Washington, March 5 (NationPress) Over 108,000 US troops are currently stationed or positioned in advance across 160 nations, senior military leaders from the United States informed lawmakers, highlighting the extensive global reach of US military initiatives. This comes as the US grapples with ongoing hostilities with Iran and navigates escalating security challenges posed by China and Russia.

During a testimony before the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness on Wednesday, top officials from the Pentagon asserted that US forces are capable of executing global operations while simultaneously engaging in active combat scenarios in the Middle East.

Vice Chief of the Army Gen. Christopher LaNeve conveyed to senators that American troops are functioning across various regions at once, maintaining deterrence while addressing emerging threats. “Currently, more than 108,000 soldiers are deployed or forward positioned in 160 countries, safeguarding our interests in the Western Hemisphere, deterring aggression in the Indo-Pacific, and responding to global threats,” LaNeve stated.

He elaborated that US personnel in the Middle East are navigating a “complex and perilous environment” amidst the ongoing conflict with Iran and its regional affiliates. “They are protecting US forces and partners by intercepting missiles and drones while safeguarding critical infrastructure,” he remarked.

LaNeve further indicated that American troops continue to transport fuel, munitions, and medical supplies across the theater while coordinating intelligence and joint fire operations to swiftly counter threats.

Senior Navy officials confirmed that maritime forces are also engaged in operations across multiple regions, simultaneously ensuring strategic deterrence. Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. James Kilby informed lawmakers that the Navy has conducted combat operations and has supported the Joint Force in various missions over the past year. “In the past year, as the Navy carried out combat operations and aided the Joint Force in meeting national objectives, we executed strikes against our adversaries while defending our allies in the Middle East,” Kilby said.

He also mentioned that US naval forces persist in their operations throughout the Indo-Pacific. “In the Pacific, our sailors operate daily, deterring China and fostering partnerships,” he noted.

Kilby emphasized that the Navy is striving to enhance readiness by minimizing maintenance delays and modernizing shipyards, aiming for 80% combat surge-ready ships, aircraft, and submarines.

Marine Corps leaders articulated that their forces stand ready for rapid deployments globally, especially in the Indo-Pacific, where tensions with China are escalating. “The Marine Corps provides unique value to the nation and the joint force,” a senior Marine Corps official remarked to senators. “We embody both the nation’s global response force and a persistent integrated stand-in force in the Indo-Pacific.”

Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. James LaMontagne stated that the Air Force is maintaining readiness while advancing its fleet and training new pilots. “The most crucial function of the Air Force for the joint force and for the nation is to fly and maintain aircraft, ensuring we are prepared to respond to the nation’s needs,” he said. LaMontagne mentioned that the Air Force is training approximately 1,500 pilots each year while developing new platforms, including the B-21 bomber and collaborative combat aircraft.

Space Force Vice Chief of Space Operations Gen. Michael Guetlein pointed out that space capabilities have become essential to contemporary military operations. “Recent global events clearly illustrate the significance of the Space Force as part of the Joint Force,” he remarked, noting that the service has recently launched new satellites for missile warning, navigation, and space domain awareness.

However, the Government Accountability Office cautioned lawmakers that US military readiness continues to face persistent structural challenges. “The United States is fortunate to possess the strongest military worldwide, yet our service members often confront demanding mission needs amid significant and enduring readiness issues,” said GAO official Diana Maurer. She highlighted that aging equipment, maintenance backlogs, and shortages of spare parts continue to impact readiness across various services.