Redmond said the agency still is maintaining its current levels of readiness in neighboring countries for any outflow from Iraq, where continuing insecurity and the fragile religious and ethnic tensions could result in new displacement.

CNN: UNHCR focus on returning Iraqis

The services say that once they start deferring maintenance for aircraft, ships and vehicles, it will take years to get back to the levels of readiness considered prudent in an unpredictable world unless, of course, the political system decides to give them a lot more money in future years to make up for the shortfall this year.

FORBES: Move up http://i.forbesimg.com t Move down

Whether your talent leaves to achieve their aspirations elsewhere or your talent stays but with unlocked potential, the result is lower levels of productivity, engagement, and lack of talent readiness for the future.

FORBES: 5 Secrets To Unlocking Your Talent's Potential

Thanks to the release of a previously undisclosed Defense Department Inspector General investigation report, recently analyzed by the invaluable Center for Military Readiness (CMR), legislators now have the proverbial "smoking gun" revealing politically motivated misconduct at the highest levels of government.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: How Congress Was Duped into Repealing Military Gay Ban