But he added: "We have the obligation to provide for a strong, ready force.
We'll need you to keep your forces alert and ready.
A large force ever ready to be devoted to the purposes of war is a temptation to rush into it.
When Short returned, there was no force ready to turn him away.
They've got foreign forces training in America, right now, ready for the official takeover.
"It remains essential in order to maintain a modern and ready force over the long term."
The Navy now has 29 of the ships in the ready force.
He has taan forces ready to move in by land.
"A few days, to ready the land forces to move west and to join your local ships here to our fleet," he answered.
There must also be a floating force ready to offer instant aid to any weak spot.