Defense Secretary Carter states the US does have the resources to carry out the current strategy in the Middle East.
In an open source Chief Dempsey states the statements about Russian navel aggression is still unfounded by intelligence services.
There is concern the INF (Treaty (click here) Between The United States Of America And The Union Of Soviet Socialist Republics On The Elimination Of Their Intermediate-Range And Shorter-Range Missiles) is being violated by Russia. The DOD is looking into it and re-engage Russia regarding the INF. This is standard brinkmanship by Russia. Russia is always playing brinkmanship with the USA to detect absence of resolve and readiness. I suggest the DOD prove the degree of readiness actually has to re-engage the treaty in short order. If there is no return to the treaty, then the USA needs to decide it's stance with NATO regarding this treaty. Russia seems to be in the mood for breaking treaties.
House Representative Rob Wittman interested in military acquisition. Secretary Carter states he is very interested in improving the acquisition process. The process has to work more with the (? American ?) companies providing the needs of the US Military. A representative to the companies would be part of the decision making process.
That would actually streamline the needs of the military and the military would actually get what it asked for and needs. A representative from the USA military working directly with the companies would empower the military to a better and more effective military. I can't believe there are no representatives from the US military already sitting at the decision making table with contractors. No wonder there are many errors and extended timelines to the US military needs.
There is a request that 2015 be the "Year of the military diver" by Rep. Gwen Graham. She is concerned about Federal Recovery Care of veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. She is looking for reassurance none will fall between the cracks.
Secretary Carter states the country has a long obligation to these people since they were injured at an early age of 20 some years. General Dempsey states there are two aspects to this issue; l - continuing the care of those already receiving benefits and 2. - finding any new veterans needing care and to that end they are working to refine the transfer of soldiers to a connection with the VA to that end.
Duncan Hunter wants to end reforms so much as initiate computer technology into testing. The idea is to free up the personnel that do testing to other responsibilities within the military. He wants Predator contractors to man them in Jordan.
Secretary Carter states the Predator is assisting Jordan and his requests can be examined to implement including testing. General Dempsey states the State Department has to be a part of any transition of authority in Jordan.
Hostages in the world fall under the FBI. Rep. Hunter wants the bureau with the most resources and personnel to deal with hostages. Secretary Carter states these operations need a choreographer is needed with other agencies such as Homeland Security.
Rep. Moulton wants to know if the new budget is realistic and what is the USA doing with partners in the world. General Dempsey states the USA is actively involved with partners around the world. I am curious how that partner based military in regard to security reflects anything in the new House Budget.
General Dempsey states the budget they present to Congress is vital as stated and when funding is not provided it effects the functioning of the US military.
Rep. Lamborn states there are two areas that seem understated in the AUMF. Scope and timeline. Secretary Carter states the scope is sufficient as stated and the timeline simply brings continuity into the next administration for a year.
An AUMF that tells the US Troops there is support for their efforts.
General Dempsey states a completely unrestrained AUMF existed was WWII.
Rep. Aguilar worried about the three year campaign. Secretary Carter states the timeline is not about the campaign but recognition of our political system. General Dempsey states the war will no doubt extend past three years. Secretary Carter states the one year of the AUMF would require the next President to engage with this operation for at least a year.
Dr. Fleming is annoyed about 'No American Boots on the Ground.' He states there is no historical application to the AUMF requested by the President. Sec. Carter states he is not familiar with all the US operations to point to one that succeeded with substantial forces on the ground.
Okay, that is enough. Rep. Fleming states he does not know of any war the USA fought and won without significant US boots on the ground. Fleming is not looking realistically at any US involvement in war. Vietnam had substantial US troops on the ground and the USA cannot claim a victory there. So, his problems are based in Republican rhetoric and not facts or figures. There is no reason to continue to engage his imagination.
General Dempsey states the USA was not the problem that lead to this civil war in Iraq. He stated the Iraqi government was directly responsible for the fail of the Iraqi forces.
Mr. Ashford is ? concerned ? or simply making friends? He wants to know when he visits facilities there are obvious partnerships and he wants the Secretary to describe that partnership. Ex. Nebraska facility that accommodated Eboli patients.
