WEBVTT 00:15.130 --> 00:17.186 Okay , Good morning , everyone . And 00:17.186 --> 00:19.540 thank you for joining us today . Since 00:19.540 --> 00:21.540 being sworn into office more than a 00:21.540 --> 00:23.596 year ago , I have been consistent in 00:23.596 --> 00:25.707 stating that my top priority would be 00:25.707 --> 00:27.596 implementing the national defense 00:27.596 --> 00:29.818 strategy . Over the past year , we have 00:29.818 --> 00:31.880 done just that . If you look at my 00:31.880 --> 00:33.769 recent message to the Joint Force 00:33.769 --> 00:35.991 regarding the progress we've made , you 00:35.991 --> 00:38.102 will see very clearly how far we have 00:38.102 --> 00:40.269 moved over our three lines of effort , 00:40.269 --> 00:42.436 which include the first line of effort 00:42.436 --> 00:44.380 building more lethal force and the 00:44.380 --> 00:46.324 second line of effort , strengthen 00:46.324 --> 00:48.547 alliances as well as our 10 subordinate 00:48.547 --> 00:50.547 goals . One important initiative to 00:50.547 --> 00:52.658 advance the NDS has been to conduct a 00:52.658 --> 00:54.880 review of all the combatant commands to 00:54.880 --> 00:57.450 ensure a focus on NDS priorities . This 00:57.450 --> 00:59.617 includes optimizing our force presence 00:59.617 --> 01:02.210 worldwide , directing our time , money 01:02.210 --> 01:03.988 and manpower toward our highest 01:03.988 --> 01:06.210 priorities , implementing our immediate 01:06.210 --> 01:08.510 response force , contingency response 01:08.510 --> 01:10.590 force and dynamic force employment , 01:10.600 --> 01:14.260 enhanced readiness concepts and moving 01:14.260 --> 01:16.340 toward greater use rotational forces 01:16.600 --> 01:18.711 from the United States to enhance our 01:18.711 --> 01:20.822 strategic flexibility and operational 01:20.822 --> 01:22.933 unpredictability , as we've done over 01:22.933 --> 01:24.933 the past few months with our bomber 01:24.933 --> 01:27.620 task forces , we're pursuing several 01:27.620 --> 01:29.787 other initiatives under this rubric as 01:29.787 --> 01:31.842 well . There are currently more than 01:31.842 --> 01:33.676 1/2 dozen combat command reviews 01:33.676 --> 01:35.680 underway , beginning with US Africa 01:35.680 --> 01:37.736 Command , which began late last year 01:37.736 --> 01:39.847 and the most recent being U . S Space 01:39.847 --> 01:42.430 Command . Today we want to update you 01:42.430 --> 01:44.541 on the status of our U . S . European 01:44.541 --> 01:46.708 Command review , which was accelerated 01:46.708 --> 01:48.874 with the president's decision in early 01:48.874 --> 01:51.097 June to reduce our footprint in Germany 01:51.097 --> 01:53.263 and our plans to reposition our forces 01:53.263 --> 01:55.263 in Europe to be better situated for 01:55.263 --> 01:57.041 great power competition . It is 01:57.041 --> 01:59.670 important to note that in NATO's 71 01:59.670 --> 02:02.050 year history , the size , composition 02:02.050 --> 02:04.230 and disposition of U . S forces in 02:04.230 --> 02:06.090 Europe has changed many times . 02:06.990 --> 02:08.990 Sometimes this has been a result of 02:08.990 --> 02:10.880 changes in the threat , sometimes 02:10.880 --> 02:12.658 because of other changes in the 02:12.658 --> 02:14.880 international environment and sometimes 02:14.880 --> 02:17.102 simply because the borders between NATO 02:17.102 --> 02:19.324 countries and Russia have shifted . Has 02:19.324 --> 02:22.060 new allies have joined as we've entered 02:22.060 --> 02:24.227 a new era of great power competition ? 02:24.227 --> 02:26.116 We're now at another one of those 02:26.116 --> 02:28.227 inflection points in NATO's history , 02:28.227 --> 02:30.393 and I'm confident the alliance will be 02:30.393 --> 02:32.449 all the better and stronger for it . 02:32.870 --> 02:35.030 Since June , EUCOM has done excellent 02:35.030 --> 02:37.252 work in developing a plan that achieves 02:37.252 --> 02:39.474 the president's objective and meets the 02:39.474 --> 02:41.586 following five principles that I gave 02:41.586 --> 02:43.586 General Walters as he and his staff 02:43.586 --> 02:45.730 began their planning . First enhanced 02:45.730 --> 02:47.910 deterrence of Russia . Second , 02:48.260 --> 02:52.160 strengthen NATO third , reassure allies 02:52.700 --> 02:55.120 fourth , improve US strategic 02:55.130 --> 02:57.200 flexibility and EUCOM operational 02:57.200 --> 02:59.660 flexibility and fifth take care of our 02:59.660 --> 03:01.771 service members and their families in 03:01.771 --> 03:04.060 the process . The president approved 03:04.060 --> 03:05.980 the Yukon Plan in late June . We 03:05.980 --> 03:08.036 briefed key members of Congress last 03:08.036 --> 03:10.258 week and the team and I spoke with NATO 03:10.258 --> 03:12.147 Secretary General Stoltenberg and 03:12.147 --> 03:14.313 directly affected allies over the past 03:14.313 --> 03:16.424 few days . As we share the plane with 03:16.424 --> 03:18.591 you , I want to note that this plan is 03:18.591 --> 03:20.647 subject to and likely will change to 03:20.647 --> 03:22.758 some degree as it evolves over time . 