11.   Russia would need to maintain its readiness for quick launch of its long-range nuclear weapons.

12.   Testifying alongside Perry was Gen. John Shalikashvili, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, who said the military chiefs agree that the budget will maintain readiness.

13.   To maintain this readiness, aviators and sailors are being overworked, it said.

14.   Witnesses said cannibalization is widespread because the services are trying to maintain readiness on an aging fleet at a time of increased deployments.

15.   Defence minister Tony Tan told reporters that the SAF must continue training to maintain operational readiness.

16.   The problem of how to fund new weapons systems and still maintain force readiness is a central question of a major strategy review now under way in the Pentagon.