1 00:00:00,240 --> 00:00:03,090 order . I thank you all for being here 2 00:00:03,090 --> 00:00:05,240 this morning , and our full committee 3 00:00:05,240 --> 00:00:07,490 hearing is on . Ah , US defense posture 4 00:00:07,490 --> 00:00:09,930 changes in the European Theater . We 5 00:00:09,930 --> 00:00:12,250 have two witnesses this morning . Um , 6 00:00:13,040 --> 00:00:15,760 helpfully , both here in present . Um , 7 00:00:15,770 --> 00:00:17,881 Dr James Anderson , who is the acting 8 00:00:17,881 --> 00:00:19,937 undersecretary of defense for policy 9 00:00:19,937 --> 00:00:21,881 for the Department of Defense when 10 00:00:21,881 --> 00:00:23,714 Lieutenant General David Alvin , 11 00:00:23,714 --> 00:00:26,170 director for strategy plans and policy 12 00:00:26,540 --> 00:00:29,640 with the Joint Chiefs of Staff . So I 13 00:00:29,640 --> 00:00:31,529 got on fog by glasses there for a 14 00:00:31,529 --> 00:00:34,920 second . Um , I'd like to welcome 15 00:00:34,920 --> 00:00:37,087 members who are joining today's markup 16 00:00:37,087 --> 00:00:39,198 remotely . Those members are reminded 17 00:00:39,198 --> 00:00:41,198 that they must be visible on screen 18 00:00:41,198 --> 00:00:43,253 within the software platform for the 19 00:00:43,253 --> 00:00:45,420 purposes of identity verification when 20 00:00:45,420 --> 00:00:47,587 joining the proceedings , establishing 21 00:00:47,587 --> 00:00:49,753 and maintaining a quorum participating 22 00:00:49,753 --> 00:00:51,809 in the proceeding and voting members 23 00:00:51,809 --> 00:00:54,031 participating remotely must continue to 24 00:00:54,031 --> 00:00:53,900 use the software platforms video 25 00:00:53,900 --> 00:00:55,511 function while attending the 26 00:00:55,511 --> 00:00:57,456 proceedings unless they experience 27 00:00:57,456 --> 00:00:59,622 connectivity issues or other technical 28 00:00:59,622 --> 00:01:01,789 problems that render the member unable 29 00:01:01,789 --> 00:01:03,900 to fully participate on camera . If a 30 00:01:03,900 --> 00:01:05,956 member who is participating remotely 31 00:01:05,956 --> 00:01:08,011 experiences technical difficulties , 32 00:01:08,011 --> 00:01:07,840 please contact committee staff for 33 00:01:07,840 --> 00:01:09,951 assistance and they will help you get 34 00:01:09,951 --> 00:01:12,220 reconnected when recognized video of 35 00:01:12,220 --> 00:01:13,831 remotely attending members . 36 00:01:13,831 --> 00:01:15,998 Participation will be broadcast in the 37 00:01:15,998 --> 00:01:17,887 room and via the television slash 38 00:01:17,887 --> 00:01:20,053 Internet feeds . Members participating 39 00:01:20,053 --> 00:01:22,109 remotely are asking their microphone 40 00:01:22,109 --> 00:01:24,109 when they're not speaking . Members 41 00:01:24,109 --> 00:01:23,940 participating remotely will be 42 00:01:23,940 --> 00:01:25,662 recognized normally for asking 43 00:01:25,662 --> 00:01:27,773 questions . But if they want to speak 44 00:01:27,773 --> 00:01:29,607 at another time , they must seek 45 00:01:29,607 --> 00:01:31,718 recognition verbally . In all cases , 46 00:01:31,718 --> 00:01:33,607 members are reminded a mute their 47 00:01:33,607 --> 00:01:35,440 microphone . Prior to speaking , 48 00:01:35,440 --> 00:01:37,662 Members should be aware that there is a 49 00:01:37,662 --> 00:01:39,718 slight lag a few seconds between the 50 00:01:39,718 --> 00:01:39,670 time you start speaking in the camera 51 00:01:39,670 --> 00:01:41,781 shot . Switching to you . Members who 52 00:01:41,781 --> 00:01:44,003 are participating remotely are reminded 53 00:01:44,003 --> 00:01:46,003 to keep the software platform video 54 00:01:46,003 --> 00:01:48,003 function on for the entirety of the 55 00:01:48,003 --> 00:01:47,960 time they attend the proceeding . Thes 56 00:01:47,960 --> 00:01:49,904 members may leave and rejoined the 57 00:01:49,904 --> 00:01:51,960 proceeding . If members depart for a 58 00:01:51,960 --> 00:01:53,960 short period for reasons other than 59 00:01:53,960 --> 00:01:53,940 joining a different proceeding , they 60 00:01:53,940 --> 00:01:56,500 should leave the video function on . If 61 00:01:56,500 --> 00:01:58,111 members will be absent for a 62 00:01:58,111 --> 00:02:00,278 significant period or depart to join a 63 00:02:00,278 --> 00:02:02,500 different proceeding , they should exit 64 00:02:02,500 --> 00:02:04,556 the software platform entirely , and 65 00:02:04,556 --> 00:02:06,500 then we join it when they return . 66 00:02:06,500 --> 00:02:08,556 Members are also advised that I have 67 00:02:08,556 --> 00:02:08,470 designated a committee staff member , 68 00:02:08,470 --> 00:02:11,000 too , if necessary , mute unrecognized 69 00:02:11,000 --> 00:02:12,889 members microphones to cancel any 70 00:02:12,889 --> 00:02:15,000 inadvertent background noise that may 71 00:02:15,000 --> 00:02:17,111 disrupt the proceedings . Members may 72 00:02:17,111 --> 00:02:19,333 use the software platforms chat feature 73 00:02:19,333 --> 00:02:21,333 to communicate with staff regarding 74 00:02:21,333 --> 00:02:23,611 technical or logistical support issues . 75 00:02:23,611 --> 00:02:25,722 Only finally , remotely participating 76 00:02:25,722 --> 00:02:25,580 members should see a five minute 77 00:02:25,580 --> 00:02:27,358 countdown clock on the software 78 00:02:27,358 --> 00:02:29,524 platforms display . But if necessary , 79 00:02:29,524 --> 00:02:31,636 I will remind members when their time 80 00:02:31,636 --> 00:02:33,747 is up on Lee , additional note that I 81 00:02:33,747 --> 00:02:35,691 would make on that is , as you are 82 00:02:35,691 --> 00:02:37,580 asking questions and even for the 83 00:02:37,580 --> 00:02:39,524 witnesses when you're not actually 84 00:02:39,524 --> 00:02:41,590 speaking . Um , it's helpful to turn 85 00:02:41,590 --> 00:02:43,701 the microphone off because believe it 86 00:02:43,701 --> 00:02:45,812 or not , the microphone on it creates 87 00:02:45,812 --> 00:02:47,923 feedback up there . It gets confusing 88 00:02:47,923 --> 00:02:47,300 because then you get to go on and off 89 00:02:47,300 --> 00:02:49,660 and on and off . But if you can do that , 90 00:02:49,660 --> 00:02:52,370 it it is helpful . Well , I think the 91 00:02:52,540 --> 00:02:54,707 witnesses for being here today and the 92 00:02:54,707 --> 00:02:56,762 members of being president , I think 93 00:02:56,762 --> 00:02:56,490 this is a very important discussion 94 00:02:56,740 --> 00:02:58,851 because we've heard Ah , little while 95 00:02:58,851 --> 00:03:00,907 back . An announcement was made as a 96 00:03:00,907 --> 00:03:02,962 change in our defense posture within 97 00:03:02,962 --> 00:03:05,129 Europe , and I wanna make clear at the 98 00:03:05,129 --> 00:03:06,962 outset that I think it is always 99 00:03:06,962 --> 00:03:09,073 appropriate to re examine our posture 100 00:03:09,073 --> 00:03:11,129 around the world . This is a rapidly 101 00:03:11,129 --> 00:03:13,351 changing world . The threat environment 102 00:03:13,351 --> 00:03:15,518 is dynamic , and our assets and allies 103 00:03:15,518 --> 00:03:17,740 are are also reasonably dynamic . There 104 00:03:17,740 --> 00:03:19,629 are opportunities to be found and 105 00:03:19,629 --> 00:03:21,573 looking at ways that we can better 106 00:03:21,573 --> 00:03:23,796 distribute our assets and our forces to 107 00:03:23,796 --> 00:03:25,684 meet those challenges . But I was 108 00:03:25,684 --> 00:03:27,518 concerned about the way the this 109 00:03:27,518 --> 00:03:29,680 particular um changed in our posture 110 00:03:29,680 --> 00:03:31,680 was announced and is proposed to be 111 00:03:31,680 --> 00:03:33,791 implemented within Europe . There was 112 00:03:33,791 --> 00:03:36,013 an announcement , basically have a need 113 00:03:36,013 --> 00:03:37,958 to reduce the troops in Germany by 114 00:03:37,958 --> 00:03:40,810 12,000 . That number did not seem to be 115 00:03:40,810 --> 00:03:43,660 tied to any particular requirement , 116 00:03:43,700 --> 00:03:45,867 and then , in addition to that , there 117 00:03:45,867 --> 00:03:48,033 was the requirement that we get rid of 118 00:03:48,033 --> 00:03:50,089 all of our headquarters in Germany . 119 00:03:50,089 --> 00:03:52,033 The reasons for that were far from 120 00:03:52,033 --> 00:03:54,070 clear , so the numbers seemed to be 121 00:03:54,070 --> 00:03:56,520 artificial . Certainly as we look at 122 00:03:56,520 --> 00:03:58,890 our needs in Europe and as we build and 123 00:03:58,890 --> 00:04:00,790 strengthen alliances with the 124 00:04:00,800 --> 00:04:02,850 relatively new Eastern European 125 00:04:02,850 --> 00:04:05,110 partners within NATO , there are 126 00:04:05,110 --> 00:04:07,332 clearly opportunities to build on those 127 00:04:07,332 --> 00:04:09,499 partnerships and potentially stationed 128 00:04:09,499 --> 00:04:11,499 US troops in those Eastern European 129 00:04:11,499 --> 00:04:13,830 countries , um , to improve our posture 130 00:04:13,830 --> 00:04:15,830 and better meet our defense needs , 131 00:04:15,830 --> 00:04:17,997 particularly with regards to deterring 132 00:04:17,997 --> 00:04:20,163 Russian aggression in that part of the 133 00:04:20,163 --> 00:04:22,163 world . I don't think this plan was 134 00:04:22,163 --> 00:04:24,274 particularly well thought out and I'm 135 00:04:24,274 --> 00:04:26,330 worried about a number of aspects of 136 00:04:26,330 --> 00:04:28,386 its implementation , the biggest one 137 00:04:28,386 --> 00:04:30,386 being the artificial number pulling 138 00:04:30,386 --> 00:04:30,120 troops out of Germany , you know , 139 00:04:30,120 --> 00:04:32,342 where where did that number come from ? 140 00:04:32,342 --> 00:04:35,430 And in particular when we were briefed 141 00:04:35,440 --> 00:04:37,496 on a few of us on the committee were 142 00:04:37,496 --> 00:04:39,860 briefed in a month or so ago about this . 143 00:04:40,200 --> 00:04:42,880 The decision to move Africom out of 144 00:04:42,880 --> 00:04:45,490 Germany , which does not seem to make 145 00:04:45,490 --> 00:04:47,601 any sense . It's not that we couldn't 146 00:04:47,601 --> 00:04:49,712 have originally picked a better place 147 00:04:49,712 --> 00:04:51,601 in Europe or a different place in 148 00:04:51,601 --> 00:04:53,823 Europe in any right , but having picked 149 00:04:53,823 --> 00:04:55,934 Germany and had Africom there for the 150 00:04:55,934 --> 00:04:58,046 entirety of the command , the reasons 151 00:04:58,046 --> 00:04:58,030 for moving it don't seem to make sense . 