03:22.760 --> 03:24.982 The current U Conn plan will reposition 03:24.982 --> 03:28.330 approximately 11,900 military personnel 03:28.340 --> 03:32.000 from Germany from roughly 36,000 down 03:32.000 --> 03:34.480 to 24,000 in a manner that will 03:34.480 --> 03:36.147 strengthen NATO , enhance the 03:36.147 --> 03:38.369 deterrence of Russia and make the other 03:38.369 --> 03:40.900 principles I set forth . Of the 03:40.900 --> 03:44.720 11,900 nearly 5600 service members , 03:44.940 --> 03:47.140 we will be repositioned within NATO 03:47.140 --> 03:50.300 countries and approximately 6400 will 03:50.300 --> 03:52.356 return to the United States , though 03:52.356 --> 03:54.356 many of these or similar units will 03:54.356 --> 03:56.578 begin conducting rotational deployments 03:56.578 --> 03:59.340 back to Europe . The broad strokes of 03:59.340 --> 04:02.890 these moves are as follows . First , 04:03.220 --> 04:05.442 various United States headquarters will 04:05.442 --> 04:07.609 be consolidated in locations in Europe 04:07.609 --> 04:09.609 outside of Germany , including , in 04:09.609 --> 04:11.664 some cases , co locating at the same 04:11.664 --> 04:13.887 locations as their NATO counterparts in 04:13.887 --> 04:15.553 Belgium and Italy . This will 04:15.553 --> 04:17.331 strengthen NATO and improve the 04:17.331 --> 04:19.553 operational efficiency and readiness of 04:19.553 --> 04:21.690 over 2000 service members in these 04:21.690 --> 04:25.350 headquarters . Second , the nearly 4500 04:25.350 --> 04:27.517 members of the second Cavalry Regiment 04:27.517 --> 04:29.517 will return to the United States as 04:29.517 --> 04:31.517 other striker units begin continues 04:31.517 --> 04:33.739 rotations farther east in the Black Sea 04:33.739 --> 04:35.683 region , giving us a more enduring 04:35.683 --> 04:38.140 presence to enhance deterrence and 04:38.140 --> 04:39.790 reassure allies along NATO's 04:39.800 --> 04:43.470 southeastern plank . Third , the 04:43.470 --> 04:46.080 25th 2500 chairman based in building 04:46.080 --> 04:47.858 Hall , United Kingdom , who are 04:47.858 --> 04:49.913 responsible for aerial refueling and 04:49.913 --> 04:51.913 special operations and who had been 04:51.913 --> 04:54.080 scheduled to re base to Germany , will 04:54.080 --> 04:56.080 remain in the United Kingdom , thus 04:56.080 --> 04:58.302 ensuring the UN's interrupted readiness 04:58.302 --> 05:00.302 and responsiveness of these units . 05:01.440 --> 05:03.360 Fourth , a fighter squadron and 05:03.370 --> 05:05.314 elements of a fighter wing will be 05:05.314 --> 05:07.314 repositioned to Italy , moving them 05:07.314 --> 05:09.259 closer to the Black Sea region and 05:09.259 --> 05:11.314 better capable of conducting dynamic 05:11.314 --> 05:13.148 force employments and rotational 05:13.148 --> 05:15.092 deployments to NATO's southeastern 05:15.092 --> 05:17.780 flank . In addition to these moves and 05:17.780 --> 05:19.724 the rotational forces announced by 05:19.724 --> 05:21.780 President Trump and Polish President 05:21.780 --> 05:24.110 Duda in 2019 we also plan on rotating 05:24.110 --> 05:26.054 for the lead element of the Army's 05:26.054 --> 05:27.721 newly established fifth corps 05:27.721 --> 05:29.832 headquarters to Poland . Wants Warsaw 05:29.832 --> 05:31.943 signs a defense cooperation agreement 05:31.943 --> 05:34.280 and burden sharing deal as previously 05:34.280 --> 05:37.090 pledged . There are maybe other 05:37.090 --> 05:38.757 opportunities as well to move 05:38.757 --> 05:40.868 additional forces into Poland and the 05:40.868 --> 05:44.070 Baltics . Our aim is to implement these 05:44.070 --> 05:46.670 moves as expeditiously as expeditiously 05:46.670 --> 05:48.559 as possible , consistent with the 05:48.559 --> 05:50.614 principles I set forth from the from 05:50.614 --> 05:52.837 the beginning , particularly being fair 05:52.837 --> 05:54.726 to and taking care of our service 05:54.726 --> 05:56.837 members and their families . We could 05:56.837 --> 05:58.837 see some moves begin within weeks . 05:58.837 --> 06:01.370 Others will take longer . Has anyone 06:01.370 --> 06:03.314 could see the repositioning of our 06:03.314 --> 06:05.370 forces in Europe constitutes a major 06:05.370 --> 06:07.426 strategic and positive shift holy in 06:07.426 --> 06:09.537 line with the NDS and consistent with 06:09.537 --> 06:11.703 other adjustments to the United States 06:11.703 --> 06:13.870 adjustments the United States has made 06:13.870 --> 06:15.981 within NATO in previous times . These 06:15.981 --> 06:17.648 changes will achieve the core 06:17.648 --> 06:19.814 principles of enhancing U . S and NATO 06:19.814 --> 06:21.870 deterrence of Russia , strengthening 06:21.870 --> 06:24.270 NATO reassuring allies and improving U . 06:24.270 --> 06:26.600 S . Strategic flexibility and EUCOM 06:26.610 --> 06:29.410 operational flexibility . And of course , 06:29.420 --> 06:31.510 at all times we were prioritized our 06:31.510 --> 06:33.621 most important resource , our service 06:33.621 --> 06:36.560 members and their families . No moves 06:36.560 --> 06:38.227 will take place without third 06:38.227 --> 06:40.004 communication with our people . 06:40.004 --> 06:42.171 Continued engagement with Congress and 06:42.171 --> 06:44.230 consultation with our allies . Thank 06:44.230 --> 06:46.286 you . And I will now turn it over to 06:46.286 --> 06:48.397 the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs 06:48.397 --> 06:50.452 of Staff . General Heighten and then 06:50.452 --> 06:52.674 EUCOM Commander General Walters . Thank 06:52.674 --> 06:54.674 you , Mr Secretary . Good morning , 06:54.674 --> 06:54.510 everyone . And thanks for being here 06:54.510 --> 06:57.450 today . Uh , looking back at history , 06:57.840 --> 07:00.062 NATO was established more than 70 years 07:00.062 --> 07:02.090 ago by 12 countries who signed the 07:02.090 --> 07:04.090 North Atlantic Treaty right here in 07:04.090 --> 07:06.230 Washington , France , Luxembourg , 07:06.230 --> 07:08.452 Belgium and the Netherlands . Comprised 07:08.452 --> 07:10.660 the eastern flank has other nations 07:10.660 --> 07:12.882 joined NATO . The eastern flank shifted 07:12.882 --> 07:15.049 to Germany and has continued to expand 