Secretary Carter states the DOD doesn't build anything, they depend on contractors to supply facilities. What Rep. Bradford wants to build better facilities for outpatient care of Veterans coming for treatment in Nebraska. Now I got it, but, that was a long way around to finally ask the question.
Rep. Gibson wants accounting of land forces because allies don't anti-up for their costs and the agility of the global defense force capability. Concerned about deterrents in capability and will. Wants leadership in restoring a global response force.
Secretary - GRF (global response force) (click here) exists. The readiness is questionable.
General Dempsey - forward station and funding sometimes has to be reached into in regard to other expenses. GRF is identified as 'the vision' of the future of American forces.
Rep. Courtney is concerned about the Triad Fleet (click here)- Ohio replacement program - Sea Based Ship Building Account. He states the ship building account is grossly underfunded when future planning is required to replace the ships we now have. Secretary Carter - The Sea Based leg of the Triad Fleet is nuclear and Ohio Class replacement is being looked at to reduce costs, but, we have to pay that bill. The lack of funding for 2020 - 2030 for the Ohio Class is obvious. General Dempsey states the Ohio Class is an important deterrent.
Rep. Franks was surprised at this nomination but a good one. Secretary, "My wife and I were surprised, too." Franks is concerned about nuclear enrichment of Iran. Secretary Carter states he is not informed about the ongoing talks with Iran, but, he states he agrees, "No deal is better than a bad deal." He states the activities of Iran currently is a concern.
Franks to General Dempsey states the best position for the USA in the Middle East is to work with coalition partners and the USA does play a unique roll within that coalition.
Rep. Nugent is worried about the fact Iran is involved in Iraq. This is more of the denial of the USA's denial of the dynamics of the region. This is the attitude and denial of reality that constructs the "Forever War."
Secretary Carter states it is a complicated picture. The Iraq military are working with Sunni tribes to bring about a force against ISIS (Deash). There are other regions of Iraq different. Currently the USA stands with the existing government. In regard to Afghanistan, Secretary Carter we have a bilateral agreement with Afghanistan that is not sectarian in nature. Only a few years ago I did not think we would have gotten this far.
Rep. Wenstrup has many ideas of how we can form our coalition, but, holding POWs that are captured is a quandary to holding , 'If the coalition captures POW how to we hold them for intelligence purpose?"
Secretary Carter states there is no set disposition of any detainee. General Dempsey states "Host countries conducts a capture and hold operation, but, where there is a direct threat to the USA, the DOD has worked with DOJ to hold detainees for questioning and interrogation."
Wenstrup wants to know about extended engagement in Iraq and Afghanistan. Secretary Carter states there is no long term commitment or request for funding for an extended deployment.
Rep. Walorski - Secretary states there has to be a final disposition for Gitmo detainees. Bringing detainees into the USA is against the law. There has to be a lawful disposition to those people. It is desirable to close Gitmo to end the rallying point for jihadis. Walorski states the President has broken the law before (typical Republican racism) so that is not breaking news. Secretary states there has to be a lawful way to transfer current detainees to other facilities.
Walorski - A huge leap in this budget and is the national debt a greater concern than cliamte change. She is annoyed the General and Secretary are defending the AUMF. There is no reason to continue to be concern about her rants.
The Secreatry states all the threats that involve the USA are addressed by the DOD. We need to tend to all the defense problems for a health nation.
Rep. Zinke - Generals are stating differently from anything the Secretary and General Dempsey is stating He states he is a former Commander of Seal Team Six. He is worried "American Armor" will become a prisoner that will burn in a cage. He wants far more involvement to insure that doesn't happen. He believes any spending of the AUMF should be flexible to win the war?
Secretary Carter - the AUMF has flexibility built into it.
Rep. Knight is worried about aircraft technology. Fifth generation fighters today and the acquisition process should be computerized.
Secretary Carter states the word that describes that concern is agility. The cost control best for the US military has to pay attention to sustainment costs because it will be the lion share of the costs to maintain the jet.