152 00:04:58,040 --> 00:05:00,380 Except as came out in the briefing , it 153 00:05:00,380 --> 00:05:02,730 was necessary to get to the 12,000 154 00:05:02,730 --> 00:05:06,080 number . That is not the way we should 155 00:05:06,090 --> 00:05:08,312 be making policy , and it's going to be 156 00:05:08,312 --> 00:05:10,370 very , very expensive now on the 157 00:05:10,370 --> 00:05:13,050 European Command decision , we do have 158 00:05:13,050 --> 00:05:15,050 the presence in Mons , Belgium that 159 00:05:15,050 --> 00:05:17,300 we've always had with shape on barren 160 00:05:17,310 --> 00:05:19,366 argument could potentially be made , 161 00:05:19,366 --> 00:05:21,532 but nonetheless it's very expensive to 162 00:05:21,532 --> 00:05:23,699 move these command structures and what 163 00:05:23,699 --> 00:05:26,250 does it truly net us ? Um , the second 164 00:05:26,250 --> 00:05:28,830 aspect of this . As you are aware , 165 00:05:28,840 --> 00:05:31,062 some of the forces that are being moved 166 00:05:31,062 --> 00:05:34,010 are in a sense , being moved back to 167 00:05:34,010 --> 00:05:36,190 the U . S . And they're becoming 168 00:05:36,190 --> 00:05:39,160 rotational . That has an impact , 169 00:05:39,160 --> 00:05:41,327 certainly on the members serving , but 170 00:05:41,327 --> 00:05:43,549 also on our presence in those countries 171 00:05:43,549 --> 00:05:45,716 and on our ability to respond . Now we 172 00:05:45,716 --> 00:05:47,938 we have dramatically reduced the number 173 00:05:47,938 --> 00:05:50,104 of troops that we have in the European 174 00:05:50,104 --> 00:05:52,271 Theater . I think at the height of the 175 00:05:52,271 --> 00:05:54,327 Cold War in the mid eighties , there 176 00:05:54,327 --> 00:05:56,382 was somewhere around 350,000 U . S . 177 00:05:56,382 --> 00:05:58,493 Troops stationed in Europe and in the 178 00:05:58,493 --> 00:06:00,771 current environment , having 350,000 U . 179 00:06:00,771 --> 00:06:02,993 S . Troops in Europe would not make any 180 00:06:02,993 --> 00:06:05,160 sense whatsoever . But we reduced that 181 00:06:05,160 --> 00:06:07,170 number down . If I'm correct to , I 182 00:06:07,170 --> 00:06:10,300 think roughly 62,000 . So so we have 183 00:06:10,300 --> 00:06:12,320 made that response . But if we then 184 00:06:12,320 --> 00:06:14,487 take some number of them and turn them 185 00:06:14,487 --> 00:06:16,709 into rotational troops , what does that 186 00:06:16,709 --> 00:06:18,542 do to our ability to to meet our 187 00:06:18,542 --> 00:06:20,598 national security objectives in that 188 00:06:20,598 --> 00:06:23,040 part of the world ? Because Russia is 189 00:06:23,040 --> 00:06:25,490 becoming mawr aggressive , not less . I 190 00:06:25,490 --> 00:06:27,712 think that that is something that there 191 00:06:27,712 --> 00:06:30,000 is bipartisan consensus on , um 192 00:06:30,000 --> 00:06:32,222 Certainly their efforts in Ukraine have 193 00:06:32,222 --> 00:06:34,444 been very aggressive . Their efforts to 194 00:06:34,444 --> 00:06:36,611 disrupt democracy in any way that they 195 00:06:36,611 --> 00:06:39,460 can in Europe and the US and elsewhere 196 00:06:39,470 --> 00:06:42,350 have grown . So I think our our need to 197 00:06:42,350 --> 00:06:44,640 have a deterrence there is enormously 198 00:06:44,640 --> 00:06:48,080 important . Um , and you know , I also 199 00:06:48,080 --> 00:06:50,450 am concerned about the affected house 200 00:06:50,450 --> 00:06:52,810 on our partnerships in Europe because 201 00:06:52,810 --> 00:06:55,920 we definitely need friends and allies 202 00:06:55,930 --> 00:06:57,763 more than ever . And I feel very 203 00:06:57,763 --> 00:06:59,986 strongly that , as I think every member 204 00:06:59,986 --> 00:07:02,152 of this committee does , that the NATO 205 00:07:02,152 --> 00:07:04,208 alliance has served our country very 206 00:07:04,208 --> 00:07:06,374 well . And when we make these types of 207 00:07:06,374 --> 00:07:08,374 arbitrary decisions without working 208 00:07:08,374 --> 00:07:10,208 closely with our partners , that 209 00:07:10,208 --> 00:07:12,610 undermines that alliance . Even if in 210 00:07:12,610 --> 00:07:14,721 every partnership in every alliance , 211 00:07:14,721 --> 00:07:16,832 difficult things have to be done that 212 00:07:16,832 --> 00:07:18,832 maybe the partners won't like . But 213 00:07:18,832 --> 00:07:20,943 there's a way to do that . I do not , 214 00:07:20,943 --> 00:07:23,110 for instance , disagree it all that we 215 00:07:23,110 --> 00:07:25,221 should try to do everything we can to 216 00:07:25,221 --> 00:07:27,443 get our European partners to contribute 217 00:07:27,443 --> 00:07:29,443 MAWR to defense of Europe . I think 218 00:07:29,443 --> 00:07:31,388 that is appropriate . But if we do 219 00:07:31,388 --> 00:07:33,388 things to undermine the alliance in 220 00:07:33,388 --> 00:07:35,388 what appears to be a gratuitous way 221 00:07:35,388 --> 00:07:37,277 without working with them without 222 00:07:37,277 --> 00:07:39,277 listening to them it undermines the 223 00:07:39,277 --> 00:07:41,277 strength of that alliance and plays 224 00:07:41,277 --> 00:07:43,166 right into Russia's hands because 225 00:07:43,166 --> 00:07:45,370 number one at the top of the list of 226 00:07:45,370 --> 00:07:47,148 the things that Russia wants to 227 00:07:47,148 --> 00:07:49,720 accomplish reducing the power , 228 00:07:49,720 --> 00:07:51,810 cohesion and strength of Western 229 00:07:51,810 --> 00:07:54,780 democracies is right at the top . They 230 00:07:54,780 --> 00:07:57,500 want to see us divided . They want to 231 00:07:57,500 --> 00:07:59,590 see NATO weakened . They want to see 232 00:07:59,590 --> 00:08:02,020 the NATO partners disagreeing and at 233 00:08:02,020 --> 00:08:04,130 each other's throats . We should not 234 00:08:04,130 --> 00:08:06,297 play into their hands . We should work 235 00:08:06,297 --> 00:08:08,463 with our European partners as we as we 236 00:08:08,463 --> 00:08:11,570 put these plans in place . So it 237 00:08:11,570 --> 00:08:13,792 certainly makes sense . Toe always have 238 00:08:13,792 --> 00:08:15,903 a conversation about what our posture 239 00:08:15,903 --> 00:08:18,070 should be in Europe . I think that the 240 00:08:18,070 --> 00:08:17,430 committee in a bipartisan way , has 241 00:08:17,430 --> 00:08:19,486 deep concerns about the way this was 242 00:08:19,486 --> 00:08:21,263 done , the way it's going to be 243 00:08:21,263 --> 00:08:23,152 implemented and how it's going to 244 00:08:23,152 --> 00:08:24,874 impact the NATO alliance , our 245 00:08:24,874 --> 00:08:26,986 alliances in Europe in general , um , 246 00:08:26,986 --> 00:08:28,874 and our defense posture in Europe 247 00:08:28,874 --> 00:08:30,930 specifically , and I look forward to 248 00:08:30,930 --> 00:08:30,820 hearing from witnesses and look forward 249 00:08:30,820 --> 00:08:33,090 to the Q and A to get greater detail on 250 00:08:33,090 --> 00:08:35,201 how those decisions were made . Going 251 00:08:35,201 --> 00:08:37,146 forward with that , I yield to the 252 00:08:37,146 --> 00:08:39,368 ranking member of Mr Thornberry for his 253 00:08:39,368 --> 00:08:43,180 opening statement . Thank you , Mr 254 00:08:43,180 --> 00:08:46,600 Chairman on . I appreciate having this 255 00:08:46,600 --> 00:08:48,940 hearing on this topic . I agree that it 256 00:08:48,950 --> 00:08:52,890 is important . And in addition , there 257 00:08:52,890 --> 00:08:54,900 are provisions in the current 258 00:08:54,900 --> 00:08:58,550 conference with the Senate . Uh , on 259 00:08:58,560 --> 00:09:02,300 this year's any a which touch on these 260 00:09:02,310 --> 00:09:04,850 issues . Uh , and there are a lot of 261 00:09:04,850 --> 00:09:07,640 questions , as as you point out , and I 262 00:09:07,640 --> 00:09:09,362 fully agree that many of these 263 00:09:09,362 --> 00:09:12,660 questions arise . But from the way that 264 00:09:12,660 --> 00:09:15,860 this announcement was made on 265 00:09:15,860 --> 00:09:19,630 and has subsequently been been rolled 266 00:09:19,630 --> 00:09:22,760 out , I realized that the witnesses 267 00:09:22,760 --> 00:09:25,240 today are not gonna be able to answer 268 00:09:25,250 --> 00:09:28,990 all of our questions about when or how 269 00:09:28,990 --> 00:09:31,880 much . But hopefully they can help 270 00:09:31,880 --> 00:09:34,620 clarify for us and the American people 271 00:09:34,630 --> 00:09:37,760 what and especially why 272 00:09:38,940 --> 00:09:41,360 some , as some of these moves seem to 273 00:09:41,360 --> 00:09:45,130 make sense on their face , Uh , for 274 00:09:45,130 --> 00:09:48,790 example , moving you calm to be closer 275 00:09:48,790 --> 00:09:51,620 to NATO headquarters , having a greater 276 00:09:51,620 --> 00:09:54,510 presence in the Balkans . But there 277 00:09:54,510 --> 00:09:56,900 needs to be an overall strategic plan 278 00:09:56,900 --> 00:10:00,150 that is coordinated with allies rather 279 00:10:00,150 --> 00:10:03,340 than have a bunch of rationalizations 280 00:10:03,350 --> 00:10:06,880 after the fact . No , 281 00:10:06,890 --> 00:10:10,870 I fully agree that NATO is 282 00:10:10,870 --> 00:10:13,590 the most successful alliance in history . 283 00:10:13,590 --> 00:10:16,990 Can it be improved ? Absolutely . But 284 00:10:16,990 --> 00:10:19,270 we can't lose sight of what it has 285 00:10:19,270 --> 00:10:22,690 accomplished and what it means today 286 00:10:22,700 --> 00:10:26,150 for American national security . And so , 287 00:10:26,150 --> 00:10:27,880 however logical some of these 288 00:10:27,880 --> 00:10:31,380 individual moves , maybe there's still 289 00:10:31,380 --> 00:10:34,470 the broader question of doing this in 290 00:10:34,480 --> 00:10:37,770 this way . Has some effects on the 291 00:10:37,770 --> 00:10:40,150 strength and unity of the NATO alliance . 292 00:10:40,150 --> 00:10:43,090 And what is that ? And so I hope our 293 00:10:43,090 --> 00:10:45,620 witnesses concertos a little light on 294 00:10:45,620 --> 00:10:49,310 the consultations on how 295 00:10:49,320 --> 00:10:52,320 this all fits together in the bigger 296 00:10:52,320 --> 00:10:54,487 picture . Because it does seem to me , 297 00:10:54,740 --> 00:10:58,480 however much or less sense individual 298 00:10:58,480 --> 00:11:00,900 moves may make . The main thing is the 299 00:11:00,900 --> 00:11:04,520 strength of NATO , especially when 300 00:11:04,520 --> 00:11:07,700 dealing with a new , aggressive 301 00:11:07,710 --> 00:11:11,030 Russia . That's the main thing . And we 302 00:11:11,030 --> 00:11:12,974 need to have that in mind as we go 303 00:11:12,974 --> 00:11:15,197 through these details as well . Are you 304 00:11:15,197 --> 00:11:18,190 back ? Thank you . With that , I yield 305 00:11:18,190 --> 00:11:20,010 to Dr Anderson for his opening 306 00:11:20,010 --> 00:11:23,360 statement . Chairman Smith , ranking 307 00:11:23,360 --> 00:11:25,582 member Thornberry distinguished members 308 00:11:25,582 --> 00:11:27,527 of the committee Thank you for the 309 00:11:27,527 --> 00:11:29,304 invitation to testify on recent 310 00:11:29,304 --> 00:11:31,138 European force structure posture 311 00:11:31,138 --> 00:11:32,971 realignment alongside Lieutenant 312 00:11:32,971 --> 00:11:34,971 General David Elvin . He is a great 313 00:11:34,971 --> 00:11:37,138 partner and it is an honor Thio appear 314 00:11:37,138 --> 00:11:39,249 beside him . The department continues 315 00:11:39,249 --> 00:11:41,249 to prioritize implementation of the 316 00:11:41,249 --> 00:11:43,193 National Defense Strategy and DS , 317 00:11:43,193 --> 00:11:45,416 including the building of a more lethal 318 00:11:45,416 --> 00:11:47,638 force and strengthening alliances . One 319 00:11:47,638 --> 00:11:49,860 important initiative to advance the N . 