 McCain thought it too bureaucratic and that it would weaken retention of service members, and proposed alternate legislation instead.During August 2008, Republic of Georgia launched a large scale military offensive against Russia backed South Ossetia, triggered a five-day-long Russia-Georgia war, results in a disastrous Georgia defeat.McCain, a fervent supporter of president of Georgia, spoke during a gathering "thoughts and prayers and support of the American people are with that brave little nation as they struggle today for their freedom and independence... that I know I speak for every American when I say to him today, we are all Georgians."