07:15.049 --> 07:17.049 further into Eastern Europe . Now , 07:17.049 --> 07:19.216 with 30 countries in NATO , so another 07:19.216 --> 07:21.810 re balance is essential . One of our 07:21.810 --> 07:23.977 primary missions is to prevent another 07:23.977 --> 07:26.088 great power war and to maintain great 07:26.088 --> 07:27.921 power piece the national Defense 07:27.921 --> 07:30.090 strategy . The NDS guides our efforts 07:30.090 --> 07:32.840 to adapt the force and the Yukon Plan 07:32.850 --> 07:34.961 optimizes our force posture in Europe 07:34.961 --> 07:36.961 as we seek to determine line actors 07:36.961 --> 07:39.400 there . This re balance consistent with 07:39.400 --> 07:41.456 the NDS , will align NATO and U Conn 07:41.456 --> 07:43.730 capabilities better , distribute forces 07:43.730 --> 07:45.841 across Europe and increase the use of 07:45.841 --> 07:48.063 rotational forces , thus bolstering our 07:48.063 --> 07:50.520 commitment to Europe . It enhances 07:50.520 --> 07:52.520 deterrents and improves operational 07:52.520 --> 07:55.260 flexibility . Repositioning our forces 07:55.260 --> 07:57.427 and making consolidations will provide 07:57.427 --> 07:59.260 General Walters as the commander 07:59.260 --> 08:01.482 increased ability to dynamically employ 08:01.482 --> 08:04.340 his force . This effort will increase 08:04.340 --> 08:06.229 opportunities to partner with and 08:06.229 --> 08:08.229 strengthen our bond with allies and 08:08.229 --> 08:10.451 partners in the region region . It will 08:10.451 --> 08:12.507 also require additional planning and 08:12.507 --> 08:14.729 consultation with our allies and let me 08:14.729 --> 08:16.840 emphasize that point we have been and 08:16.840 --> 08:18.562 we will remain transparent and 08:18.562 --> 08:20.784 collaborative as planning and execution 08:20.784 --> 08:22.896 moves forward . I had the opportunity 08:22.896 --> 08:24.840 is the secretary just mentioned to 08:24.840 --> 08:24.790 speak with a number of my military 08:24.790 --> 08:26.734 counterparts over the last week to 08:26.734 --> 08:28.790 preview the force posture changes in 08:28.790 --> 08:30.957 Europe . Now that we've outlined every 08:30.957 --> 08:33.068 day , our allies and partners join us 08:33.068 --> 08:35.179 and defending freedom , deterring war 08:35.179 --> 08:36.957 and maintaining the rules which 08:36.957 --> 08:38.457 underwrite a free and open 08:38.457 --> 08:41.010 international order . This strategic 08:41.010 --> 08:43.010 posture , realignment in Europe and 08:43.010 --> 08:45.066 other actions Indo pay com is taking 08:45.066 --> 08:46.788 his well should send a clear , 08:46.788 --> 08:49.121 unmistakable message to our competitors . 08:49.340 --> 08:51.507 The Joint forces committed to acting . 08:51.507 --> 08:53.451 His opportunities arise to counter 08:53.451 --> 08:55.229 malign activities and we remain 08:55.229 --> 08:57.340 position to deter military aggression 08:57.340 --> 08:59.284 against the U . S and Issa and our 08:59.284 --> 09:01.451 allies . While we hope that Russia and 09:01.451 --> 09:03.507 China will engage in more productive 09:03.507 --> 09:03.130 and cooperative behavior in the future , 09:03.130 --> 09:05.130 we're posturing our forces to deter 09:05.130 --> 09:07.130 aggression , encounter their malign 09:07.130 --> 09:09.100 influence . So the secretary 09:09.100 --> 09:11.100 highlighted many of the details . I 09:11.100 --> 09:13.100 won't go into those , but I want to 09:13.100 --> 09:15.267 take a brief moment . To just touch on 09:15.267 --> 09:15.250 the impact are forcing our families . 09:16.140 --> 09:19.030 For almost 40 years , I've watched our 09:19.030 --> 09:21.197 people in their families sacrifice for 09:21.197 --> 09:23.240 this country . It's remarkable what 09:23.240 --> 09:25.573 they've done , what they continue to do . 09:25.573 --> 09:27.462 And I believe that's the greatest 09:27.462 --> 09:27.280 advantage that we as the United States 09:27.280 --> 09:30.020 America have . It's our people in the 09:30.020 --> 09:31.909 Army , the Navy , the Air Force , 09:31.909 --> 09:34.620 Marines , our families , the people we 09:34.620 --> 09:37.030 have to do this mission or most 09:37.030 --> 09:39.200 incredible , we're gonna work closely 09:39.200 --> 09:41.200 and communicate frequent frequently 09:41.200 --> 09:42.811 with each of the services on 09:42.811 --> 09:44.922 implementing the changes that we move 09:44.922 --> 09:46.922 forward . And most importantly , we 09:46.922 --> 09:48.756 want to ensure stability for the 09:48.756 --> 09:50.811 service members and their families . 09:50.811 --> 09:52.978 Service members will be informed of re 09:52.978 --> 09:55.200 stationing decisions well in advance in 09:55.200 --> 09:54.950 order to prepare themselves and their 09:55.200 --> 09:57.700 families for any moves . The safety and 09:57.700 --> 09:59.811 well being of our service members and 09:59.811 --> 10:02.144 their families remains our top priority . 10:02.144 --> 10:04.200 And finally , we'll continue to work 10:04.200 --> 10:06.311 closely with Congress , and they will 10:06.311 --> 10:08.478 be consulted on any movements of units 10:08.478 --> 10:08.030 back to the United States as well as 10:08.030 --> 10:10.340 repositioning in Europe . So , in a 10:10.540 --> 10:12.707 close , by thinking all our servicemen 10:12.707 --> 10:14.762 and women , I want to recognize each 10:14.762 --> 10:16.873 and every one of them who are in this 10:16.873 --> 10:18.984 fight . The readiness of our military 10:18.984 --> 10:21.262 is strong , were capable . We're ready . 