320 00:11:49,860 --> 00:11:51,971 D . S and focus and to ensure a focus 321 00:11:51,971 --> 00:11:53,916 on these priorities is the ongoing 322 00:11:53,916 --> 00:11:56,027 comprehensive review of all combatant 323 00:11:56,027 --> 00:11:58,860 commands . As part of U . S . European 324 00:11:58,860 --> 00:12:01,250 Command , US . You come review 325 00:12:01,260 --> 00:12:03,860 secretary expert directed You come to 326 00:12:03,860 --> 00:12:06,490 develop options for re posturing or 327 00:12:06,490 --> 00:12:09,270 your your base forces to compete more 328 00:12:09,270 --> 00:12:11,170 effectively and respond to 329 00:12:11,170 --> 00:12:13,460 contingencies both within Europe and 330 00:12:13,460 --> 00:12:16,660 globally . These options will be guided 331 00:12:16,660 --> 00:12:18,770 by Secretary Esper . Is five core 332 00:12:18,770 --> 00:12:21,220 principles one . Enhancing deterrence 333 00:12:21,220 --> 00:12:24,090 of Russia to strengthening NATO , three 334 00:12:24,100 --> 00:12:27,380 reassuring allies for improving US 335 00:12:27,380 --> 00:12:29,840 strategic flexibility and you comes 336 00:12:29,850 --> 00:12:32,500 operational flexibility and most 337 00:12:32,500 --> 00:12:34,970 importantly , five taking care of our 338 00:12:34,970 --> 00:12:37,520 service members and their families . On 339 00:12:37,520 --> 00:12:39,630 July 29 Secretary Esper announced an 340 00:12:39,640 --> 00:12:43,210 update the status of our US European 341 00:12:43,220 --> 00:12:45,630 Command Force Posture Review following 342 00:12:45,630 --> 00:12:47,686 a decision by the President in early 343 00:12:47,686 --> 00:12:49,741 June to limit the number of assigned 344 00:12:49,741 --> 00:12:51,908 active duty service members in Germany 345 00:12:51,908 --> 00:12:54,800 to 25,000 as well as the D . O . D . 346 00:12:54,800 --> 00:12:56,720 Concept to reposition some of our 347 00:12:56,720 --> 00:12:58,850 forces within Europe and back to the 348 00:12:58,850 --> 00:13:01,150 United States to be better situated for 349 00:13:01,150 --> 00:13:03,790 great power competition . The review 350 00:13:03,790 --> 00:13:06,840 yielded a concept for nearly 12,000 351 00:13:06,840 --> 00:13:08,951 military personnel to be repositioned 352 00:13:08,951 --> 00:13:11,930 from Germany , with almost 5600 re 353 00:13:11,930 --> 00:13:14,450 stationed in other NATO countries and 354 00:13:14,450 --> 00:13:16,630 approximately 6400 returning to the 355 00:13:16,630 --> 00:13:19,230 United States . The realignment concept 356 00:13:19,230 --> 00:13:21,397 includes consolidating headquarters to 357 00:13:21,397 --> 00:13:23,230 strengthen operational agility , 358 00:13:23,230 --> 00:13:25,452 repositioning some forces in the United 359 00:13:25,452 --> 00:13:27,452 States to focus on readiness and to 360 00:13:27,452 --> 00:13:29,800 prepare for rotational deployments and 361 00:13:29,800 --> 00:13:31,744 deploying rotational forces to the 362 00:13:31,744 --> 00:13:34,280 Black Sea region on NATO's southeastern 363 00:13:34,280 --> 00:13:37,220 flank to improve to turns . The concept 364 00:13:37,220 --> 00:13:39,498 consists of the following four pillars . 365 00:13:39,740 --> 00:13:42,410 First , the consolidation of various U . 366 00:13:42,410 --> 00:13:44,790 S . Headquarters in Europe outside 367 00:13:44,790 --> 00:13:46,957 Germany , including , in some cases co 368 00:13:46,957 --> 00:13:48,846 locating headquarters at the same 369 00:13:48,846 --> 00:13:51,330 locations as their NATO counterparts in 370 00:13:51,330 --> 00:13:53,570 Belgium and Italy . This would help 371 00:13:53,570 --> 00:13:55,792 strengthen NATO and improve operational 372 00:13:55,792 --> 00:13:57,903 efficiency and readiness of more than 373 00:13:57,903 --> 00:13:59,570 2000 service members in these 374 00:13:59,570 --> 00:14:02,430 headquarters . Second , the nearly 4500 375 00:14:02,430 --> 00:14:04,640 members of the second Calvary Regiment 376 00:14:04,640 --> 00:14:06,990 would return to the United States as 377 00:14:06,990 --> 00:14:08,990 other striker units begin rotations 378 00:14:08,990 --> 00:14:11,157 farther east in the Black Sea region , 379 00:14:11,240 --> 00:14:13,380 giving us a more enduring presence to 380 00:14:13,380 --> 00:14:15,547 enhance deterrence and reassure allies 381 00:14:15,780 --> 00:14:18,830 along NATO's southeastern flank . 3rd , 382 00:14:18,840 --> 00:14:21,290 2500 Airman , based at the Royal Air 383 00:14:21,290 --> 00:14:23,960 Force based in Midan whole United 384 00:14:23,960 --> 00:14:25,860 Kingdom , who are responsible for 385 00:14:25,870 --> 00:14:28,340 aerial refueling and special operations 386 00:14:28,380 --> 00:14:30,740 and who had been scheduled to re base 387 00:14:30,740 --> 00:14:33,190 to Germany , would remain in the UK , 388 00:14:33,200 --> 00:14:35,540 thus ensuring uninterrupted readiness 389 00:14:35,650 --> 00:14:38,170 and responsiveness of these units . 390 00:14:38,540 --> 00:14:40,600 Fourth , a fighter squadron and 391 00:14:40,600 --> 00:14:42,860 elements of a fighter wing would be 392 00:14:42,870 --> 00:14:45,310 repositioned to Italy , moving them 393 00:14:45,310 --> 00:14:47,270 closer to the Black Sea region and 394 00:14:47,270 --> 00:14:49,540 rendering them or capable to conduct 395 00:14:49,580 --> 00:14:51,730 dynamic force , employment and 396 00:14:51,730 --> 00:14:53,563 rotational deployments to NATO's 397 00:14:53,563 --> 00:14:56,540 southeastern flank . This concept to 398 00:14:56,540 --> 00:14:58,318 reposition our forces in Europe 399 00:14:58,318 --> 00:15:00,429 constitutes a major strategic shift , 400 00:15:00,429 --> 00:15:02,240 holy in line with the NDS and 401 00:15:02,240 --> 00:15:04,573 consistent with other adjustments the U . 402 00:15:04,573 --> 00:15:07,010 S has previously made within NATO over 403 00:15:07,010 --> 00:15:09,330 NATO's 71 year history . The size , 404 00:15:09,330 --> 00:15:11,220 composition and disposition of US 405 00:15:11,220 --> 00:15:14,050 forces in Europe has changed many times . 406 00:15:14,540 --> 00:15:16,318 As our planning for the current 407 00:15:16,318 --> 00:15:18,484 realignment matures , we'll be sure to 408 00:15:18,484 --> 00:15:20,540 communicate frequently with Congress 409 00:15:20,540 --> 00:15:22,540 and with our NATO allies , two main 410 00:15:22,540 --> 00:15:25,640 visibility and foster cooperation as we 411 00:15:25,640 --> 00:15:27,473 continue to implement the NDS or 412 00:15:27,473 --> 00:15:29,370 efforts at enhancing or European 413 00:15:29,370 --> 00:15:32,100 posture beyond you come Combatant 414 00:15:32,100 --> 00:15:34,800 Command review have been have shown 415 00:15:34,800 --> 00:15:36,633 recent successes , including the 416 00:15:36,633 --> 00:15:38,411 signing of the enhanced Defense 417 00:15:38,411 --> 00:15:40,870 Cooperation Agreement with Poland in 418 00:15:40,870 --> 00:15:43,500 August that will enable and increased 419 00:15:43,500 --> 00:15:46,140 enduring US rotational presence in that 420 00:15:46,140 --> 00:15:48,850 country of about 1000 US military 421 00:15:48,850 --> 00:15:51,440 personnel . These elements are in 422 00:15:51,440 --> 00:15:53,860 addition to the 4500 U . S military 423 00:15:53,860 --> 00:15:56,440 personnel already on rotation in Poland 424 00:15:56,450 --> 00:15:58,228 and includes infrastructure and 425 00:15:58,228 --> 00:16:00,760 logistical support provided by Poland . 426 00:16:01,640 --> 00:16:03,640 Our continued efforts to streamline 427 00:16:03,640 --> 00:16:05,696 operations across Europe , including 428 00:16:05,696 --> 00:16:07,807 through modernized and new agreements 429 00:16:07,807 --> 00:16:09,862 with NATO allies , especially on the 430 00:16:09,862 --> 00:16:12,870 eastern flank , directly support or NDS 431 00:16:12,880 --> 00:16:14,880 principles by improving operational 432 00:16:14,880 --> 00:16:17,460 flexibility and enhancing deterrence . 433 00:16:17,840 --> 00:16:20,007 The department is confident that these 434 00:16:20,007 --> 00:16:22,118 continuing efforts will help us adapt 435 00:16:22,118 --> 00:16:23,951 the force and optimize our force 436 00:16:23,951 --> 00:16:26,062 posture in Europe as we seek to deter 437 00:16:26,062 --> 00:16:27,951 malign actors . Thank you for the 438 00:16:27,951 --> 00:16:30,062 opportunity to testify today . I look 439 00:16:30,062 --> 00:16:32,330 forward to your questions . Thank you , 440 00:16:32,330 --> 00:16:33,180 General Alvin 441 00:16:36,340 --> 00:16:38,118 Chairman Smith , ranking member 442 00:16:38,118 --> 00:16:40,340 Thornberry distinguished members of the 443 00:16:40,340 --> 00:16:42,451 committee . Thank you for inviting me 444 00:16:42,451 --> 00:16:44,340 here to be with you today . As Dr 445 00:16:44,340 --> 00:16:46,173 Anderson noted , the Joint Staff 446 00:16:46,173 --> 00:16:48,590 partners closely with Rost and U . S . 447 00:16:48,590 --> 00:16:50,312 European Command , or you come 448 00:16:50,312 --> 00:16:52,534 colleagues to provide credible military 449 00:16:52,534 --> 00:16:54,590 options to the Secretary defense and 450 00:16:54,590 --> 00:16:56,479 the President on U . S . Military 451 00:16:56,479 --> 00:16:58,312 presence in Europe in support of 452 00:16:58,312 --> 00:17:01,050 national security objectives . 2018 453 00:17:01,050 --> 00:17:03,272 National Defense Strategy describes the 454 00:17:03,272 --> 00:17:05,328 erosion and longstanding rules based 455 00:17:05,328 --> 00:17:07,550 international order , which has created 456 00:17:07,550 --> 00:17:09,606 an increasingly complex and volatile 457 00:17:09,606 --> 00:17:11,717 global security environment . Russian 458 00:17:11,717 --> 00:17:13,439 aggression Malign influence is 459 00:17:13,439 --> 00:17:15,439 accelerating this decline in Europe 460 00:17:15,439 --> 00:17:17,772 with cascading effects across the globe . 461 00:17:17,772 --> 00:17:19,883 As General Walters , the commander of 462 00:17:19,883 --> 00:17:21,717 us you Come stated and testimony 463 00:17:21,717 --> 00:17:23,772 earlier this year . Over the past 12 464 00:17:23,772 --> 00:17:23,650 years , Russia has invaded to 465 00:17:23,650 --> 00:17:25,550 neighboring states , violated the 466 00:17:25,560 --> 00:17:27,930 intermediate range nuclear forces tree 467 00:17:27,940 --> 00:17:30,051 leading to the treaties Termination , 468 00:17:30,051 --> 00:17:32,162 developed new strategic platforms and 469 00:17:32,162 --> 00:17:34,218 abrogated its responsibilities under 470 00:17:34,218 --> 00:17:36,440 the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces 471 00:17:36,440 --> 00:17:38,551 in Europe . This has been done at the 472 00:17:38,551 --> 00:17:40,551 expense of strategic stability . Is 473 00:17:40,551 --> 00:17:42,773 because serious threats from Russia and 474 00:17:42,773 --> 00:17:45,940 China that this January to January 2020 475 00:17:45,950 --> 00:17:48,006 secretary expert directed a Siris of 476 00:17:48,006 --> 00:17:50,117 Combatant Command reviews to focus on 477 00:17:50,117 --> 00:17:52,228 strategic priorities across the globe 478 00:17:52,228 --> 00:17:54,520 and re aligned forces in support of the 479 00:17:54,520 --> 00:17:57,000 national defense strategy , a 480 00:17:57,000 --> 00:17:59,278 particular relevance to Europe . The N . 