Whether on the battlefield or the firing range, a complete medical and professional history can be accessed in seconds. This new technology will help save lives and enhance our ability to take care of our people. The warrior of the future will fight in a digital world, where cyberspace and battle space merge into a comprehensive whole, where microchips and microwaves, satellites and sensors provide full spectrum dominance on land and sea, in the air and space. Astounding advances like these are fueling a revolution in military affairs. Having good people and taking care of those people is one of the most fundamental of all missions.
Military families are among our most precious national assets.
We know that the stresses and strains of military service place special burdens on families. They suffer daily hardships and disruptions, inconveniences and separations. I know this from long personal experience. During my more than thirty-six years on Active duty and as a Naval Reservist, I missed anniversaries, birthdays and graduations. Families are an essential factor in the overall readiness and well being of our armed forces.