10:21.262 --> 10:23.207 No matter what the threat . No one 10:23.207 --> 10:25.318 doubts the readiness of United States 10:25.318 --> 10:27.096 military respond and defend the 10:27.096 --> 10:29.207 American people if required . And our 10:29.207 --> 10:31.429 allies with that , I'll turn it over to 10:31.429 --> 10:33.429 General Walters , who staff led the 10:33.429 --> 10:33.310 effort to develop the plan you heard 10:33.310 --> 10:35.366 the secretary describe . We'll leave 10:35.366 --> 10:38.150 further detailed discussions as well as 10:38.150 --> 10:40.094 planning and implementation in the 10:40.094 --> 10:42.372 future . Over to you , General Walters . 10:42.840 --> 10:45.680 Thank you , sir . And thank you , 10:46.640 --> 10:49.080 Vice Chairman Heighten . Good morning 10:49.210 --> 10:51.560 and good afternoon to all of you from 10:51.570 --> 10:53.890 our headquarters here in Mons , Belgium 10:54.440 --> 10:56.990 are us You come strategy demands ever 10:56.990 --> 11:00.400 increasing speed in all endeavors and 11:00.400 --> 11:03.200 ever improving posture we focus on 11:03.200 --> 11:05.460 actions inside and outside our area of 11:05.460 --> 11:08.050 responsibility and vigilance with 11:08.050 --> 11:10.410 respect to great power . Competition is 11:10.410 --> 11:13.110 an absolute imperative . As was 11:13.110 --> 11:15.810 discussed . This realignment allows us 11:16.220 --> 11:18.550 to favorably deter against Russia , 11:19.000 --> 11:22.110 assists NATO , strengthen the alliance , 11:22.380 --> 11:24.810 improves secretary experts strategic 11:24.810 --> 11:27.240 flexibility and improve you comments , 11:27.240 --> 11:30.430 operational flexibility all the while 11:30.610 --> 11:32.610 keeping a close eye on the care and 11:32.610 --> 11:35.790 feeding of our families , A secretary 11:35.790 --> 11:38.140 Esper highlighted . The current plan 11:38.140 --> 11:39.807 proposes the repositioning of 11:39.807 --> 11:41.918 headquarters at the Combatant Command 11:42.130 --> 11:44.650 Component Command and lower levels . 11:45.400 --> 11:47.990 Repositioning US EUCOM headquarters and 11:47.990 --> 11:50.130 its component U . S . Special 11:50.130 --> 11:52.650 Operations Command Europe from Germany 11:52.650 --> 11:54.710 to Belgium CO locates these 11:54.710 --> 11:56.950 organizations with shape headquarters . 11:57.340 --> 11:59.562 This will improve the speed and clarity 11:59.562 --> 12:01.640 of our decision making and promote 12:01.640 --> 12:04.600 greater operational alignment . Also , 12:04.830 --> 12:06.997 there is the potential to reposition U 12:06.997 --> 12:08.990 S . AFRICOM headquarters in its 12:08.990 --> 12:11.210 component U . S . Special Operations 12:11.210 --> 12:13.800 Command Africa to a location to be 12:13.800 --> 12:16.150 determined . We also intend to 12:16.150 --> 12:18.110 reposition three brigade size 12:18.110 --> 12:20.520 headquarters , an air defense artillery 12:20.520 --> 12:23.040 battalion and an engineering battalion , 12:23.260 --> 12:25.890 toe Belgium from Germany and two 12:25.890 --> 12:27.750 smaller support and contracting 12:27.750 --> 12:30.820 organizations to Italy . Pending 12:30.820 --> 12:32.950 further planning and refinement , we 12:32.950 --> 12:36.090 anticipate the 52nd Civil Engineering 12:36.090 --> 12:39.270 Squadron could move soonest at a time 12:39.270 --> 12:41.900 to be determined from Germany to Italy . 12:43.140 --> 12:45.830 And , as secretary expert pointed out , 12:45.980 --> 12:48.570 We will propose repositioning an F 16 12:48.570 --> 12:50.960 fighters quarter its aircraft , its 12:50.960 --> 12:53.310 pilots and its jet mechanics from 12:53.310 --> 12:56.340 Germany to Italy . We also anticipate 12:56.340 --> 12:58.340 the repositioning of two battalions 12:58.340 --> 13:00.760 from Germany to Italy to reunite with 13:00.760 --> 13:02.890 their parent brigade headquarters , a 13:02.890 --> 13:05.223 move that will enhance unity of command . 13:06.340 --> 13:08.580 The proposal to reposition forces back 13:08.580 --> 13:11.080 to Conus , as the secretary mentioned 13:11.080 --> 13:13.413 with respect to the second Cab Regiment , 13:13.480 --> 13:15.590 will allow those units to regain 13:15.730 --> 13:19.000 maximum US at home station readiness 13:19.290 --> 13:21.290 and more effectively support global 13:21.290 --> 13:23.850 contingencies while still maintaining a 13:23.860 --> 13:27.260 keen focus on Europe . The forces 13:27.260 --> 13:29.550 repositioned within Europe will better 13:29.550 --> 13:31.860 promote and better perform 13:31.880 --> 13:33.910 comprehensive defence and shared 13:33.910 --> 13:36.220 response . This is an alignment with 13:36.220 --> 13:38.680 NATO's new military strategy , the 13:38.680 --> 13:40.458 first strategy document for the 13:40.458 --> 13:43.490 military in over six decades . These 13:43.490 --> 13:46.090 efforts all increase our opportunity to 13:46.090 --> 13:48.250 generate greater peace in Europe and 13:48.250 --> 13:50.380 enhance the U . S s effectiveness in 13:50.380 --> 13:52.520 great power competition . We look 13:52.520 --> 13:54.464 forward to taking your questions , 13:59.650 --> 14:01.372 lied about door , I just asked 14:01.372 --> 14:03.539 everybody , keep it one question today 14:03.539 --> 14:05.539 so we can get through some people . 14:05.539 --> 14:07.650 It's not will be forced to reclaim my 14:07.650 --> 14:11.360 con . So I lied about I 14:11.370 --> 14:14.890 thank uhm one question for 14:15.380 --> 14:18.480 requesting a few details . How much , 14:18.620 --> 14:20.676 Mr Secretary , about how much do you 14:20.676 --> 14:24.470 think will cost ? How how many do you 14:24.470 --> 14:27.860 think can get moved more quickly ? You 14:27.860 --> 14:29.804 mentioned some might be able to be 14:29.804 --> 14:31.971 moved within weeks . How many of those 14:32.350 --> 14:34.294 do you think could be moved within 14:34.294 --> 14:36.440 weeks ? And could you just give a 14:36.440 --> 14:38.607 little bit more detail on those coming 14:38.607 --> 14:40.773 home ? Where would they come home to ? 