481 00:17:59,278 --> 00:18:01,111 D s calls for the joint force to 482 00:18:01,111 --> 00:18:03,222 maintain a favorable balance of power 483 00:18:03,222 --> 00:18:05,167 in Europe , deter adversaries from 484 00:18:05,167 --> 00:18:07,333 aggression against our vital interests 485 00:18:07,333 --> 00:18:09,056 and defend allies for military 486 00:18:09,056 --> 00:18:11,111 aggression while bolstering partners 487 00:18:11,111 --> 00:18:13,790 against coercion , thes objectives or 488 00:18:13,790 --> 00:18:16,012 accomplished through the three distinct 489 00:18:16,012 --> 00:18:18,068 lines of effort building more lethal 490 00:18:18,068 --> 00:18:20,179 joint force , strengthening alliances 491 00:18:20,179 --> 00:18:22,401 and reforming the department's business 492 00:18:22,401 --> 00:18:24,290 practices . But technological and 493 00:18:24,290 --> 00:18:26,512 geopolitical influence on the character 494 00:18:26,512 --> 00:18:28,623 of war necessitates the evolution and 495 00:18:28,623 --> 00:18:30,901 not only the tools with which we fight , 496 00:18:30,901 --> 00:18:33,140 but the operational concepts and the 497 00:18:33,140 --> 00:18:35,940 general posture of our forces . In many 498 00:18:35,940 --> 00:18:38,500 ways , those concepts of US forces in 499 00:18:38,500 --> 00:18:40,667 Europe have not markedly changed since 500 00:18:40,667 --> 00:18:42,889 the last huge force reduction following 501 00:18:42,889 --> 00:18:45,056 the fall of the Berlin Wall as well as 502 00:18:45,056 --> 00:18:47,010 subsequent changes sense large 503 00:18:47,010 --> 00:18:49,066 formations of permanent forces , can 504 00:18:49,066 --> 00:18:51,066 present vulnerabilities and are not 505 00:18:51,066 --> 00:18:53,010 best suited to flexibly respond to 506 00:18:53,010 --> 00:18:55,121 emergent threats across the globe and 507 00:18:55,121 --> 00:18:56,954 outside of their current area of 508 00:18:56,954 --> 00:18:59,010 operations . The current environment 509 00:18:59,010 --> 00:19:00,621 requires increased strategic 510 00:19:00,621 --> 00:19:03,050 flexibility and freedom of action . The 511 00:19:03,050 --> 00:19:05,217 National Defense Strategy unveiled the 512 00:19:05,217 --> 00:19:07,328 concept of dynamic force employment , 513 00:19:07,328 --> 00:19:09,217 which prioritizes maintaining the 514 00:19:09,217 --> 00:19:11,383 readiness of the joint force for major 515 00:19:11,383 --> 00:19:13,328 combat while providing options for 516 00:19:13,328 --> 00:19:15,610 proactive and scalable employment for 517 00:19:15,610 --> 00:19:18,320 deterrence and assurance . This concept 518 00:19:18,320 --> 00:19:21,040 is critical to UConn posture . Do you 519 00:19:21,040 --> 00:19:23,100 can't posture realignment under the 520 00:19:23,100 --> 00:19:25,044 dynamic force employment concept , 521 00:19:25,140 --> 00:19:27,570 episodic introduction of forces across 522 00:19:27,570 --> 00:19:29,348 the region presents dilemmas to 523 00:19:29,348 --> 00:19:31,459 potential adversaries while providing 524 00:19:31,459 --> 00:19:33,514 the secretary and the president with 525 00:19:33,514 --> 00:19:35,737 the flexibility and capacity to rapidly 526 00:19:35,737 --> 00:19:38,080 respond to emergent threats across the 527 00:19:38,080 --> 00:19:40,950 globe . Operational flexibility is 528 00:19:40,950 --> 00:19:43,340 equally important Since the dissolution 529 00:19:43,340 --> 00:19:45,451 of the Soviet Union , the ideological 530 00:19:45,451 --> 00:19:47,690 border separating east from West has 531 00:19:47,690 --> 00:19:50,500 gradually shifted in favor of a free 532 00:19:50,510 --> 00:19:53,100 and open international order . New 533 00:19:53,100 --> 00:19:55,100 allies air joining NATO , but these 534 00:19:55,100 --> 00:19:57,770 gains must be reinforced . Nations 535 00:19:57,770 --> 00:19:59,937 along the Black Sea and Baltic Sea for 536 00:19:59,937 --> 00:20:01,937 entrance , for instance , are under 537 00:20:01,937 --> 00:20:04,159 direct and persistent military pressure 538 00:20:04,159 --> 00:20:06,381 from Russia . Presenting forces further 539 00:20:06,381 --> 00:20:08,603 east would reduce the response time and 540 00:20:08,603 --> 00:20:10,548 increase the deterrence to Russian 541 00:20:10,548 --> 00:20:13,810 aggression . Moving forces in and out 542 00:20:13,820 --> 00:20:15,876 of the European theater , as is done 543 00:20:15,876 --> 00:20:18,680 with rotational forces , also exercises 544 00:20:18,870 --> 00:20:21,170 the joint reception , staging onward 545 00:20:21,170 --> 00:20:23,392 movement and integration capabilities , 546 00:20:23,392 --> 00:20:25,760 which must be sharp to support ongoing 547 00:20:25,760 --> 00:20:28,650 contingency plans in the region . None 548 00:20:28,650 --> 00:20:30,817 of this is possible without allies and 549 00:20:30,817 --> 00:20:34,090 partners , and over the past 75 years , 550 00:20:34,090 --> 00:20:36,210 the US has benefited from a growing 551 00:20:36,220 --> 00:20:38,120 constellation of alliances and 552 00:20:38,120 --> 00:20:41,420 partnerships . Thes bilateral and 553 00:20:41,420 --> 00:20:43,700 multilateral accords with the North 554 00:20:43,700 --> 00:20:45,756 Atlantic Treaty as a shining example 555 00:20:46,240 --> 00:20:48,310 serve as a strategic and asymmetric 556 00:20:48,310 --> 00:20:50,370 advantage against revisionist powers 557 00:20:50,370 --> 00:20:53,250 such as Russia . The transatlantic 558 00:20:53,250 --> 00:20:55,028 alliance is strengthened by the 559 00:20:55,028 --> 00:20:57,028 complimentary capabilities , unique 560 00:20:57,028 --> 00:20:58,900 perspectives , relationships and 561 00:20:58,900 --> 00:21:01,880 regional access provided by our NATO 562 00:21:01,880 --> 00:21:03,980 allies . Collaborative planning is 563 00:21:03,980 --> 00:21:05,980 necessary to coalesce these diverse 564 00:21:05,980 --> 00:21:08,360 viewpoints and competencies into an 565 00:21:08,370 --> 00:21:11,260 interoperable force which acts together 566 00:21:11,270 --> 00:21:13,570 to achieve common military objectives . 567 00:21:14,240 --> 00:21:16,296 Co Location of the NATO headquarters 568 00:21:16,296 --> 00:21:18,129 with the EUCOM headquarters will 569 00:21:18,129 --> 00:21:20,351 enhance the NATO collaborative planning 570 00:21:20,351 --> 00:21:22,351 with the Yukon staff and build upon 571 00:21:22,351 --> 00:21:24,573 recent enhancements to the NATO command 572 00:21:24,573 --> 00:21:27,660 structure during Secretary Experts . 29 573 00:21:27,660 --> 00:21:29,716 July briefing . He affirmed that the 574 00:21:29,716 --> 00:21:31,938 realignment of U . S . Forces in Europe 575 00:21:31,938 --> 00:21:33,882 plan is subject to and likely will 576 00:21:33,882 --> 00:21:35,920 change to some degree as it evolves 577 00:21:35,930 --> 00:21:39,010 over time . In his role is the global 578 00:21:39,010 --> 00:21:41,630 integrator . Chairman Millie continues 579 00:21:41,640 --> 00:21:43,751 to capture the views of the combatant 580 00:21:43,751 --> 00:21:46,100 commanders and the Joint Chiefs so that 581 00:21:46,100 --> 00:21:48,211 he may provide military advice to the 582 00:21:48,211 --> 00:21:50,378 secretary and president on updates and 583 00:21:50,378 --> 00:21:52,840 refinements to the plan to address the 584 00:21:52,840 --> 00:21:54,896 strategic and operational threats at 585 00:21:54,896 --> 00:21:57,460 the speed of relevance . We also 586 00:21:57,460 --> 00:21:59,516 acknowledge that the best plans were 587 00:21:59,516 --> 00:22:01,627 born through consultation with allies 588 00:22:01,627 --> 00:22:03,904 and continued engagement with Congress . 589 00:22:03,904 --> 00:22:06,016 We're committed to this collaborative 590 00:22:06,016 --> 00:22:08,127 approach . During the 29 July brief , 591 00:22:08,127 --> 00:22:10,071 the vice chairman General heighten 592 00:22:10,071 --> 00:22:12,016 mentioned the department structure 593 00:22:12,016 --> 00:22:13,960 process required to translate this 594 00:22:13,960 --> 00:22:16,071 concept into action . I would like to 595 00:22:16,071 --> 00:22:18,238 offer some additional insight into the 596 00:22:18,238 --> 00:22:20,404 process and provide a bit of a roadmap 597 00:22:20,404 --> 00:22:22,349 going forward . The realignment of 598 00:22:22,349 --> 00:22:24,571 forces outside of US territory requires 599 00:22:24,571 --> 00:22:26,627 structure and structured engagements 600 00:22:26,627 --> 00:22:28,849 between the Department of Defense , the 601 00:22:28,849 --> 00:22:30,849 interagency allied host nations and 602 00:22:30,849 --> 00:22:32,682 international organizations . In 603 00:22:32,682 --> 00:22:34,730 addition to this body , these 604 00:22:34,730 --> 00:22:36,841 engagements generally involve a three 605 00:22:36,841 --> 00:22:38,841 part process planning approvals and 606 00:22:38,841 --> 00:22:40,740 implementation . Timeline for 607 00:22:40,740 --> 00:22:42,907 completion depends on the complexity , 608 00:22:42,907 --> 00:22:45,184 scale and scope of the proposed change . 609 00:22:45,184 --> 00:22:47,407 The planning stage has already begun is 610 00:22:47,407 --> 00:22:49,129 a EUCOM commander continues to 611 00:22:49,129 --> 00:22:51,073 reiterate the posture concept with 612 00:22:51,073 --> 00:22:53,240 stakeholders across the department and 613 00:22:53,240 --> 00:22:53,000 will provide updates and considerations 614 00:22:53,000 --> 00:22:55,110 to the secretary in the weeks and 615 00:22:55,110 --> 00:22:57,530 months to come . As the plan matures , 616 00:22:57,760 --> 00:22:59,770 the department's Global Posture 617 00:22:59,770 --> 00:23:01,881 Executive Council called the G Pack , 618 00:23:02,340 --> 00:23:04,451 co chaired by the assistant secretary 619 00:23:04,451 --> 00:23:06,340 of defense for strategy plans the 620 00:23:06,340 --> 00:23:08,396 capabilities and the director of the 621 00:23:08,396 --> 00:23:10,451 joint staff will support this effort 622 00:23:10,451 --> 00:23:10,310 through a deliberate , deliberative , 623 00:23:10,310 --> 00:23:13,050 comprehensive process . This includes 624 00:23:13,060 --> 00:23:14,838 developing the requirements for 625 00:23:14,838 --> 00:23:16,760 manpower , infrastructure and 626 00:23:16,760 --> 00:23:20,160 agreements in order to inform budgetary 627 00:23:20,170 --> 00:23:22,392 estimates . The services will determine 628 00:23:22,392 --> 00:23:24,559 whether the capacity exists to support 629 00:23:24,559 --> 00:23:26,726 the additional forces , along with the 630 00:23:26,726 --> 00:23:28,837 funding requirements for the military 631 00:23:28,837 --> 00:23:30,503 construction if applicable of 632 00:23:30,503 --> 00:23:32,559 operational and support facilities , 633 00:23:32,559 --> 00:23:34,781 which they will request from Congress . 