Bush briefed on defense issues

WASHINGTON, July 23 (UPI) -- U.S. President George Bush discussed a range of issues with his military advisers in the Pentagon's high-security "tank" Wednesday, his press secretary said.

Dana Perino said Iraq, Afghanistan, care for veterans and military families and plans for the Pentagon were among the agenda items when Bush met with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, along with Vice President Dick Cheney, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and other top-level aides.

"The tank" is a secure conference room in the Pentagon.

Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said the military briefing is one the president receives "every quarter or so." The last time was March 28.

While he couldn't provide details, Morrell said the meeting afforded the president and his military team the opportunity "to discuss at length how the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are progressing, what other security threats may be emerging around the world, and how our brave troops and their families are holding up under the strain of repeated and lengthy deployments."

Troop levels in Afghanistan were high on the agenda, Morrell said. The Joint Chiefs of Staff were to outline whether or not they can provide the three additional combat brigades the commanders seek "any time soon," Morrell said.

He said they are committed to providing "an unknown but not significant number" of additional forces to Afghanistan next year.