The Joint Chiefs of Staff have sent a request to Congress to increase the last Clinton defense budget by an extra $10 billion. This includes $2 billion for pay raises, $2.9 billion for the Army, $2.3 billion for the Navy, $1.8 billion for the Air Force, and $889 million for the Marines. The funds cover operations, training, ammunition, and maintenance. The request is described by the generals as relief for only the most pressing and grievous shortfalls for a decade of underfunded defense. It seems likely that Congress will grant the money.--Stephen V Cole