Milley Links Strength Cuts to Funding

The Army must trim its ranks in order to meet mission requirements amid the current climate of sharp budget cuts, the nominee to serve as the service’s top-ranking officer told a Senate panel during his confirmation hearing. Despite funding shortfalls, “The demand for ground forces will continue to increase,” Gen. Mark A. Milley told the Senate Armed Services Committee July 21. Milley said the plan to reduce strength to 420,000 active-duty members from the present 490,000 during the next three years is regrettable but necessary if the service expects to continue weapons-research and modernization programs. The Association of the U.S. Army Web site reported that Milley told the panel during the hearing that Russia remains the nation’s top threat to national security. He also expressed support for expanding the combat role for female soldiers. Milley’s opposition to strength cuts drew support from Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., the committee chairman. “I believe there is no strategic rationale for the Army’s strength to fall below its pre-9/11 level,” McCain said, according to AUSA.