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"Over the last five years, the sustained strategic demand ... is placing a strain on the Army's all-volunteer force," Schoomaker told the commission in a Capitol Hill hearing. ... "At this pace ... we will break the active component" unless more reserves can be called up to help, Schoomaker said in prepared remarks.

The only real surprise here is the public statement of what many already knew. The military, and the Army in particular, is too small to effectively attain U.S. foreign policy goals.

So, what are we going to do about it? The military is already lowering standards to meet mission, and offering reenlistment bonuses in the tens of thousands of dollars. How are we going to field large new units? Are we ready to really look at what's hurting retention and recruitment? Are we ready to fix the horribly malfunctioning military HR system?

It's a lot more complicated than just asking for more troops, but that's the vital first step. It's good that we're finally here. But the fight to make it happen will be uphill all the way, unless we're ready to fight the bureaucracy and make much needed changes.