14:40.773 --> 14:43.220 Thank you . Okay , I think that's about 14:43.220 --> 14:45.442 three questions , but I'll take a quick 14:45.442 --> 14:48.070 swag , Adam , Uh , clearly the costs . 14:48.070 --> 14:50.237 Right now , our estimates it will take 14:50.237 --> 14:52.620 a several $1,000,000,000 I'd say single 14:52.620 --> 14:54.731 digits , but that that will be spread 14:54.731 --> 14:56.953 out over time , obviously , but we need 14:56.953 --> 14:59.120 to refine that . That's where a lot of 14:59.120 --> 15:01.342 this work will come in in terms of fine 15:01.342 --> 15:01.230 tuning them where the units will go 15:01.230 --> 15:03.230 into the States . That's gonna be a 15:03.230 --> 15:05.286 matter of consultation . Of course , 15:05.286 --> 15:07.341 with Congress , it will be a service 15:07.341 --> 15:09.508 responsibility to determine where they 15:09.508 --> 15:11.619 should go to enhance the readiness to 15:11.619 --> 15:13.786 make sure we have adequate housing and 15:13.786 --> 15:15.841 child care and hospital care and all 15:15.841 --> 15:15.320 that for families . So that will be a 15:15.320 --> 15:17.860 process . It will be undertaken by the 15:18.380 --> 15:20.960 by the services and with regard to how 15:20.960 --> 15:23.240 quickly units will move . Like I said , 15:23.240 --> 15:25.296 I'll just say a matter of weeks . It 15:25.296 --> 15:27.240 requires diplomacy . We've been in 15:27.240 --> 15:29.129 touch with the State Department , 15:29.129 --> 15:31.570 working closely with them . They feel 15:31.570 --> 15:33.681 very strongly This is a positive move 15:33.681 --> 15:35.626 as well . I've spoken to Secretary 15:35.626 --> 15:37.660 Pompeo , so we need to rely in good 15:37.660 --> 15:39.771 degree on their diplomatic efforts as 15:39.771 --> 15:41.993 well . But this is something we want to 15:41.993 --> 15:44.104 do we feel very good about . We think 15:44.104 --> 15:45.882 it meets all the principles and 15:45.882 --> 15:47.993 objectives I outlined . So we want to 15:47.993 --> 15:47.800 get there as quickly as possible 15:48.450 --> 15:50.672 because of the importance it has to the 15:50.672 --> 15:54.090 alliance and to deterring Russia . No , 15:54.840 --> 15:58.190 I'm sorry . Yeah . Services will handle 15:58.190 --> 16:00.357 the domestic peace , So that will take 16:00.357 --> 16:04.300 some time . Um , you know , some 16:04.300 --> 16:06.578 kid from the German presidency , G p A . 16:07.000 --> 16:09.056 As you can imagine , it's from great 16:09.056 --> 16:11.111 importance for Germany What ? You're 16:11.111 --> 16:13.222 involved today . So I would like Thio 16:13.222 --> 16:16.430 Thio , Ask for the specific the 16:16.440 --> 16:19.140 sites which are affected by the 16:19.140 --> 16:21.362 reduction of troops . If you could name 16:21.362 --> 16:23.696 the exact locations that would be great . 16:23.696 --> 16:26.030 I can . But I'm gonna turn this over to 16:26.040 --> 16:28.151 General Walters dancer because he can 16:28.151 --> 16:30.040 give you more comprehensive . The 16:30.040 --> 16:32.096 answer . John Walters . Did you hear 16:32.096 --> 16:35.870 the question ? I did , Secretary , 16:36.230 --> 16:38.820 if I could , with with respect to it 16:38.820 --> 16:41.960 the sites of the EUCOM headquarters it 16:41.970 --> 16:43.940 is . You will know they currently 16:43.940 --> 16:46.620 reside the headquarters , patch 16:46.620 --> 16:48.509 barracks and stooped guard and we 16:48.509 --> 16:50.620 anticipate again with more refinement 16:50.620 --> 16:53.330 required , Teoh ultimately shift that 16:53.340 --> 16:55.590 headquarters in Amman . Schedule 16:55.600 --> 16:57.670 Belgium Co located with shape 16:57.670 --> 16:59.880 headquarters , corresponding with the 16:59.880 --> 17:02.370 EUCOM headquarters movement is the 17:02.370 --> 17:04.270 Special Operations Command Europe 17:04.270 --> 17:06.860 Headquarters movement , also in studio 17:06.870 --> 17:09.560 guard . Two months Belgium , located at 17:09.560 --> 17:12.640 the same site . And we have proposals 17:12.640 --> 17:14.807 with with Africam . And as I mentioned 17:14.807 --> 17:17.070 in my opening comments , those 17:17.070 --> 17:19.126 discussions have a long ways to go . 17:19.126 --> 17:21.237 Lots of refinement in front of us and 17:21.237 --> 17:23.580 sites to be determined . And there are 17:23.580 --> 17:25.670 other , smaller headquarters in much 17:25.670 --> 17:28.160 lower numbers that were part of my 17:28.160 --> 17:31.370 discussion that also can be located in 17:31.370 --> 17:33.820 Belgium at she's complex . It's an 17:33.820 --> 17:36.040 aviation complex that we work in and 17:36.040 --> 17:38.280 out of . It's approximately 25 17:38.280 --> 17:40.840 kilometers away from Monte's Belgium , 17:40.960 --> 17:43.080 and we anticipate , pending further 17:43.080 --> 17:44.858 refinement to move some smaller 17:44.858 --> 17:46.969 headquarters to that location . Thank 17:46.969 --> 17:49.290 you . I'll just add that probably the 17:49.300 --> 17:51.356 the area most effective would be the 17:51.356 --> 17:53.244 stood gut area . And I had a good 17:53.244 --> 17:55.411 conversation last week with the German 17:55.411 --> 17:55.380 defense minister and laid out some of 17:55.380 --> 17:57.269 these in detail will obviously be 17:57.440 --> 17:59.496 engaging the Defense Ministry in the 17:59.496 --> 18:01.773 coming days and weeks with more detail . 