Knight wants to know how the pilots are going to keep up with the advancements of the new technology that is happening very quickly.
Carter "We need to keep up and I am with you." (It's about the F35, but, Shh don't say F35.)
See, the cost of the F35 doesn't stop because it is totally computerized and hacked into by what might be called 'the enemy.' The F35 needs regular and quick updates to it's software so it doesn't fall out of the sky when it's software is hacked. This is all about the computerized military be it air or ground or sea operations. The entire direction into a Drone Military is ridiculous. Putin is carrying out sea operations today. They don't have drones. They have the READINESS and CONFIDENCE without the computerized component.
Rep. McSally asked questions only possible to answer in classified session.Wants to know if A10 should be fully funded. Secretary states the A10 (click here) is an important aircraft but hit by budgetary issues.
Rep. Thornberry wants to know about audit and how it is effecting the military personnel. Defense Undersecretary states there is a need for cooperation regarding the audit. DFAS (click here) is an entity of itself that passed an audit multiple times and are a service provider. DFAS is a capable partner.
To the Secretary, Rep. Thornberry states unless the representatives can speak to accoutability it is difficult to win any acceptance with the voter.
OCO (Overseas Contingency Operations - click here) Funds has an agreement with Dept. of Budget and Defense dating from 2010. Congress plays a role in OCO funding between itself and the President. F35s have been dispatched through OCO. So, therefore what is the appropriate use of OCO.
Ukraine military funding? That is principally a political and economic challenge because the Ukraine is in serious fiscal danger. The DOD is assisting material assistance in the way of vehicles and otherwise. The lethal assitant is a complicated decision and it in discussions. NATO partners and allies need to supply Ukraine as well to provide a stable country that is not pushed around by the Russians.
Mr. Thronberry is worried the USA doesn't look like a good partner.
Examples please. "Partner" is going to become a political buzz word.
Secretary Carter was in Budapest in 1995 when the agreement was signed that Russia has violated. Ukraine is an important country, but, not a NATO ally and that raises all kinds of issues. Thornberry is planning a trip to the region.
Hearing adjourned.
end.
continued...
In an open source Chief Dempsey states the statements about Russian navel aggression is still unfounded by intelligence services.
There is concern the INF (Treaty (click here) Between The United States Of America And The Union Of Soviet Socialist Republics On The Elimination Of Their Intermediate-Range And Shorter-Range Missiles) is being violated by Russia. The DOD is looking into it and re-engage Russia regarding the INF. This is standard brinkmanship by Russia. Russia is always playing brinkmanship with the USA to detect absence of resolve and readiness. I suggest the DOD prove the degree of readiness actually has to re-engage the treaty in short order. If there is no return to the treaty, then the USA needs to decide it's stance with NATO regarding this treaty. Russia seems to be in the mood for breaking treaties.
House Representative Rob Wittman interested in military acquisition. Secretary Carter states he is very interested in improving the acquisition process. The process has to work more with the (? American ?) companies providing the needs of the US Military. A representative to the companies would be part of the decision making process.
That would actually streamline the needs of the military and the military would actually get what it asked for and needs. A representative from the USA military working directly with the companies would empower the military to a better and more effective military. I can't believe there are no representatives from the US military already sitting at the decision making table with contractors. No wonder there are many errors and extended timelines to the US military needs.
There is a request that 2015 be the "Year of the military diver" by Rep. Gwen Graham. She is concerned about Federal Recovery Care of veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. She is looking for reassurance none will fall between the cracks.
Secretary Carter states the country has a long obligation to these people since they were injured at an early age of 20 some years. General Dempsey states there are two aspects to this issue; l - continuing the care of those already receiving benefits and 2. - finding any new veterans needing care and to that end they are working to refine the transfer of soldiers to a connection with the VA to that end.
Duncan Hunter wants to end reforms so much as initiate computer technology into testing. The idea is to free up the personnel that do testing to other responsibilities within the military. He wants Predator contractors to man them in Jordan.
Secretary Carter states the Predator is assisting Jordan and his requests can be examined to implement including testing. General Dempsey states the State Department has to be a part of any transition of authority in Jordan.
