preparedstatement.docVIP

Prepared Statement of The Honorable David S. C. Chu Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness) Before the Senate Armed Services Personnel Subcommittee “Active and Reserve Military and Civilian Personnel Programs” April 5, 2005  INTRODUCTION Mr. Chairman and members of this distinguished Subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to be here today. For a number of years we have talked about transformation at the Department of Defense. This effort continues and today I will review with you some initiatives we are working on within all components of the Total Force: active duty, reserve, DoD civilians, and the families who support our Armed Forces. There is no disputing the fact that the Force is facing challenges. Where it does, particularly in the areas of recruiting, retention, and stress, we carefully monitor the current status and take measures to resolve problems. We continually review compensation packages to ensure that they are adequate to meet the needs of the recipients, whether the need be for basic pay, housing allowances, or survivor benefits. We work jointly in many areas to take full advantage of the strength that comes from combining resources and knowledge, for example in joint training, partnerships with state and local governments, and the new Military Severely Injured Joint Support Operations Center. We are guided by the understanding that people are more than just numbers and budgets are more than just sums in columns. The decisions made about funding for the next fiscal year matter a great deal to real people. I am happy to be here to answer your questions and discuss the programs that we believe are essential to building and sustaining the Total Force that will meet our national security requirements. TRANSFORMING THE TOTAL FORCE End Strength and Relieving Stress on the Force The Department of Defense continues to review its military end strength to ensure that the nation’s