634 00:23:34,781 --> 00:23:36,503 Thes facilities can range from 635 00:23:36,503 --> 00:23:38,614 increases in apron parking spaces for 636 00:23:38,614 --> 00:23:40,614 arriving squadron to new barracks , 637 00:23:40,614 --> 00:23:42,559 family housing , school or medical 638 00:23:42,559 --> 00:23:44,337 facilities . Services must also 639 00:23:44,337 --> 00:23:46,392 evaluate support for service members 640 00:23:46,392 --> 00:23:48,337 and their families residing in and 641 00:23:48,337 --> 00:23:50,226 around the installation , such as 642 00:23:50,226 --> 00:23:52,281 morale and welfare programs , family 643 00:23:52,281 --> 00:23:54,392 service support , D o D . Schools and 644 00:23:54,392 --> 00:23:56,281 childcare . If an installation is 645 00:23:56,281 --> 00:23:58,226 expanded or closes or closed , the 646 00:23:58,226 --> 00:24:00,448 services must account for gram packs to 647 00:24:00,448 --> 00:24:02,281 our US and host nations civilian 648 00:24:02,281 --> 00:24:04,281 workforce . The planning stage also 649 00:24:04,281 --> 00:24:06,614 involves early host nation consultation . 650 00:24:06,614 --> 00:24:08,448 Building infrastructure requires 651 00:24:08,448 --> 00:24:10,392 adherence insurance to US and host 652 00:24:10,392 --> 00:24:12,170 nation environmental regulatory 653 00:24:12,170 --> 00:24:14,337 requirements , as well as negotiations 654 00:24:14,337 --> 00:24:16,337 with the host nation on utilities , 655 00:24:16,337 --> 00:24:18,559 airspace management and historical site 656 00:24:18,559 --> 00:24:20,114 medications . For example , 657 00:24:20,114 --> 00:24:22,170 simultaneously planning is necessary 658 00:24:22,170 --> 00:24:24,337 for divest ment of installations being 659 00:24:24,337 --> 00:24:26,448 closed . Approval statement . Sorry , 660 00:24:26,448 --> 00:24:28,448 John . If you could wrap up , we do 661 00:24:28,448 --> 00:24:30,670 want to get to members questions here . 662 00:24:31,150 --> 00:24:33,150 Finally , we must remember that our 663 00:24:33,150 --> 00:24:35,317 most precious resource is our military 664 00:24:35,317 --> 00:24:37,483 men and women and their families . Any 665 00:24:37,483 --> 00:24:39,428 realign will have an impact on our 666 00:24:39,428 --> 00:24:39,120 people , which is why Secretary Aspirin 667 00:24:39,120 --> 00:24:40,953 Chairman Millie are committed to 668 00:24:40,953 --> 00:24:42,842 ensuring the needs of our service 669 00:24:42,842 --> 00:24:44,676 members . And their families are 670 00:24:44,676 --> 00:24:46,287 paramount as we execute this 671 00:24:46,287 --> 00:24:48,453 realignment . Thank you again for this 672 00:24:48,453 --> 00:24:48,020 opportunity . I look forward answering 673 00:24:48,020 --> 00:24:50,620 questions . Thank you very much , Dr 674 00:24:50,620 --> 00:24:53,410 Anderson , could you explain the pros 675 00:24:53,410 --> 00:24:55,530 and cons balance between permanent 676 00:24:55,530 --> 00:24:57,530 forces and rotational forces ? That 677 00:24:57,530 --> 00:24:59,697 seems to be one of the biggest changes 678 00:24:59,697 --> 00:25:01,863 on the posture side that was contained 679 00:25:01,863 --> 00:25:03,752 in this was to shift more towards 680 00:25:03,752 --> 00:25:06,670 rotational forces . Yes , the basic 681 00:25:06,670 --> 00:25:08,837 advantage of rotational forces as they 682 00:25:08,837 --> 00:25:12,440 provide additional flexibility on day 683 00:25:12,440 --> 00:25:14,410 do so both at TheStreet IQ level , 684 00:25:14,410 --> 00:25:16,466 which is important for the President 685 00:25:16,466 --> 00:25:18,354 and the Secretary and also at the 686 00:25:18,354 --> 00:25:20,521 operational level , which is important 687 00:25:20,521 --> 00:25:22,577 to the UK um , Combatant Commander . 688 00:25:22,577 --> 00:25:25,640 That is the main advantage of 689 00:25:25,650 --> 00:25:29,550 rotational forces flux Two questions 690 00:25:29,550 --> 00:25:31,661 about that one . What is the downside 691 00:25:31,661 --> 00:25:34,270 and to flexibility to do what 692 00:25:34,640 --> 00:25:36,940 flexibility sounds like a nice word . 693 00:25:36,940 --> 00:25:38,718 But it doesn't actually tell us 694 00:25:38,718 --> 00:25:40,773 anything . So what flexibility to do 695 00:25:40,773 --> 00:25:42,940 what ? And then what are the downsides 696 00:25:42,940 --> 00:25:45,107 of the forces being rotational instead 697 00:25:45,107 --> 00:25:47,740 of fully present ? So I don't see any 698 00:25:47,740 --> 00:25:50,590 downsides to being rotational . But 699 00:25:50,590 --> 00:25:53,530 there there is a cost involved in 700 00:25:53,540 --> 00:25:56,250 transitioning from permanent forces to 701 00:25:56,250 --> 00:25:58,250 reputation . I guess I would ask if 702 00:25:58,250 --> 00:26:00,194 there are no downsides there being 703 00:26:00,194 --> 00:26:02,361 rotational forces . Why do we have any 704 00:26:02,361 --> 00:26:05,770 permanent forces ? So there are certain 705 00:26:05,780 --> 00:26:08,120 air bases and hubs and logistic 706 00:26:08,130 --> 00:26:10,880 logistical facilities that do need to 707 00:26:10,880 --> 00:26:12,990 be permanent there . There is virtue 708 00:26:12,990 --> 00:26:15,950 there as we are able to move forces and 709 00:26:15,950 --> 00:26:18,100 flow forces to various contingencies 710 00:26:18,100 --> 00:26:21,030 around the world . So , um , saying 711 00:26:21,030 --> 00:26:23,030 that there's benefits to rotational 712 00:26:23,030 --> 00:26:25,197 forces doesn't mean there's still some 713 00:26:25,197 --> 00:26:27,197 value in certain cases to permanent 714 00:26:27,197 --> 00:26:29,950 forces and as a to your other question 715 00:26:29,950 --> 00:26:33,930 on flexibility to do what ? Um , it's 716 00:26:33,930 --> 00:26:36,650 the flexibility to to meet those , uh , 717 00:26:36,660 --> 00:26:40,530 emerging are emergent crises 718 00:26:40,540 --> 00:26:43,880 were , uh , or conflicts which may 719 00:26:43,880 --> 00:26:47,250 arise , and the flexibility to take 720 00:26:47,250 --> 00:26:49,139 different forces and move them to 721 00:26:49,139 --> 00:26:51,306 different regions of the world or move 722 00:26:51,306 --> 00:26:53,250 them within . The European theater 723 00:26:53,250 --> 00:26:55,560 provides advantages , and it 724 00:26:55,560 --> 00:26:58,940 complicates adversary decision making . 725 00:26:58,950 --> 00:27:02,270 Andi , that's that is a good thing , 726 00:27:03,340 --> 00:27:05,660 Cap . Mr . Thornberry . 727 00:27:11,340 --> 00:27:13,640 Dr . Anderson , you used the word 728 00:27:13,640 --> 00:27:15,890 concept several times , and frankly , 729 00:27:15,890 --> 00:27:18,680 I'm confused , are not clear about 730 00:27:18,690 --> 00:27:22,690 where this stands . Uh is Have we 731 00:27:22,690 --> 00:27:25,270 given an outline of moves that we will 732 00:27:25,270 --> 00:27:27,437 make and now we're working through the 733 00:27:27,437 --> 00:27:31,400 details Or is this a concept in a sense , 734 00:27:31,400 --> 00:27:34,470 that if our allies say we don't like 735 00:27:34,470 --> 00:27:36,081 that , we could abandon it . 736 00:27:38,840 --> 00:27:42,570 So we have outlined to our allies , our 737 00:27:42,570 --> 00:27:44,800 NATO allies , the moves , as we've 738 00:27:44,800 --> 00:27:48,460 described here and e 739 00:27:48,470 --> 00:27:50,730 describe it is , ah , concept with 740 00:27:50,730 --> 00:27:53,570 planning underway because there's , ah 741 00:27:53,580 --> 00:27:56,410 great deal of that to be done going 742 00:27:56,410 --> 00:27:58,243 forward . A zoo ? No , sir . The 743 00:27:58,243 --> 00:27:59,966 department has very structured 744 00:27:59,966 --> 00:28:02,820 processes , uh , to plan and 745 00:28:02,830 --> 00:28:05,730 receiving secretaries , guidance and 746 00:28:05,730 --> 00:28:08,910 the president's direction . We are 747 00:28:08,920 --> 00:28:11,480 proceeding along those lines . I would 748 00:28:11,480 --> 00:28:14,740 also add that Aziz , with any major 749 00:28:14,750 --> 00:28:18,550 plan , you know , it is subject to 750 00:28:18,560 --> 00:28:20,670 revisions and modifications going 751 00:28:20,670 --> 00:28:24,040 forward . But that's that's how I would 752 00:28:24,040 --> 00:28:25,929 describe it . And as I said in my 753 00:28:25,929 --> 00:28:27,929 opening statement , we we commit to 754 00:28:27,929 --> 00:28:29,940 continuing to consult with Congress 755 00:28:29,940 --> 00:28:32,710 going forward . You mentioned several 756 00:28:32,710 --> 00:28:35,220 times in your opening statement , but 757 00:28:35,220 --> 00:28:37,164 actually you both did the national 758 00:28:37,164 --> 00:28:39,240 defense strategy . I brought the 759 00:28:39,240 --> 00:28:41,450 summary with me . There's a whole 760 00:28:41,450 --> 00:28:43,470 section , as you will recall about 761 00:28:43,470 --> 00:28:45,830 strengthening alliances and attracting 762 00:28:45,830 --> 00:28:48,370 partners . There's section on upholding 763 00:28:48,370 --> 00:28:50,440 the foundation of mutual respect , 764 00:28:50,440 --> 00:28:52,320 responsibility and priorities , 765 00:28:52,320 --> 00:28:55,260 expanding consultative mechanisms and 766 00:28:55,260 --> 00:28:59,210 so forth . Uh , a Are you aware 767 00:28:59,210 --> 00:29:02,920 of any consultation with allies that 768 00:29:02,920 --> 00:29:06,880 were that was made before the roughly 769 00:29:06,880 --> 00:29:10,660 June 2020 announcement that we were 770 00:29:10,660 --> 00:29:13,560 going to remove troops from Germany ? 771 00:29:15,640 --> 00:29:18,670 So prior to the public rollout 772 00:29:19,040 --> 00:29:22,780 we did . We did , uh , speak with 773 00:29:22,780 --> 00:29:25,100 our NATO allies . I personally reached 774 00:29:25,100 --> 00:29:27,211 out Thio my counterparts , and I know 775 00:29:27,211 --> 00:29:30,160 my uniformed colleagues as well . I'm 776 00:29:30,160 --> 00:29:33,550 sorry to interrupt , but I'm the public 777 00:29:33,560 --> 00:29:36,010 rollout . Is this Secretary s Spurs 778 00:29:36,010 --> 00:29:38,450 description of the specific moves ? 779 00:29:38,460 --> 00:29:42,180 Okay , so I'm my question waas Back 780 00:29:42,180 --> 00:29:44,550 in June , the national security adviser 781 00:29:44,550 --> 00:29:46,883 had an op ed in the Wall Street Journal . 782 00:29:46,883 --> 00:29:48,930 There were announced there were a t 783 00:29:48,940 --> 00:29:51,310 least leaks before that , Were there 784 00:29:51,310 --> 00:29:53,199 consultations to your knowledge ? 