US defence secretary Robert Gates called yesterday for a permanent increase in the size of the army and marine corps at a likely cost of $15 billion (€11.5 billion) a year.
Mr Gates recommended that President Bush add 92,000 troops to the two services over five years, bringing the army to 547,000 soldiers and the marine corps to 202,000 service members.
He said the increase was needed for the long-term fight against terrorism.
"We should recognise that while it may take some time for these troops to become available for deployment, it is important that our men and woman in uniform know that additional manpower and resources are on the way," Mr Gates said.
Defence officials have long said a permanent increase was needed to cope with increased strains from operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and other worldwide operations. It is also needed to ensure the US is ready for future operations, defence officials and analysts have said.