18:04.810 --> 18:06.921 One clarification question . If I put 18:06.921 --> 18:09.088 him in a broader , would you mentioned 18:09.088 --> 18:10.866 costs being in the single digit 18:10.866 --> 18:13.032 billions over a period front over what 18:13.032 --> 18:14.977 period of time ? Because I imagine 18:14.977 --> 18:16.977 there will be costs associated with 18:16.977 --> 18:19.032 having rotational forces . So if you 18:19.032 --> 18:18.670 could give us a better understanding 18:18.680 --> 18:20.236 that and if it comes out of 18:20.236 --> 18:22.402 reprogramming , where those costs come 18:22.402 --> 18:24.458 from and then broadly speaking , can 18:24.458 --> 18:26.569 you help us understand ? You talked a 18:26.569 --> 18:28.847 lot about the goal of deterring Russia . 18:28.847 --> 18:31.069 Why , from your perspective , is having 18:31.069 --> 18:33.069 forces the one combat brigade , the 18:33.069 --> 18:35.069 second cap out of Europe , a better 18:35.069 --> 18:37.124 former deterrence and having them in 18:37.124 --> 18:39.291 your Yes , I'll answer both . But then 18:39.291 --> 18:41.402 I'm gonna turn the General Walters to 18:41.402 --> 18:43.736 let him answer a little bit more detail . 18:43.736 --> 18:45.791 So you're right . In terms of cost , 18:45.791 --> 18:48.013 it's gonna be a range of things . It'll 18:48.013 --> 18:50.180 be on Amital meal con you know , to be 18:50.180 --> 18:52.402 the PCs transfers . But of course , you 18:52.402 --> 18:54.513 know you have some gains to If you're 18:54.513 --> 18:56.624 not moving families back and forth to 18:56.624 --> 18:58.680 Germany , you have savings on that . 18:58.680 --> 18:58.600 And so it's gonna take a lot of hard 18:58.600 --> 19:01.110 work by our controllers by our 19:01.110 --> 19:03.277 financial people . Work through that , 19:03.277 --> 19:05.332 which is why it's going to take some 19:05.332 --> 19:07.443 time . But I think our rough measures 19:07.443 --> 19:07.080 what I told you based on historical 19:07.080 --> 19:09.302 precedent , if you will . And again all 19:09.302 --> 19:11.636 that journal Walters , Take that answer . 19:11.636 --> 19:14.110 Answer your next question and UH , E . 19:14.110 --> 19:16.277 I will say this much the deployment of 19:16.277 --> 19:18.166 rotational forces from the United 19:18.166 --> 19:20.166 States . We have observed , whether 19:20.166 --> 19:22.388 it's the ABC teas going from the United 19:22.388 --> 19:24.650 States to Teoh Korea or the ABC to 19:24.650 --> 19:27.310 Poland or the Bomber Task Force . We're 19:27.310 --> 19:29.310 finding that they're deploying at a 19:29.310 --> 19:31.532 much higher level readiness . And while 19:31.532 --> 19:33.754 they're deployed , they're they're able 19:33.754 --> 19:35.866 to sustain a much more fixed focus on 19:35.866 --> 19:38.032 their mission and their capabilities , 19:38.080 --> 19:40.302 and they and third , they can provide a 19:40.302 --> 19:42.610 more enduring presence . So all the 19:42.610 --> 19:44.777 General Walter speak to this to update 19:44.777 --> 19:46.777 you during my time when I served in 19:46.777 --> 19:49.810 Europe , we would deploy for 34567 19:49.810 --> 19:51.921 weeks at a time . Then we came home . 19:51.921 --> 19:53.977 In this case , what you'll have is a 19:53.977 --> 19:56.143 more enduring presence because we will 19:56.143 --> 19:58.254 deploy from United States and able to 19:58.254 --> 20:00.477 keep a units , in this case , a striker 20:00.477 --> 20:02.643 brigade , if you will , or elements of 20:02.643 --> 20:04.699 it in the Black Sea region in a more 20:04.699 --> 20:06.643 enduring way , more focused on the 20:06.643 --> 20:08.699 mission and not not constrained , if 20:08.699 --> 20:10.532 you will , with knowing that the 20:10.532 --> 20:12.699 families air back in Germany s . So it 20:12.699 --> 20:14.921 gives us a lot more flexibility in that 20:14.921 --> 20:16.921 regard . To do that , plus weaken , 20:16.921 --> 20:19.032 deploy other type units if we need to 20:19.032 --> 20:18.720 as well . So , General Walters , over 20:18.720 --> 20:21.110 to you to follow up on those +22 issues . 20:22.630 --> 20:24.640 Thank you , Secretary , and you're 20:24.640 --> 20:26.529 exactly right with respect to the 20:26.529 --> 20:29.270 flexibility that it affords us . And in 20:29.280 --> 20:31.391 in the discussion about repositioning 20:31.391 --> 20:34.090 forces in a comprehensive fashion . I 20:34.090 --> 20:36.290 mentioned in my opening comments that 20:36.290 --> 20:38.068 NATO just approved its military 20:38.068 --> 20:40.510 strategy and its concept , and it talks 20:40.510 --> 20:42.890 about all domains , all regions from a 20:42.890 --> 20:45.010 comprehensive perspective , with the 20:45.010 --> 20:47.080 rotational set that Secretary Esper 20:47.080 --> 20:49.410 described , and with us having the 20:49.410 --> 20:51.850 opportunity given this realignment to 20:51.850 --> 20:54.250 reach out to the southeastern flank in 20:54.250 --> 20:57.270 Europe will now be able to rotate units 20:57.350 --> 21:00.650 in perpetuity in multiple locations to 21:00.650 --> 21:03.360 include potentially Poland to include 21:03.540 --> 21:05.596 the Northeast in the vicinity of the 21:05.596 --> 21:07.707 Baltics , to include the southeast in 21:07.707 --> 21:09.873 the vicinity of the Black Sea and , on 21:09.873 --> 21:12.040 occasion , back into Germany . And the 21:12.040 --> 21:13.890 flexibility that this affords us 21:14.040 --> 21:16.262 certainly complicates a potential enemy 21:16.262 --> 21:18.230 against us , and it dramatically 21:18.230 --> 21:21.000 improves our operational capability to 21:21.000 --> 21:22.944 more effectively to turn defense . 