That concern is for economic growth; for having enough engineers, computer scientists, designers and architects to meet and drive business and industry needs; for combatting unemployment in a labour market with growing numbers of graduate level jobs; and for the futures of those who are qualified for and want to go to university but are turned away.
She talked about going late one night to Walter Reed hospital to visit soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division who had been wounded in Afghanistan, and asking them if they'd had all the equipment and support they needed for combat.
This force, designated the Director Task Force, was concentrated at Goodenough Island where it was stripped of all equipment not needed for combat operations.
Additionally, a total of 530 2 pounder and 6 pounder anti-tank guns were required, but the Army had 1,941, while 68 3.7 inch anti-aircraft guns were needed for combat and five for training, but there were 640 pieces available.
According to a recent story in the New York Times, cadets at West Point are required to learn to box, because officials believe there is "no better way to teach the grit needed for combat, and to expose them to fear and stress and teach them a confidence to respond".
In any event, such is the load one needs to carry for combat zones now that anything extra appears to be an added burden.
"Therefore there has been no need for major combat operations.
And it has reduced the need for American combat troops, so far.
No decisions have been made on further reductions, but American officers foresee a continued need for American combat forces and generally anticipate a more gradual shifting of responsibilities to Iraqi forces than many of the candidates — a reflection of caution they say is warranted by years of sobering experience.
Antipersonnel Mines (MAP) and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) are frequently used in Colombia as an armed resource without the need for direct combat.