Hostages in the world fall under the FBI. Rep. Hunter wants the bureau with the most resources and personnel to deal with hostages. Secretary Carter states these operations need a choreographer is needed with other agencies such as Homeland Security.
Rep. Moulton wants to know if the new budget is realistic and what is the USA doing with partners in the world. General Dempsey states the USA is actively involved with partners around the world. I am curious how that partner based military in regard to security reflects anything in the new House Budget.
General Dempsey states the budget they present to Congress is vital as stated and when funding is not provided it effects the functioning of the US military.
Rep. Lamborn states there are two areas that seem understated in the AUMF. Scope and timeline. Secretary Carter states the scope is sufficient as stated and the timeline simply brings continuity into the next administration for a year.
An AUMF that tells the US Troops there is support for their efforts.
General Dempsey states a completely unrestrained AUMF existed was WWII.
Rep. Aguilar worried about the three year campaign. Secretary Carter states the timeline is not about the campaign but recognition of our political system. General Dempsey states the war will no doubt extend past three years. Secretary Carter states the one year of the AUMF would require the next President to engage with this operation for at least a year.
Dr. Fleming is annoyed about 'No American Boots on the Ground.' He states there is no historical application to the AUMF requested by the President. Sec. Carter states he is not familiar with all the US operations to point to one that succeeded with substantial forces on the ground.
Okay, that is enough. Rep. Fleming states he does not know of any war the USA fought and won without significant US boots on the ground. Fleming is not looking realistically at any US involvement in war. Vietnam had substantial US troops on the ground and the USA cannot claim a victory there. So, his problems are based in Republican rhetoric and not facts or figures. There is no reason to continue to engage his imagination.
General Dempsey states the USA was not the problem that lead to this civil war in Iraq. He stated the Iraqi government was directly responsible for the fail of the Iraqi forces.
Mr. Ashford is ? concerned ? or simply making friends? He wants to know when he visits facilities there are obvious partnerships and he wants the Secretary to describe that partnership. Ex. Nebraska facility that accommodated Eboli patients.
Secretary Carter states the DOD doesn't build anything, they depend on contractors to supply facilities. What Rep. Bradford wants to build better facilities for outpatient care of Veterans coming for treatment in Nebraska. Now I got it, but, that was a long way around to finally ask the question.
Rep. Gibson wants accounting of land forces because allies don't anti-up for their costs and the agility of the global defense force capability. Concerned about deterrents in capability and will. Wants leadership in restoring a global response force.
Secretary - GRF (global response force) (click here) exists. The readiness is questionable.
General Dempsey - forward station and funding sometimes has to be reached into in regard to other expenses. GRF is identified as 'the vision' of the future of American forces.
Rep. Courtney is concerned about the Triad Fleet (click here)- Ohio replacement program - Sea Based Ship Building Account. He states the ship building account is grossly underfunded when future planning is required to replace the ships we now have. Secretary Carter - The Sea Based leg of the Triad Fleet is nuclear and Ohio Class replacement is being looked at to reduce costs, but, we have to pay that bill. The lack of funding for 2020 - 2030 for the Ohio Class is obvious. General Dempsey states the Ohio Class is an important deterrent.
Rep. Franks was surprised at this nomination but a good one. Secretary, "My wife and I were surprised, too." Franks is concerned about nuclear enrichment of Iran. Secretary Carter states he is not informed about the ongoing talks with Iran, but, he states he agrees, "No deal is better than a bad deal." He states the activities of Iran currently is a concern.
Franks to General Dempsey states the best position for the USA in the Middle East is to work with coalition partners and the USA does play a unique roll within that coalition.
Rep. Nugent is worried about the fact Iran is involved in Iraq. This is more of the denial of the USA's denial of the dynamics of the region. This is the attitude and denial of reality that constructs the "Forever War."
Secretary Carter states it is a complicated picture. The Iraq military are working with Sunni tribes to bring about a force against ISIS (Deash). There are other regions of Iraq different. Currently the USA stands with the existing government. In regard to Afghanistan, Secretary Carter we have a bilateral agreement with Afghanistan that is not sectarian in nature. Only a few years ago I did not think we would have gotten this far.