21:22.944 --> 21:25.110 Thank you . Talk anything further in 21:25.110 --> 21:27.860 the cost piece . But I just really like 21:27.870 --> 21:29.926 all these record jumping on the cost 21:29.926 --> 21:32.148 piece , the the secretary said . Single 21:32.148 --> 21:34.259 digit billions . But those were rough 21:34.259 --> 21:36.426 estimates . The the what we have right 21:36.426 --> 21:38.426 now is really a concept , a concept 21:38.426 --> 21:40.314 that we've shared with our allies 21:40.314 --> 21:42.670 shared with Congress , and we've shared 21:42.670 --> 21:45.110 inside the department fairly widely . 21:45.750 --> 21:47.806 We now have to turn it into plans as 21:47.806 --> 21:50.028 you turn it into plans . We have a very 21:50.028 --> 21:52.194 structured process involving the joint 21:52.194 --> 21:54.417 staff , the Office of the Secretary and 21:54.417 --> 21:56.639 the combatant commands and the services 21:56.639 --> 21:55.930 to make sure we understand what those 21:55.930 --> 21:58.097 are , then will lay in the costs . But 21:58.097 --> 22:00.041 we're start moving right away with 22:00.041 --> 22:02.152 forces moving right away , because we 22:02.152 --> 22:04.041 need to actually reach out to the 22:04.041 --> 22:06.208 potential locations where these forces 22:06.208 --> 22:06.050 are gonna move , make sure we 22:06.050 --> 22:08.217 understand what is there , what can be 22:08.217 --> 22:10.328 there and then turned those into real 22:10.328 --> 22:12.217 cost estimates and then work with 22:12.217 --> 22:14.383 Congress to get the resource is . Some 22:14.383 --> 22:14.370 of those resources can be handled in 22:14.370 --> 22:16.720 your of execution . Some will be 22:16.720 --> 22:18.942 handled out years , especially military 22:18.942 --> 22:21.109 construction , which will clearly have 22:21.109 --> 22:23.331 to be handled in the attic . Kind of Mr 22:23.331 --> 22:25.220 Secretary , you say this is about 22:25.220 --> 22:27.442 strategy when the president has clearly 22:27.442 --> 22:29.387 said this is about his grudge with 22:29.387 --> 22:31.720 Jeremy . Just a few weeks ago , he said , 22:31.720 --> 22:33.831 Germany's been delinquent of billions 22:33.831 --> 22:35.900 of dollars on this is for years , so 22:36.540 --> 22:39.220 we're removing a number down to putting 22:39.220 --> 22:41.640 that number down to 25,000 soldiers . 22:41.910 --> 22:44.720 He's linking this Germany's lack of 22:44.730 --> 22:47.280 payments to NATO . So how do you 22:47.280 --> 22:49.280 reconcile that ? You're saying it's 22:49.280 --> 22:51.280 about strategy . He's saying it's a 22:51.280 --> 22:53.502 vote basically sticking of Germany . We 22:53.502 --> 22:55.502 began this process actually several 22:55.502 --> 22:57.669 months ago when I gave EUCOM direction 22:57.669 --> 22:59.724 to begin looking at ways by which we 22:59.724 --> 23:02.120 can improve our force . Disposition in 23:02.120 --> 23:04.287 Germany are composition of I'm sorry . 23:04.287 --> 23:07.100 Germany in NATO are composition our 23:07.100 --> 23:09.100 size of our forces . He knew it was 23:09.100 --> 23:11.550 coming to because I now sit as soon as 23:11.550 --> 23:14.860 my hearing last last year also so that 23:14.860 --> 23:16.971 the combat commanders know that we're 23:16.971 --> 23:19.138 doing these reviews . We gave specific 23:19.138 --> 23:21.193 guidance months before that to begin 23:21.193 --> 23:21.180 this process . And what the president 23:21.180 --> 23:23.236 did with his directive in early June 23:23.236 --> 23:25.347 was to accelerate that process . When 23:25.347 --> 23:27.402 you step back and you look at what's 23:27.402 --> 23:29.402 happened right , what you'll see is 23:29.402 --> 23:31.402 we're still retaining a little more 23:31.402 --> 23:33.513 than 24,000 troops in Germany , which 23:33.513 --> 23:35.736 is still a lot . And I think still more 23:35.736 --> 23:37.958 than any other country in Europe . Um , 23:37.958 --> 23:40.236 and then you look at what we're moving . 23:40.236 --> 23:39.540 What we're doing is we're moving the 23:39.540 --> 23:41.873 forces to answer your strategy question . 23:41.873 --> 23:43.818 We're moving forces out of Central 23:43.818 --> 23:45.984 Europe , Germany , where they had been 23:45.984 --> 23:47.818 since the Cold War since I first 23:47.818 --> 23:50.040 traveled there in the early 19 eighties 23:50.040 --> 23:52.207 and we're now moving . We're following 23:52.207 --> 23:54.151 in many ways , the boundary east . 23:54.151 --> 23:56.262 Where are where our newest allies are 23:56.262 --> 23:59.330 eso into the Black Sea region . We 23:59.330 --> 24:01.330 talked about additional forces into 24:01.330 --> 24:03.052 Poland , and I think there are 24:03.052 --> 24:05.108 opportunities to put forces into the 24:05.108 --> 24:07.330 Baltics . That's why it's the strategic 24:07.330 --> 24:09.274 lay down that enhances deterrent . 24:09.274 --> 24:11.386 Strengthens is , the Allies reassures 24:11.386 --> 24:13.274 them . We've gotten very positive 24:13.274 --> 24:15.441 feedback from several countries . I've 24:15.441 --> 24:17.552 mentioned this morning with regard to 24:17.552 --> 24:19.663 this move , and so overall I think it 24:19.663 --> 24:19.290 is again . It meets all those 24:19.290 --> 24:22.260 objectives . Your boss is saying it's 24:22.260 --> 24:24.260 about Germany being delinquent . Is 24:24.260 --> 24:26.149 that nothing about strategy ? I'm 24:26.149 --> 24:27.871 telling you that this is gonna 24:27.871 --> 24:30.093 accomplish what the president said with 24:30.093 --> 24:32.149 regard to getting us down to a lower 24:32.149 --> 24:34.371 number in Europe and it meets his other 24:34.371 --> 24:34.020 objectives . I outlined with regard to 24:34.020 --> 24:35.964 the strategic piece the principles 24:35.964 --> 24:38.131 assuring the allies and taking care of 24:38.131 --> 24:40.076 our service members and families . 