However, we have not adequately arrested our tendency to finance near-term readiness at the expense of modernization and recapitalization. Our major systems are aging at a simultaneous rate across the inventory. The future readiness of the force is what my colleagues on the Joint Chiefs of Staff and I are concerned about. More than 20 years ago, the nation rebuilt its forces with the threat of the then-Soviet Union as our impetus. No one predicted that this force would be used to defeat Iraqi aggression, nor deploy to Somalia, Bosnia, Kosovo, or East Timor.
History shows that preparing for the worst case was wise then, and is prudent now.
Indeed, our position as the world s most influential nation argues persuasively that this is so. Modern Readiness Modern readiness issues require comprehensive solutions. It is no longer enough to simply equip Marines and send them on their way. For example, efforts must be constantly made to enhance our retention goals for both qualitative and quantitative reasons. They will be thankful for our having set the conditions which will enhance the probability of their success.