News In Brief

Congress questions readiness of US forces

A congressional report concludes that US forces could not sustain combat against the Soviet Union or many lesser countries, the New York Times reported Sunday. The Pentagon says the shortcomings were inherited by the present administration, the newspaper said.

The survey was conducted by the Democratic-controlled House Appropriations Committee. Military commanders in Washington, in bases throughout the United States, and in foreign posts were questioned.

In its final assessment, the report said, ''While combat forces are capable of initiating a response, the forces do not have the war reserve materiel and the combat service support to sustain wartime operations.