ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY

Feb. 7, 2017

The U.S. Army needs “sustained, long-term and predictable funding” or it will be forced to reduce troop strength, allow readiness to sag, and “increase the risk of sending undertrained and poorly equipped soldiers into harm’s way,” Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Daniel Allyn told the House Armed Services Committee.

Testifying Feb. 7 along with the vice chiefs of the other services about the current readiness status of the military, Allyn said the national security risk facing the U.S. is preventable.

A bipartisan defense bill not just stops but also slightly reverses the Army’s drawdown, and it also provides soldiers with a bigger than expected Jan. 1 pay raise. The only hurdle to overcome is the bill has to become law.

The 2017 National Defense Authorization Act unveiled Nov. 30 represents a bipartisan and bicameral agreement on the major annual defense policy bill. It includes $619 billion in total defense spending, including $59.5 billion for overseas contingency operations.

A new report by an influential conservative think tank rates the U.S. Army as “weak” for the second consecutive year.

The Heritage Foundation’s 2017 Index of U.S. Military Strength rates the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps as having “marginal” military power, a slightly higher rating.