The U.S. Army continues to support ongoing combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as other operations in 80 countries worldwide. Most active component brigade combat teams (BCTs) are deploying for a third time, for 15-month tours. Many reserve component BCTs are mobilizing for a second tour of approximately 12 months. While Soldiers and Army civilians continue to answer the call to duty and their families remain as supportive as ever, all are increasingly under strain by the pressures emanating from the magnitude of the Army’s global commitments.As 2007 comes to a close, the Army needs full, timely and predictable funding to accomplish the myriad missions to which it has been assigned. Without the necessary funds and resources, by mid-February 2008 the Army will find itself unable to support combatant commanders worldwide.