By Jen DiMascio
The Army’s chief of staff outlined $3.9 billion in unfunded needs for fiscal year 2009–including $1.59 billion for Humvees and additional equipment for the National Guard.
Gen. George Casey also stressed that the service requires fast passage of the wartime supplemental request before Memorial Day in the letter sent to members of the armed services and appropriations committees.
“In time of war and in an era of persistent conflict, however, significant challenges remain. The enclosed document identifies the list of programs the Army would accelerate should additional funding be made available,” Casey wrote.
In addition to funding for Humvees, the Army is seeking $625 million for driver vision enhancement and $489.3 million for the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck. The list also includes a request for $152 million to recapitalize a nuclear, chemical, biological reconnaissance vehicle and $151 million for the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicle cargo trailers.
“Accelerating funding for these items would help to ensure that Guard units continue to fulfill a critical role in supporting civil authorities in domestic disaster relief operations that occur during fires, hurricanes, floods and earthquakes,” the letter said.