The US Army's top leaders last week were questioned on Capitol Hill by sceptical lawmakers who wanted more information on the need for the service's multibillion-dollar Ground Combat Vehicle program in light of a recent speech made by Defense Secretary Robert Gates, in which he called into question the size of the Army’s heavy force.
Army Secretary John McHugh, Chief of Staff, General George Casey and General Martin Dempsey, who has been nominated to replace Casey, were all asked about their reactions to the speech Defense Secretary Gates made at West Point on February 25.
“As the prospects for another head-on clash of large, mechanised land armies seem less likely, the Army will be increasingly challenged to justify the number, size and cost of its heavy formations to those in the leadership of the Pentagon and on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue, who ultimately make policy and set budgets,” Gates said in his speech.
The Army has requested US$894 million of research and development funding in the fiscal year 2012 budget to begin the first phase of the GCV development program, expected to total US$40 billion.
Adam Smith (D-WA) questioned McHugh and Casey when they appeared before the House Armed Services Committee. Smith asked them to justify their plans for the GCV given Gates’ statements at West Point.