785 00:29:53,199 --> 00:29:56,700 Before that was the announcement or op 786 00:29:56,700 --> 00:30:00,180 ed were made , so I was not involved in 787 00:30:00,180 --> 00:30:02,180 those consultations . But I do know 788 00:30:02,180 --> 00:30:05,070 that secretary expert did , uh , task , 789 00:30:05,080 --> 00:30:07,860 uh , Combatant Commander early in 790 00:30:07,870 --> 00:30:09,981 earlier this year , very early in the 791 00:30:09,981 --> 00:30:13,390 year to begin Cem planning for a force 792 00:30:13,390 --> 00:30:16,950 posture , adjustments . I believe that 793 00:30:16,950 --> 00:30:20,370 in that context , uh , it za fair 794 00:30:20,370 --> 00:30:22,148 assumption that there were some 795 00:30:22,148 --> 00:30:24,148 discussions with close allies about 796 00:30:24,148 --> 00:30:26,259 different possibilities . Well , I've 797 00:30:26,259 --> 00:30:29,730 met with several of either ambassadors 798 00:30:29,730 --> 00:30:32,370 or defense ministers , and my sense is 799 00:30:32,370 --> 00:30:35,230 this caught them all by surprise . Let 800 00:30:35,230 --> 00:30:38,070 me just ask one other question . Um , 801 00:30:39,640 --> 00:30:42,510 would you agree that the extent to 802 00:30:42,520 --> 00:30:46,180 which there is , uh , chaos , 803 00:30:46,180 --> 00:30:49,990 disunity within NATO actually is 804 00:30:50,000 --> 00:30:53,950 of assistance to the Russians , So I 805 00:30:53,950 --> 00:30:56,030 would respectfully disagree with the 806 00:30:56,030 --> 00:30:58,570 characterization of chaos . I'm just 807 00:30:58,580 --> 00:31:01,120 I'm not saying this creates chaos . I'm 808 00:31:01,120 --> 00:31:02,787 just trying to get back to my 809 00:31:02,787 --> 00:31:05,490 fundamental point that the unity and 810 00:31:05,490 --> 00:31:09,380 strength of NATO is of 811 00:31:09,390 --> 00:31:11,900 paramount importance when it comes to 812 00:31:11,900 --> 00:31:15,280 deterring Russia . And on that point , 813 00:31:15,280 --> 00:31:18,320 I would agree whole heartedly waken 814 00:31:18,320 --> 00:31:20,570 agree this we may not agree , or I 815 00:31:20,570 --> 00:31:23,120 don't know about whether individual 816 00:31:23,120 --> 00:31:25,760 actions may cause chaos , but my my 817 00:31:25,770 --> 00:31:29,150 main question I wanted is that unity of 818 00:31:29,150 --> 00:31:31,372 NATO is an important deterrence . Yes , 819 00:31:31,372 --> 00:31:33,594 indeed . Okay . All right . Thank you , 820 00:31:33,594 --> 00:31:36,280 Mr Chairman . Okay . Mr . Langevin is 821 00:31:36,280 --> 00:31:38,224 recognized for five minutes . Mr . 822 00:31:38,224 --> 00:31:40,336 Linderman is participating remotely . 823 00:31:40,336 --> 00:31:42,558 So give me a second to queue up . Jim . 824 00:31:42,558 --> 00:31:44,669 Thank you . Thank you . Mr Chairman , 825 00:31:44,669 --> 00:31:48,160 can you hear me ? Okay . Yes . Okay . 826 00:31:48,540 --> 00:31:50,651 Thank you . Mr . Chairman , I want to 827 00:31:50,651 --> 00:31:52,596 thank our witnesses for being here 828 00:31:52,596 --> 00:31:55,420 today to discuss the D to maintain our 829 00:31:55,420 --> 00:31:58,020 defense posture in Europe . And I'm 830 00:31:58,020 --> 00:32:00,131 sure we can all agree . Ah , greatest 831 00:32:00,131 --> 00:32:01,950 strength and deterring Russian 832 00:32:01,960 --> 00:32:05,680 aggression is our allies . So 833 00:32:05,690 --> 00:32:09,130 my question , uh , let me begin with 834 00:32:09,130 --> 00:32:12,030 this . A realignment plan and turn in 835 00:32:12,030 --> 00:32:14,390 my view and that of many others should 836 00:32:14,400 --> 00:32:17,680 fix something that isn't working . Dr . 837 00:32:17,680 --> 00:32:20,140 Anderson , What problems currently 838 00:32:20,140 --> 00:32:23,180 exists . That test necessitates such a 839 00:32:23,190 --> 00:32:26,360 costly large scale realignment . And 840 00:32:26,360 --> 00:32:28,640 additionally , how do you assess our 841 00:32:28,640 --> 00:32:31,510 existing allies such as Germany will do 842 00:32:31,510 --> 00:32:35,180 this plan . I'm sorry , because 843 00:32:35,180 --> 00:32:36,958 somebody repeat that question I 844 00:32:36,958 --> 00:32:39,680 couldn't quite hear . Yeah , I'll try 845 00:32:39,680 --> 00:32:42,590 it again . I'm sorry . Let me go ahead . 846 00:32:42,590 --> 00:32:45,550 Jim , can you hear me ? Better now . 847 00:32:45,560 --> 00:32:47,671 Way here . You find a serious I could 848 00:32:47,671 --> 00:32:50,520 tell . Go ahead . Okay . I asked a 849 00:32:50,530 --> 00:32:52,930 realignment plan should fix something 850 00:32:52,940 --> 00:32:55,940 that isn't working . And so , Dr 851 00:32:55,940 --> 00:32:58,051 Anderson , I want to ask what problem 852 00:32:58,051 --> 00:33:00,340 currently that that states that caused 853 00:33:00,370 --> 00:33:03,400 by a realignment traditionally have us 854 00:33:03,410 --> 00:33:06,640 death of existing ally to Germany . His 855 00:33:06,640 --> 00:33:10,480 plan . Debate . The basic question is 856 00:33:10,480 --> 00:33:12,702 what wasn't working , what we're trying 857 00:33:12,702 --> 00:33:14,813 to fix . And how do you think Germany 858 00:33:14,813 --> 00:33:16,980 feels about this ? Thank you . So , as 859 00:33:16,980 --> 00:33:19,091 you know , as mentioned and discussed 860 00:33:19,091 --> 00:33:22,360 earlier , uh , we we look at posture on 861 00:33:22,360 --> 00:33:24,830 a routine basis , how we're doing 862 00:33:24,830 --> 00:33:26,941 around the world and certainly in the 863 00:33:26,941 --> 00:33:29,680 context of the Secretary of Defense 864 00:33:29,690 --> 00:33:32,420 directed , uh , Combatant Command 865 00:33:32,420 --> 00:33:35,760 reviews . Um , this is on , by the way , 866 00:33:35,760 --> 00:33:37,720 which is not just it wasn't just 867 00:33:37,720 --> 00:33:39,980 focused on on you . Calm , but was 868 00:33:39,990 --> 00:33:42,400 isn't across the board review of all 869 00:33:42,410 --> 00:33:45,950 our combatant commands . We we looked 870 00:33:45,950 --> 00:33:48,790 at how How well , current posture is , 871 00:33:48,800 --> 00:33:52,340 uh is deterring our competitors . And 872 00:33:52,340 --> 00:33:55,710 we looked at how efficient our 873 00:33:55,720 --> 00:33:58,710 disposition of troops is . And in that 874 00:33:58,710 --> 00:34:02,330 context , we have come up with , you 875 00:34:02,330 --> 00:34:04,760 know , ah , plan going forward , uh , 876 00:34:04,770 --> 00:34:07,490 to enhance that posture and to align 877 00:34:07,490 --> 00:34:10,060 with the five principles articulated by 878 00:34:10,440 --> 00:34:13,330 my secretary expert . So , in the case 879 00:34:13,330 --> 00:34:16,440 of Germany , um , you know , 880 00:34:16,440 --> 00:34:20,300 they probably you know , they have some 881 00:34:20,310 --> 00:34:22,820 some , uh , some different ideas , 882 00:34:22,830 --> 00:34:24,941 perhaps about what would be the ideal 883 00:34:24,941 --> 00:34:27,850 posture . But these are our forces , um 884 00:34:27,860 --> 00:34:31,270 Ato invitation of Germany . 885 00:34:31,340 --> 00:34:34,140 And I would I would argue that , you 886 00:34:34,140 --> 00:34:36,750 know , changes can be hard because 887 00:34:36,750 --> 00:34:39,720 change is different . But we're quite 888 00:34:39,720 --> 00:34:41,776 confident that these changes will in 889 00:34:41,776 --> 00:34:43,720 fact be beneficial not only to the 890 00:34:43,720 --> 00:34:45,910 United States , but are all our NATO 891 00:34:45,910 --> 00:34:47,910 allies . I would also note , in the 892 00:34:47,910 --> 00:34:50,380 broader context of European NATO 893 00:34:50,380 --> 00:34:53,250 history , uh , there have been multiple 894 00:34:53,250 --> 00:34:55,930 changes over time in terms of our force 895 00:34:55,930 --> 00:34:59,120 posture in . Okay , I'm going to stop 896 00:34:59,120 --> 00:35:01,231 you there . If I could , uh , my time 897 00:35:01,231 --> 00:35:03,342 is running down . I have to be honest 898 00:35:03,342 --> 00:35:05,231 with you that I'm really having a 899 00:35:05,231 --> 00:35:07,453 trouble . I'm in trouble connecting the 900 00:35:07,453 --> 00:35:09,780 dots where this is fixing a problem . 901 00:35:09,790 --> 00:35:13,410 Uh , that really I don't think exists 902 00:35:13,410 --> 00:35:15,632 right now . In fact , it is gonna cause 903 00:35:15,632 --> 00:35:17,743 more problems , uh , than anything is 904 00:35:17,743 --> 00:35:19,743 going to solve . But let me turn to 905 00:35:19,743 --> 00:35:21,521 this . Our approach to currents 906 00:35:21,521 --> 00:35:23,243 obviously has to be a whole of 907 00:35:23,243 --> 00:35:25,077 government approach , not solely 908 00:35:25,077 --> 00:35:27,132 reliant on the d o d . When deciding 909 00:35:27,132 --> 00:35:29,299 these these right realignment plants , 910 00:35:29,299 --> 00:35:31,430 what role does and did the State 911 00:35:31,430 --> 00:35:34,400 Department play and what inputs that 912 00:35:34,400 --> 00:35:36,890 they provided during this process ? I 913 00:35:36,890 --> 00:35:39,001 think that the ranking member touched 914 00:35:39,001 --> 00:35:41,223 on this , but I think it's important to 915 00:35:41,223 --> 00:35:42,612 address expand upon it . 916 00:35:46,540 --> 00:35:49,550 Yeah . I'm sorry . What role did the 917 00:35:49,560 --> 00:35:51,727 could somebody summarized ? Question . 918 00:35:51,727 --> 00:35:53,671 I'm having a hard time state . The 919 00:35:53,671 --> 00:35:55,782 State Department . What role did they 920 00:35:55,782 --> 00:35:58,950 have in this ? And what inputs do they 921 00:35:58,950 --> 00:36:01,780 have in the process ? So I I know that 922 00:36:01,790 --> 00:36:03,880 I talked to my State Department 923 00:36:03,880 --> 00:36:05,936 colleagues all the time , and I know 924 00:36:05,936 --> 00:36:07,769 that secretary expert talks with 925 00:36:07,769 --> 00:36:09,769 Secretary Pompeo . And , you know , 926 00:36:09,769 --> 00:36:11,880 prior to the rollout , we did discuss 927 00:36:11,880 --> 00:36:13,769 this posture realignment with our 928 00:36:13,769 --> 00:36:15,269 friends across the river . 