U.S. Army out of balance, general says

WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army's senior officer said in Washington that the Army is out of balance, with current demands exceeding what the Army can sustain.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. says six years of war has taxed the U.S. military. But the general said in the face of extremist ideology and a continued threat of global terrorism the Army must posture itself as a versatile and agile force in order to defend the security of the nation and confront an era of “persistent conflict," according to the American Forces Press Service.

“We are consuming our readiness as quickly as we are building it,” Casey said in a statement.

The general outlined four imperatives critical in keeping Army forces maintained at current operational levels, with a nod to future demands. Casey called for sustaining the force through recruiting and retention, preparing troops for success in the current conflict, resetting the force to prepare for future deployments and contingencies, and advancing modernization efforts to continue transforming the Army.

The general praised the quality of the U.S. soldiers serving in the Army who put their service and fellow soldiers above themselves and live up to the warrior ethos.

“Soldiers are the strength of this Army that makes it the strength of our nation,” he said. “Your Army, while stretched, is unquestionably the best in the world.”