War strains U.S. military in tackling new crises

[Contrary1]

Admiral: Risk to capabilities remains significant, 15-month tours too long

"WASHINGTON - A classified Pentagon assessment concludes that long battlefield tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, along with persistent terrorist activity and other threats, have prevented the U.S. military from improving its ability to respond to any new crisis, The Associated Press has learned.

Despite security gains in Iraq, the military was not able to reduce the response risk level, which was raised from moderate to significant last year, according to the report.

The Pentagon will say that efforts to increase the size of the military, replace equipment and bolster partnerships overseas will help lower the risk over time, defense officials said Friday. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the classified report.

Adm. Mike Mullen, <---- AKA: MR. Obvious ----> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Vobd2qDpzU

chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has completed the risk assessment, and it is expected to be delivered to Congress in mid-February. Because he has concluded the risk is significant, his report also will include a letter from Defense Secretary Robert Gates outlining the steps the Pentagon is taking to reduce it..."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23075204/