Despite having the largest
military budget in the world, the United States probably wouldn't be ready if
it were forced into a "great power war" with China, Russia, Iran or
North Korea, says the nation's top general.
Military leaders voiced concern on Wednesday
about their ability to fight a war with global powers like Russia, telling a
congressional hearing that a lack of resources and training was weighing on
America's combat readiness, reported Reuters.
U.S. Army Chief of Staff General Mark Milley
told a House Armed Services Committee hearing that if the Army were to fight a
"great power war" with any one of four major potential foes, he had
"grave concerns" about the readiness of his forces.
"(The Army) is not at the
levels that can execute satisfactorily ... in terms of time, cost in terms of
casualties or cost in terms of military objectives," Milley said.
Also speaking at the hearing, about the Fiscal 2017 budget request for the military, Air Force Secretary Deborah James said half of her combat forces were not "sufficiently ready" for fighting against a country like Russia.
"Money is helpful for readiness but freeing up the time of our people to go and do this training is equally important," James said.
Also speaking at the hearing, about the Fiscal 2017 budget request for the military, Air Force Secretary Deborah James said half of her combat forces were not "sufficiently ready" for fighting against a country like Russia.
"Money is helpful for readiness but freeing up the time of our people to go and do this training is equally important," James said.