based on testimony given in 1995 by ted stroup, calling for additional funds in the army, we have, since that time, over the years, we have made the marines larger and the army larger. let's to see how it works out on the figures that we authorized. >> with the larger numbers in the army and marine corps, and the stress on the budget, do you see it as possible to sustain a larger military? >> that is what america does not do really well. it is the ups and downs of budgeting for our national security. after the cold war, the peace dividend came along. a good number of professionals, they left the military. noncommissioned officers, officers. then along came the johns that we had in iraq and afghanistan. we wished we had some of those folks back. i was there was some way to keep a substantial non-seesawing military during times of peace. during times of peace, the military can and does train. it sharpens the edges, so that when we are in conflict, they would be all the more ready for it. >> can we ask about don't ask, don't tell? what you think should be done? >> i am not for changing bell