929 00:36:17,630 --> 00:36:19,852 Okay . It doesn't sound like it sounded 930 00:36:19,852 --> 00:36:22,270 me then . It's more . It was ad hoc as 931 00:36:22,270 --> 00:36:24,450 opposed to a well thought out State 932 00:36:24,450 --> 00:36:27,460 Department process and involvement . So , 933 00:36:27,470 --> 00:36:31,180 um , uh , with that , I know my time 934 00:36:31,180 --> 00:36:33,236 driving down . So I'll , you're back 935 00:36:33,236 --> 00:36:35,770 again . Thank you . Mr . Wilson's 936 00:36:35,770 --> 00:36:38,048 recognized for five months . Thank you , 937 00:36:38,048 --> 00:36:40,270 Mr Chairman . And thank each of you for 938 00:36:40,270 --> 00:36:42,492 being here today to bring us up to date 939 00:36:42,492 --> 00:36:44,159 on the European Theater . I'm 940 00:36:44,159 --> 00:36:46,214 particularly grateful that President 941 00:36:46,214 --> 00:36:48,326 Trump has expanded the troop presence 942 00:36:48,326 --> 00:36:50,326 in Poland . This is a deterrence to 943 00:36:50,326 --> 00:36:52,930 Putin aggression on its special to me , 944 00:36:52,930 --> 00:36:55,097 I have , ah , Polish American daughter 945 00:36:55,097 --> 00:36:57,263 in law . And so , uh , the recognition 946 00:36:57,263 --> 00:36:59,486 of how important that country is , uh , 947 00:36:59,486 --> 00:37:01,680 to all of us and has been on . Then I 948 00:37:01,680 --> 00:37:03,513 had the opportunity to meet with 949 00:37:03,513 --> 00:37:05,680 President Andris Duda and New York and 950 00:37:05,680 --> 00:37:07,569 thank him for the warm welcome of 951 00:37:07,569 --> 00:37:09,569 American troops . In fact , there's 952 00:37:09,569 --> 00:37:11,960 been speculation that the base could be 953 00:37:11,960 --> 00:37:14,740 called Fort Trump . Um , the key point 954 00:37:14,740 --> 00:37:17,500 is that we really appreciate and 955 00:37:17,500 --> 00:37:19,833 recognize the importance of Poland , uh , 956 00:37:19,833 --> 00:37:22,710 to deter aggression . And Secretary 957 00:37:22,710 --> 00:37:24,877 Anderson I was an election observer in 958 00:37:24,877 --> 00:37:27,043 Bulgaria in 1990 for the parliamentary 959 00:37:27,043 --> 00:37:28,821 elections which represented the 960 00:37:28,821 --> 00:37:30,821 historic transition to a democratic 961 00:37:30,821 --> 00:37:33,450 society a dream come true of democracy 962 00:37:33,450 --> 00:37:36,480 in Bulgaria . I visited our base there 963 00:37:36,490 --> 00:37:39,400 in Novosel in 2000 and eight at its 964 00:37:39,400 --> 00:37:41,622 meager beginning , and now it's a world 965 00:37:41,622 --> 00:37:43,950 class training facility which has been 966 00:37:43,960 --> 00:37:47,300 really reinforced by Prime Minister 967 00:37:47,300 --> 00:37:49,930 Boiko Borisov . Additionally , I visit 968 00:37:49,930 --> 00:37:51,610 M K airbase in Romania with 969 00:37:51,610 --> 00:37:53,910 Congresswoman Madelyn Video when it was 970 00:37:53,910 --> 00:37:55,970 established . This the logistics hub 971 00:37:55,980 --> 00:37:58,091 for the global war on terrorism . But 972 00:37:58,091 --> 00:38:00,202 it's now modernized to be the heel to 973 00:38:00,202 --> 00:38:02,720 toe rotations for armored brigade 974 00:38:02,730 --> 00:38:05,300 combat teams in Europe . What is your 975 00:38:05,300 --> 00:38:07,550 assessment of our relationship with 976 00:38:07,550 --> 00:38:09,800 NATO allies Bulgaria and Romania , 977 00:38:09,800 --> 00:38:12,230 including the strategic locations of 978 00:38:12,230 --> 00:38:14,400 Novosel and M K for the European 979 00:38:14,400 --> 00:38:18,260 Defense Initiative ? So first 980 00:38:18,260 --> 00:38:20,780 on , uh , Poland , we certainly agree . 981 00:38:20,780 --> 00:38:23,710 There is strong NATO ally and and we 982 00:38:23,710 --> 00:38:25,370 believe the enhanced Defense 983 00:38:25,370 --> 00:38:27,370 Cooperation agreement is gonna make 984 00:38:27,370 --> 00:38:29,710 that partnership even even stronger 985 00:38:29,720 --> 00:38:32,020 with our rotational Are additional 986 00:38:32,020 --> 00:38:35,440 rotational forces there , Um , with 987 00:38:35,440 --> 00:38:39,420 the both . Bulgaria and Romania are 988 00:38:39,430 --> 00:38:41,650 relatively new to NATO , having joined 989 00:38:41,650 --> 00:38:45,210 in , uh , 4004 with other countries , 990 00:38:45,210 --> 00:38:47,432 but they have made tremendous strides . 991 00:38:47,432 --> 00:38:49,543 Azi , your question suggests in terms 992 00:38:49,543 --> 00:38:50,710 of modernization and 993 00:38:50,710 --> 00:38:53,120 professionalization eso we we 994 00:38:53,130 --> 00:38:57,110 absolutely are looking to them Aziz 995 00:38:57,110 --> 00:39:00,600 we Aziz , we re position 996 00:39:00,600 --> 00:39:03,530 and move additional rotation move 997 00:39:03,540 --> 00:39:05,596 additional rotational forces through 998 00:39:05,596 --> 00:39:07,800 those two countries . Uh , we think 999 00:39:07,800 --> 00:39:09,856 that this will strengthen deterrence 1000 00:39:09,856 --> 00:39:12,680 along NATO's southeastern flank in a in 1001 00:39:12,680 --> 00:39:16,080 a very positive way . On dso 1002 00:39:16,080 --> 00:39:18,460 We're excited about this possibility , 1003 00:39:20,520 --> 00:39:22,242 Thank you very much . And Miss 1004 00:39:22,242 --> 00:39:24,353 Secretary , there's always gonna be , 1005 00:39:24,353 --> 00:39:26,520 um , tensions between commitments that 1006 00:39:26,520 --> 00:39:28,631 we have in other areas of the world , 1007 00:39:28,631 --> 00:39:31,590 such as the Indo Pay Calm region , 1008 00:39:31,600 --> 00:39:34,850 recognizing the importance now of the 1009 00:39:34,850 --> 00:39:37,110 alliance that we have with India and 1010 00:39:37,110 --> 00:39:39,090 how far that's come . The American 1011 00:39:39,090 --> 00:39:41,200 security commitments to you come , 1012 00:39:41,210 --> 00:39:43,377 though obviously we need to maintain . 1013 00:39:43,377 --> 00:39:46,150 And how do we do this to be committed 1014 00:39:46,320 --> 00:39:48,920 to our European allies to our Asian 1015 00:39:48,920 --> 00:39:51,010 allies ? What is the latest on the 1016 00:39:51,010 --> 00:39:53,210 strategic gains of our military over 1017 00:39:53,210 --> 00:39:55,230 the last year with our partners and 1018 00:39:55,230 --> 00:39:57,430 allies in Europe ? How can we better 1019 00:39:57,430 --> 00:39:59,340 prepare America and our strategic 1020 00:39:59,340 --> 00:40:01,650 allies to the certain our adversaries ? 1021 00:40:03,310 --> 00:40:05,254 So , in the context of great power 1022 00:40:05,254 --> 00:40:07,421 competition , which we outlined in the 1023 00:40:07,421 --> 00:40:09,660 national defense strategy , we are very 1024 00:40:09,660 --> 00:40:11,438 concerned obviously , about our 1025 00:40:11,438 --> 00:40:13,216 competitors . Both the People's 1026 00:40:13,216 --> 00:40:15,104 Republic of China and the Russian 1027 00:40:15,104 --> 00:40:17,510 Federation . Uh , United States is a 1028 00:40:17,520 --> 00:40:19,576 European power . It's also a Pacific 1029 00:40:19,576 --> 00:40:21,690 power we can and we are and we will 1030 00:40:21,690 --> 00:40:24,160 continue Thio have commitments in both 1031 00:40:24,160 --> 00:40:27,540 regions and and deter on both both 1032 00:40:27,540 --> 00:40:29,540 those fronts . I would add that the 1033 00:40:29,710 --> 00:40:33,500 rotational element of this current plan 1034 00:40:33,500 --> 00:40:37,490 here gives us more flexibility both 1035 00:40:37,500 --> 00:40:39,750 again at the strategic level and at the 1036 00:40:39,750 --> 00:40:42,028 operational level . So what that means , 1037 00:40:42,028 --> 00:40:44,530 in very practical terms , is that some 1038 00:40:44,530 --> 00:40:46,990 of the troops currently positioned in 1039 00:40:46,990 --> 00:40:49,430 Europe that will be coming back to the 1040 00:40:49,430 --> 00:40:51,940 United States , and then we'll have the 1041 00:40:51,940 --> 00:40:55,740 inherent flexibility to respond 1042 00:40:55,740 --> 00:40:58,370 to any number of global contingencies . 1043 00:40:58,380 --> 00:41:01,000 But they will still retain ah , keen 1044 00:41:01,000 --> 00:41:04,140 focus on deploying back to Europe on a 1045 00:41:04,140 --> 00:41:06,640 rotational basis . Excellent . Thank 1046 00:41:06,640 --> 00:41:09,560 you In General Alvin , there's no doubt 1047 00:41:09,560 --> 00:41:11,540 that China and Russia , our main 1048 00:41:11,540 --> 00:41:13,990 competitors in the continuing line 1049 00:41:13,990 --> 00:41:16,740 activity in Africa , what is the 1050 00:41:16,740 --> 00:41:19,130 security force Assistant Brigade's 1051 00:41:19,140 --> 00:41:22,890 support for Africom and I do 1052 00:41:22,890 --> 00:41:24,723 apologize . But you got about 15 1053 00:41:24,723 --> 00:41:27,001 seconds to answer that question . Okay ? 1054 00:41:27,001 --> 00:41:29,223 Absolutely . I would say this is one of 1055 00:41:29,223 --> 00:41:31,390 the great developments that the United 1056 00:41:31,390 --> 00:41:33,334 States Army has done to be able to 1057 00:41:33,334 --> 00:41:35,557 adapt to the environment and understand 1058 00:41:35,557 --> 00:41:37,612 it's not all about high end combat , 1059 00:41:37,612 --> 00:41:37,500 but sometimes you have to compete on 1060 00:41:37,500 --> 00:41:40,230 those multiple cooperation arrangements 1061 00:41:40,230 --> 00:41:42,640 that the s fab really primes on is 1062 00:41:42,650 --> 00:41:44,817 important to be able to compete across 1063 00:41:44,817 --> 00:41:48,620 the globe . Thank you . Mr Larson is 1064 00:41:48,620 --> 00:41:50,787 recognized . Thank you , Mr Chairman . 1065 00:41:50,787 --> 00:41:52,731 I'll yield my time to represent of 1066 00:41:52,731 --> 00:41:54,898 Hoolahan of Pennsylvania . Thank you , 1067 00:41:54,898 --> 00:41:56,787 Mr Larson . And thank you all for 1068 00:41:56,787 --> 00:41:58,564 coming . Before I start with my 1069 00:41:58,564 --> 00:42:00,620 question , I don't I want to kind of 1070 00:42:00,620 --> 00:42:02,676 pause for a minute on Representative 1071 00:42:02,676 --> 00:42:04,787 Wilson's comments regarding troops in 1072 00:42:04,787 --> 00:42:07,120 Poland and , uh , respectfully disagree . 1073 00:42:07,120 --> 00:42:09,287 I'm not certain that it is necessarily 1074 00:42:09,287 --> 00:42:11,850 a deterrence . Uh , but possibly an 1075 00:42:11,850 --> 00:42:14,072 escalation by moving troops to Poland . 1076 00:42:14,072 --> 00:42:16,930 And my father is Polish born . And so I 1077 00:42:16,940 --> 00:42:19,340 personally have heard from him about 1078 00:42:19,350 --> 00:42:21,930 the history of that war torn area of 1079 00:42:21,930 --> 00:42:24,041 our of our planet . And I worry about 1080 00:42:24,041 --> 00:42:26,152 that . But my questions air for you , 1081 00:42:26,152 --> 00:42:28,374 Dr Anderson , and it's my understanding 1082 00:42:28,400 --> 00:42:30,511 that this realignment will affect our 1083 00:42:30,511 --> 00:42:32,678 posture in Africa . And so what is the 1084 00:42:32,678 --> 00:42:34,678 process that the department will be 1085 00:42:34,678 --> 00:42:36,678 using to determine where it will be 1086 00:42:36,678 --> 00:42:38,789 relocating Africom headquarters ? And 1087 00:42:38,789 --> 00:42:40,511 could you please describe what 1088 00:42:40,511 --> 00:42:40,410 assessment you've made of how the 1089 00:42:40,410 --> 00:42:42,521 realignment would affect our presence 1090 00:42:42,521 --> 00:42:46,500 in Africa ? So as a zoo 1091 00:42:46,500 --> 00:42:49,880 outlined on the 29th the public rollout 1092 00:42:49,880 --> 00:42:52,670 the AFRICOM headquarters , which is 1093 00:42:52,670 --> 00:42:54,920 currently in its suit car . Germany 1094 00:42:54,920 --> 00:42:57,198 will be moving to a different location , 1095 00:42:57,198 --> 00:43:00,940 uh , to be determined and be a 1096 00:43:00,950 --> 00:43:03,250 number of factors involved there . And 1097 00:43:03,250 --> 00:43:05,880 making that determination and including 1098 00:43:05,890 --> 00:43:09,800 cost and receptivity of host 1099 00:43:09,800 --> 00:43:11,780 nations if it's gonna be based in 1100 00:43:11,780 --> 00:43:15,560 Europe or even in Africa or if it were 1101 00:43:15,570 --> 00:43:17,681 to move back to the United States was 1102 00:43:17,681 --> 00:43:19,792 yet another possibility . Obviously , 1103 00:43:19,792 --> 00:43:21,626 you know , the services would be 1104 00:43:21,626 --> 00:43:23,970 involved in , uh , in consultation with 1105 00:43:23,970 --> 00:43:26,790 Congress about potential destinations . 