our military