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  brigades that have been called up--the    155th, the 48th, and the 256th.

  After their period of start-up training, which was always a part of the

  activation concept, I expect them to be fully capable of assuming any

  combat mission to which they may be assigned.      The flexibility which these

  units provide is  considerable.


       To summarize, the success of the Guard and Reserve participation in

  Desert Shield cannot be overemphasized.     Their participation has been a

  significant factor in affording us flexibility and balance and reinforces the

  policies and decisions made over the last 10 years to strengthen the Total

  Force concept.


  Troop Morale


       No doubt you have seen reports in the media about alleged morale

  problems with our troops in the field.   Let me speak on that issue for a

  moment.


       Having been to the region twice since Operation Desert Shield began

- - and having met with hundreds of these brave men and women, and having

  been in a number of similar situations myself over my 32-year military

  career, let me tell you that the morale of our troops there is very good.


       Certainly they miss their loved ones, and holidays like now are

  especially tough.  But they know that they have an important job to do.

  They are proud of what they are doing and they know that the American

  people are behind them in their mission.    I am fully confident that this

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