Alongside of our efforts in Iraq, most of us have spent the last month struggling to shape the budget that the President will submit to Congress next month. It is easy to become frustrated by these discussions. Our choices are laden with uncertainties, complexities and ambiguities. Time to understand problems and the money to resolve problems are both in short supply. As issues multiply, requests for data proliferate, refined plans are subject to last-minute revisions, and valued projects are put aside.
Tensions run high.
I see processes like this as inevitably tumultuous and to some degree inefficient. It doesn't surprise me that a contentious human process like the defense budget would be subject to friction and inefficiency. Our commitment to you is to fight to give you the support you deserve. I see the next budget as likely to channel more of our tax dollars more efficiently in these directions. On coming to this office, I found the CNO and Commandant energetically pressing for improvements in pay and benefits.