U.S. defense equipment readiness declining - (GAO) report

[UpInArms]

http://today.reuters.com/investing/financeArticle.aspx?type=bondsNews&storyID=2005-10-26T214200Z_01_N26465590_RTRIDST_0_ARMS-EQUIPMENT.XML

WASHINGTON, Oct 26 (Reuters) - The condition of U.S. military vehicles and aircraft has deteriorated sharply because of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, which could threaten the country's defense capability, the Government Accountability Office said on Wednesday.

The GAO, Congress' watchdog agency, assessed 30 types of combat equipment, including destroyers, aircraft and tanks. It found their level of readiness declined particularly in 2003 and 2004.

"Key equipment items -- such as Army and Marine Corp trucks, combat vehicles and rotary wing aircraft -- have been used well beyond normal peacetime use during deployment in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan," the it said in a report.

Unless the Pentagon makes plans to sustain and modernize aging equipment, it "may be unable to meet future requirements for defense capabilities."

The report said Chinook helicopters, Abrams tanks and Orion aircraft were in particularly bad shape.

...more...

I thought Clinton was the one that had destroyed our military's ability to "be ready"?

[rodeodance]

1. sand is not conductive to keeping vehicles in good shape.

[cliss]

2. (snaps fingers)

Too late! We're broke. We just got done spending around $320 billion in Iraq and Afghanistan. NOT ONE penny of that is from current funds. It's all borrowed from the future.

At the rate we're going, we will soon be broke. RumsFailed will have to call Czechoslovakia and Rumania to see if they have any old tanks and antiquated equipment left over from WW2 that we could buy....cheap.

Damn those stupid idiots for putting us in this position. Meanwhile, our REAL enemies are watching this Keystone Cop spectacle, and they are biding their time......

....waiting.....

[lovuian]

3. Money Money Money!!!

Wheres all the Money going???

[Toots]

4. All part of the plan

Now we need to rebuild those military supplies and who does the rebuilding. Large GOP Contributers that's who. More US Treasure down the rat hole....helping to fund the GOP..