Rep. Wenstrup has many ideas of how we can form our coalition, but, holding POWs that are captured is a quandary to holding , 'If the coalition captures POW how to we hold them for intelligence purpose?"
Secretary Carter states there is no set disposition of any detainee. General Dempsey states "Host countries conducts a capture and hold operation, but, where there is a direct threat to the USA, the DOD has worked with DOJ to hold detainees for questioning and interrogation."
Wenstrup wants to know about extended engagement in Iraq and Afghanistan. Secretary Carter states there is no long term commitment or request for funding for an extended deployment.
Rep. Walorski - Secretary states there has to be a final disposition for Gitmo detainees. Bringing detainees into the USA is against the law. There has to be a lawful disposition to those people. It is desirable to close Gitmo to end the rallying point for jihadis. Walorski states the President has broken the law before (typical Republican racism) so that is not breaking news. Secretary states there has to be a lawful way to transfer current detainees to other facilities.
Walorski - A huge leap in this budget and is the national debt a greater concern than cliamte change. She is annoyed the General and Secretary are defending the AUMF. There is no reason to continue to be concern about her rants.
The Secreatry states all the threats that involve the USA are addressed by the DOD. We need to tend to all the defense problems for a health nation.
Rep. Zinke - Generals are stating differently from anything the Secretary and General Dempsey is stating He states he is a former Commander of Seal Team Six. He is worried "American Armor" will become a prisoner that will burn in a cage. He wants far more involvement to insure that doesn't happen. He believes any spending of the AUMF should be flexible to win the war?
Secretary Carter - the AUMF has flexibility built into it.
Rep. Knight is worried about aircraft technology. Fifth generation fighters today and the acquisition process should be computerized.
Secretary Carter states the word that describes that concern is agility. The cost control best for the US military has to pay attention to sustainment costs because it will be the lion share of the costs to maintain the jet.
Knight wants to know how the pilots are going to keep up with the advancements of the new technology that is happening very quickly.
Carter "We need to keep up and I am with you." (It's about the F35, but, Shh don't say F35.)
See, the cost of the F35 doesn't stop because it is totally computerized and hacked into by what might be called 'the enemy.' The F35 needs regular and quick updates to it's software so it doesn't fall out of the sky when it's software is hacked. This is all about the computerized military be it air or ground or sea operations. The entire direction into a Drone Military is ridiculous. Putin is carrying out sea operations today. They don't have drones. They have the READINESS and CONFIDENCE without the computerized component.
Rep. McSally asked questions only possible to answer in classified session.Wants to know if A10 should be fully funded. Secretary states the A10 (click here) is an important aircraft but hit by budgetary issues.
Rep. Thornberry wants to know about audit and how it is effecting the military personnel. Defense Undersecretary states there is a need for cooperation regarding the audit. DFAS (click here) is an entity of itself that passed an audit multiple times and are a service provider. DFAS is a capable partner.
To the Secretary, Rep. Thornberry states unless the representatives can speak to accoutability it is difficult to win any acceptance with the voter.
OCO (Overseas Contingency Operations - click here) Funds has an agreement with Dept. of Budget and Defense dating from 2010. Congress plays a role in OCO funding between itself and the President. F35s have been dispatched through OCO. So, therefore what is the appropriate use of OCO.
Ukraine military funding? That is principally a political and economic challenge because the Ukraine is in serious fiscal danger. The DOD is assisting material assistance in the way of vehicles and otherwise. The lethal assitant is a complicated decision and it in discussions. NATO partners and allies need to supply Ukraine as well to provide a stable country that is not pushed around by the Russians.
Mr. Thronberry is worried the USA doesn't look like a good partner.
Examples please. "Partner" is going to become a political buzz word.
Secretary Carter was in Budapest in 1995 when the agreement was signed that Russia has violated. Ukraine is an important country, but, not a NATO ally and that raises all kinds of issues. Thornberry is planning a trip to the region.
Hearing adjourned.
end.
continued...