24:40.076 --> 24:42.330 We're gonna go to the phones , do only 24:42.340 --> 24:43.260 from duality , 24:46.090 --> 24:48.660 I think , for the briefing about the 24:48.660 --> 24:50.882 reduction plan of the U . S . Troops in 24:50.882 --> 24:52.993 Germany . There are some speculations 24:52.993 --> 24:55.104 that some of the troops evacuating in 24:55.104 --> 24:57.460 Germany could be redeployed to the 24:57.470 --> 24:59.870 Pacific area later to respond to the 24:59.870 --> 25:02.170 Chinese military threat . So do you 25:02.170 --> 25:04.170 have such a plan ? Can you liberate 25:04.170 --> 25:06.330 more onto redeployment and obsessing 25:06.330 --> 25:09.190 plan of the trip from Germany ? Well , 25:09.200 --> 25:11.089 in all things they could be , but 25:11.089 --> 25:13.200 because I want to . I want to enhance 25:13.200 --> 25:15.422 my strategic flexibility . Right . That 25:15.422 --> 25:17.756 was principle number four , if you will . 25:17.756 --> 25:20.033 But right now there are no plans to do . 25:20.033 --> 25:22.144 So we're gonna eventually take a look 25:22.144 --> 25:24.256 as we get to the end up a calm review 25:24.256 --> 25:26.422 and look at how we can a nance enhance 25:26.422 --> 25:28.533 our against strategic flexibility Are 25:28.533 --> 25:30.589 our operational flexibility , if you 25:30.589 --> 25:30.130 will . And several these other 25:30.130 --> 25:32.241 principles I outlined as we head into 25:32.241 --> 25:34.408 the end , opaque on review . But right 25:34.408 --> 25:36.519 now , there are no plans to do that . 25:36.519 --> 25:38.519 The plan is to begin thes rotations 25:38.519 --> 25:40.480 back to Europe in a way that again 25:40.480 --> 25:42.702 enhances my strategic flexibility . But 25:42.702 --> 25:44.591 maybe more importantly , enhances 25:44.591 --> 25:46.813 General Walters operational flexibility 25:46.813 --> 25:48.869 to deploy them in amore enduring way 25:48.869 --> 25:51.036 where he needs to in the theater could 25:51.036 --> 25:52.924 be this . We're talking about the 25:52.924 --> 25:55.147 southeastern flank , but it could be up 25:55.147 --> 25:57.147 into the northeastern flank Teoh to 25:57.147 --> 25:57.130 accomplish the objectives that he's 25:57.130 --> 25:59.610 outlined that I've outlined as part of 25:59.610 --> 26:01.666 our planning . We're gonna go to the 26:01.666 --> 26:03.930 phones for one more from Ah , Martina , 26:09.040 --> 26:10.873 I thank you very much for this . 26:10.873 --> 26:13.260 Everything , um , going back to Tom 26:13.260 --> 26:15.371 Bowman's questions President Trump on 26:15.371 --> 26:17.690 the South lawn has once again restated 26:17.700 --> 26:20.420 that , Really , this is more about 26:20.920 --> 26:23.670 Germany's payments were that its GDP 26:23.670 --> 26:26.310 payments are not amounting to what 26:26.640 --> 26:29.980 Heywood like . Um , And so he said that 26:29.980 --> 26:32.147 everybody should be a 4% . And he said 26:32.147 --> 26:34.202 that Germany has only paid 1% . When 26:34.202 --> 26:36.369 you called him being delinquent , Um , 26:36.540 --> 26:39.730 and so how can you reconcile that ? I 26:39.730 --> 26:41.841 know that this process has been going 26:41.841 --> 26:44.063 on for quite some time . But is it safe 26:44.063 --> 26:46.174 to say that it was accelerated by the 26:46.174 --> 26:48.380 president's opinions that Germany is 26:48.380 --> 26:51.110 not doing enough with regards to GDP 26:51.110 --> 26:53.400 payment ? First of all , I'd say toe 26:53.410 --> 26:55.466 President Trump's credit . Under his 26:55.466 --> 26:57.632 leadership . We have , Ah , we've seen 26:57.632 --> 27:01.040 UNQ . Reese in defense spending by NATO . 27:01.230 --> 27:03.610 I think it's over $130 billion . Over a 27:03.610 --> 27:06.180 few years , we have seen a few more 27:06.180 --> 27:08.180 countries joined . I'll call the 2% 27:08.180 --> 27:10.291 club , and that is countries who have 27:10.291 --> 27:12.458 lived up to their wells commitment . I 27:12.458 --> 27:14.291 think it goes back to 2016 under 27:14.291 --> 27:16.402 previous administration to contribute 27:16.402 --> 27:18.402 more to NATO's collective defense . 27:18.402 --> 27:20.624 Let's be clear . I think Germany is the 27:20.624 --> 27:22.791 wealthiest country in Europe . Germany 27:22.791 --> 27:25.069 can and should pay more to its defense . 27:25.069 --> 27:26.847 It should certainly meet the 2% 27:26.847 --> 27:29.069 standard . And I would argue , Go above 27:29.069 --> 27:31.124 and beyond that . And I've said that 27:31.124 --> 27:33.124 very publicly . I've said that Vory 27:33.124 --> 27:35.124 privately , Teoh my counterparts as 27:35.124 --> 27:37.720 well about the importance of NATO . Any 27:37.720 --> 27:40.090 alliance sharing the burden so we can 27:40.090 --> 27:42.410 all deter Russia and avoid peace and 27:42.410 --> 27:44.466 Europe . And again , the president's 27:44.466 --> 27:46.632 directive . Endurance June accelerated 27:46.632 --> 27:48.577 that , and I think where you are . 27:48.577 --> 27:50.688 We're excited about where we're going 27:50.688 --> 27:50.530 and what it will mean in terms of our 27:50.530 --> 27:52.697 ability to enhance deterrence strength 27:52.697 --> 27:54.641 and strengthen the alliance in the 27:54.641 --> 27:57.630 process . Thank you very much . Thank 27:57.630 --> 27:58.810 you , everybody for more on Russia .