61.   Defense officials have argued in private meetings that the expansion of the force is unnecessary and would divert resources from the broader American campaign against terrorism.

62.   Defense officials have suggested that more military officers are under investigation besides an intelligence captain who was arrested with Gutierrez.

63.   Defense officials hope to keep that risk to a minimum so that they can establish one or more forward operating bases for American troops in Afghanistan.

64.   Defense officials regularly turn to contractors for help in producing new weapons and equipment, but under normal circumstances, such processes can take several months or even years.

65.   Defense officials said Monday that they were gathering intelligence on the site in January.

66.   Defense officials said the base is being readied to hold scores if not hundreds of new prisoners.

67.   Defense officials say it will have a huge impact on the future of the military.

68.   Despite that, some senior defense officials and their supporters in Congress have said the increase is too small.

69.   Defense officials also detailed for the first time foreign military contributions to the war effort in Afghanistan.

70.   Defense officials are seeking the base closings in order to cut costs, bankroll new weapons systems and ensure troops remain well trained.