General expresses concerns over military's readiness in possible war with China, Russia

WASHINGTON – The Army's top general says military forces on the ground face a high level of risk if the United States gets into a large-scale conflict against a power such as Russia or China.

Testifying Wednesday on Capitol Hill, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley says years of combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, constrained budgets and troop cuts have had a cumulative effect on the service.

Milley says the Army is ready to fight the Islamic State group and other terrorist organizations.

But what Milley describes as a "great power war" against one or two of four countries — China, Russia, Iran and North Korea — would pose greater challenges.

Milley says the Army's readiness is not at a level that is appropriate for what the American people expect to defend them.