The Heavy Ground Option. In estimating costs for this option, CBO assumed the use of five Army divisions, but limited tactical air forces to half of those planned for an MTW, or about five wings, on the assumption that the bases available to U.S. and allied air forces might be limited or that extensive use of precision munitions might make the use of a smaller number of aircraft feasible. CBO also assumed that this force would include one MEF. In total, CBO estimates, the U.S. force would include about 370,000 military personnel deploying to the Persian Gulf region (270,000 active-duty service members and 100,000 reserves). About another 70,000 reserves would be required to fill stateside and other positions left vacant by deploying active-duty troops. The U.S. force would also comprise up to 1,500 aircraft, 800 attack and transport helicopters, 800 tanks, and 60 battle force ships.
Which allied forces might participate in a conflict with Iraq is uncertain; only the British have thus far indicated their intention to contribute troops. Thus, CBO assumed that two-thirds of a British heavy armored division and two-thirds of a British air wing would be part of the Heavy Ground force, as well as a British naval contingent of 21 ships, as in Desert Storm. CBO's estimates of the costs incorporate the assumption that the United States will provide limited logistical support to those forces similar to the support it provided during Desert Storm.
The Heavy Air Option. In its estimates of an option emphasizing air forces, CBO limited U.S. Army forces to two and one-third divisions and increased the number of tactical air wings to 10. That force structure assumes an increased reliance on air power to compensate for the smaller ground force. For this option, CBO assumed the use of about one-third of a MEF. In total, CBO estimates, the U.S. force would include about 250,000 military personnel deploying to the Persian Gulf region (200,000 active-duty service members and 50,000 reserves). Another 55,000 reserves would be required to fill stateside and other positions left vacant by deploying active-duty troops. The Heavy Air force would also comprise up to 2,500 aircraft, 500 attack and transport helicopters, 300 tanks, and 60 battle force ships."
Considering that all this information was available going in, the Administration's failure to manage the project successfully, can only be explained by the fact that Bush was more interested in manipulating the House and Senate and snooping in our nation's bedrooms than in managing the departments he is in charge of.
So, the question is: At what point does dereliction of duty become an impeachable offense?
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