1106 00:43:26,800 --> 00:43:30,260 So cost and operational 1107 00:43:30,260 --> 00:43:33,050 efficiency Um , would 1108 00:43:33,060 --> 00:43:36,590 a zoo applicable any host host nation 1109 00:43:36,590 --> 00:43:38,757 permissions ? Those would all be among 1110 00:43:38,757 --> 00:43:41,520 the variables of the department would 1111 00:43:41,520 --> 00:43:43,990 have to assess . So do we have that 1112 00:43:43,990 --> 00:43:45,934 sort of data on where it currently 1113 00:43:45,934 --> 00:43:47,990 exists so that we could compare it ? 1114 00:43:47,990 --> 00:43:49,879 Whatever the two options or three 1115 00:43:49,879 --> 00:43:51,990 options are , And why would we decide 1116 00:43:51,990 --> 00:43:54,101 just to move just to move without any 1117 00:43:54,101 --> 00:43:56,323 sort of information or data about where 1118 00:43:56,323 --> 00:43:58,434 are staying put would put us in terms 1119 00:43:58,434 --> 00:44:00,546 of cost benefit analysis , So I don't 1120 00:44:00,546 --> 00:44:03,980 have I don't have those details on the 1121 00:44:03,980 --> 00:44:05,869 current costs of maintaining that 1122 00:44:05,869 --> 00:44:08,070 headquarters , but I am confident that 1123 00:44:08,070 --> 00:44:09,903 we will we will find operational 1124 00:44:09,903 --> 00:44:12,710 efficiencies and , uh , in moving that 1125 00:44:12,710 --> 00:44:15,060 and also meeting the presidential 1126 00:44:15,070 --> 00:44:18,260 presidential directed cap of our forces 1127 00:44:18,270 --> 00:44:21,940 in Germany . And how would you make an 1128 00:44:21,940 --> 00:44:24,107 assessment of what the effect would be 1129 00:44:24,107 --> 00:44:26,218 with our our relationship in Africa , 1130 00:44:26,218 --> 00:44:28,329 our presence in Africa ? What sort of 1131 00:44:28,329 --> 00:44:30,384 factors would come into play there , 1132 00:44:30,690 --> 00:44:32,579 You mentioned specifically may be 1133 00:44:32,579 --> 00:44:34,579 moving to the United States , which 1134 00:44:34,579 --> 00:44:36,634 sort of doesn't seem like a sensible 1135 00:44:36,634 --> 00:44:38,523 solution . So I was worked in the 1136 00:44:38,523 --> 00:44:41,090 Pentagon in the in the two thousands , 1137 00:44:41,090 --> 00:44:43,146 and I remember , well , the vigorous 1138 00:44:43,146 --> 00:44:45,257 debates that ensued at that time when 1139 00:44:45,257 --> 00:44:47,900 African was established on where it 1140 00:44:47,910 --> 00:44:50,460 could or should be located . And , uh , 1141 00:44:50,470 --> 00:44:52,581 it's my full expectation that we will 1142 00:44:52,581 --> 00:44:54,803 have a similarly vigorous debate , um , 1143 00:44:54,803 --> 00:44:56,859 this time around on on the potential 1144 00:44:56,859 --> 00:44:58,859 destinations of Africa . And I know 1145 00:44:58,859 --> 00:45:01,290 that General Townsend , the combat 1146 00:45:01,290 --> 00:45:03,900 commander for AFRICOM , is working with 1147 00:45:03,900 --> 00:45:06,420 his staff . Thio develop such options . 1148 00:45:06,430 --> 00:45:08,541 Thank you . And with the remainder of 1149 00:45:08,541 --> 00:45:10,319 my time , General Alvin on this 1150 00:45:10,319 --> 00:45:12,486 question is probably in the classified 1151 00:45:12,486 --> 00:45:14,652 environment . But I would like to just 1152 00:45:14,652 --> 00:45:16,874 put it out there and potentially have a 1153 00:45:16,874 --> 00:45:18,652 follow up with you . I would be 1154 00:45:18,652 --> 00:45:20,652 interested to know if you're if the 1155 00:45:20,652 --> 00:45:22,763 department is updated operation plans 1156 00:45:22,763 --> 00:45:24,319 for various Russian related 1157 00:45:24,319 --> 00:45:26,263 contingencies . Given the proposed 1158 00:45:26,263 --> 00:45:28,910 changes to our posture in Europe , uh , 1159 00:45:29,590 --> 00:45:31,812 congresswoman , just weaken . Certainly 1160 00:45:31,812 --> 00:45:33,923 go into more detail at a higher level 1161 00:45:33,923 --> 00:45:35,923 of classification , I will tell you 1162 00:45:35,923 --> 00:45:39,200 that you calm staff did consider those 1163 00:45:39,200 --> 00:45:41,920 when they were developing , uh , this 1164 00:45:41,920 --> 00:45:43,920 realignment posture , uh , concepts 1165 00:45:43,920 --> 00:45:46,250 Well , that they were considered both 1166 00:45:46,250 --> 00:45:48,990 the current ones and including some of 1167 00:45:48,990 --> 00:45:51,046 the shortfalls and the opportunities 1168 00:45:51,090 --> 00:45:53,201 with this . But I could go at it at a 1169 00:45:53,201 --> 00:45:55,257 higher classifications of with . And 1170 00:45:55,257 --> 00:45:54,770 would we be able to follow up with you 1171 00:45:54,770 --> 00:45:57,010 on more details on that at a different 1172 00:45:57,010 --> 00:45:59,177 classifications ? Little Yes , ma'am . 1173 00:45:59,177 --> 00:46:01,343 Okay . Thank you . My last question is 1174 00:46:01,343 --> 00:46:03,454 also for you . And I'm curious to see 1175 00:46:03,454 --> 00:46:03,390 how you calm is working with allied 1176 00:46:03,390 --> 00:46:05,279 agencies to counter Russian cyber 1177 00:46:05,279 --> 00:46:07,334 threats and how the proposed posture 1178 00:46:07,334 --> 00:46:09,168 changes would affect that work . 1179 00:46:11,380 --> 00:46:14,590 Yeah , I know that the actually from 1180 00:46:14,590 --> 00:46:17,430 from been on the staff from 2015 to 1181 00:46:17,430 --> 00:46:19,597 2018 . I've been heartened in the last 1182 00:46:19,597 --> 00:46:21,486 couple of years to see the actual 1183 00:46:21,486 --> 00:46:24,140 improvement , uh , in the capabilities 1184 00:46:24,150 --> 00:46:26,261 in the cyber realm within us European 1185 00:46:26,261 --> 00:46:28,428 command to be able to not only address 1186 00:46:28,428 --> 00:46:30,850 those , but also reach out to , uh , 1187 00:46:30,860 --> 00:46:32,749 some potentially vulnerable . And 1188 00:46:32,750 --> 00:46:34,972 that's about as much like go to in this 1189 00:46:34,972 --> 00:46:37,083 classifications level , um , partners 1190 00:46:37,083 --> 00:46:39,250 within the region . I would say that , 1191 00:46:39,250 --> 00:46:41,472 uh , three assessment , I would have to 1192 00:46:41,472 --> 00:46:43,583 defer to U . S . European command for 1193 00:46:43,583 --> 00:46:45,750 specific assessment . I would say , in 1194 00:46:45,750 --> 00:46:47,806 general , though , the relationships 1195 00:46:47,806 --> 00:46:49,917 and specifically how it pertains to , 1196 00:46:49,917 --> 00:46:52,139 uh , cyber engagements and movements on 1197 00:46:52,139 --> 00:46:55,120 that front , I would not anticipate a 1198 00:46:55,120 --> 00:46:57,287 big change either way on that from the 1199 00:46:57,287 --> 00:46:59,342 current positive path that it's on . 1200 00:46:59,342 --> 00:47:01,509 But I would have to yield . And we can 1201 00:47:01,509 --> 00:47:03,787 get back you , for the record with you . 1202 00:47:03,787 --> 00:47:03,720 Com for more details , if you like On 1203 00:47:03,720 --> 00:47:05,776 that . Thank you . I appreciate I've 1204 00:47:05,776 --> 00:47:07,553 run out of time and thank you , 1205 00:47:07,553 --> 00:47:07,230 representative . And I yield back to 1206 00:47:07,230 --> 00:47:09,270 the chair . Thank you , Mr Turner . 1207 00:47:09,280 --> 00:47:13,040 Recognized for five minutes . Thank you , 1208 00:47:13,040 --> 00:47:15,900 Mr Chairman . I want toe begin by 1209 00:47:16,280 --> 00:47:18,470 stating that I share the chairman and 1210 00:47:18,470 --> 00:47:20,137 the ranking member skepticism 1211 00:47:20,137 --> 00:47:22,137 concerning , uh , this plan . But I 1212 00:47:22,137 --> 00:47:24,530 wanna associate myself with the 1213 00:47:24,530 --> 00:47:26,980 comments of Mr Wilson . 1214 00:47:27,680 --> 00:47:30,360 The I think it's very important for us 1215 00:47:30,360 --> 00:47:32,360 to have forward deployed troops and 1216 00:47:32,360 --> 00:47:34,416 having participated in observance of 1217 00:47:34,420 --> 00:47:36,309 four games in Poland . I know how 1218 00:47:36,309 --> 00:47:39,120 important our presence in Poland is , 1219 00:47:39,130 --> 00:47:41,463 um , in deterrence . With respect , toe , 1220 00:47:41,463 --> 00:47:44,090 Russia . General , I want to begin with 1221 00:47:44,090 --> 00:47:46,990 you . Um , you were involved in the 1222 00:47:46,990 --> 00:47:50,730 formulation of this plan , correct ? I 1223 00:47:50,730 --> 00:47:52,452 was not personally involved in 1224 00:47:52,452 --> 00:47:54,619 formulation of this plan . Okay , Um , 1225 00:47:54,619 --> 00:47:56,563 have you reviewed the process upon 1226 00:47:56,563 --> 00:47:59,040 which the formulation occurred ? Good 1227 00:47:59,040 --> 00:48:00,929 conversations with those who were 1228 00:48:00,929 --> 00:48:03,190 putting the plan together . I have Are 1229 00:48:03,190 --> 00:48:05,412 you aware whether or not the rush , the 1230 00:48:05,412 --> 00:48:08,660 NATO Russia Founding Act of 1997 had a 1231 00:48:08,670 --> 00:48:10,670 had an impact in the formulation of 1232 00:48:10,670 --> 00:48:12,781 this plan which prohibits the forward 1233 00:48:12,781 --> 00:48:14,781 deployment of troops on a permanent 1234 00:48:14,781 --> 00:48:17,003 basis in former Warsaw Pact countries ? 1235 00:48:17,003 --> 00:48:19,860 I did consult with those who are 1236 00:48:19,860 --> 00:48:22,230 developing the plan afterwards to 1237 00:48:22,230 --> 00:48:24,286 ensure that the NATO Russia Founding 1238 00:48:24,286 --> 00:48:26,452 Act was taken into consideration . And 1239 00:48:26,452 --> 00:48:28,619 they assured me that it was taken into 1240 00:48:28,619 --> 00:48:30,452 consideration because of the the 1241 00:48:30,452 --> 00:48:32,786 wording in the NATO Russia Founding Act . 1242 00:48:32,786 --> 00:48:34,780 Talks about significant for Mrs 1243 00:48:34,780 --> 00:48:36,580 Permanently station rather than 1244 00:48:36,580 --> 00:48:38,691 rotational . Now , Russia doesn't see 1245 00:48:38,691 --> 00:48:40,969 it that way . Right , General ? I mean , 1246 00:48:40,969 --> 00:48:43,136 Russia believes that rotational forces 1247 00:48:43,136 --> 00:48:45,191 that are , um that have a continuing 1248 00:48:45,191 --> 00:48:47,247 presence are , in fact , permanent . 1249 00:48:48,170 --> 00:48:50,392 Isn't that their objection that they've 1250 00:48:50,392 --> 00:48:52,226 made to this plan . That's their 1251 00:48:52,226 --> 00:48:54,281 objection . I don't know that that's 1252 00:48:54,281 --> 00:48:56,448 what they believe in their hearts , or 1253 00:48:56,448 --> 00:48:58,781 that's part of the competition rhetoric . 1254 00:48:58,781 --> 00:48:58,180 If there wasn't the NATO Russia 1255 00:48:58,180 --> 00:49:00,402 Founding Act , would we have approached 1256 00:49:00,402 --> 00:49:03,730 this differently ? I would have to 1257 00:49:03,730 --> 00:49:05,952 yield to the Yukon staff for that . I I 1258 00:49:05,952 --> 00:49:09,030 think , uh , we look at the evolution 1259 00:49:09,030 --> 00:49:11,141 of the strategic environment and take 1260 00:49:11,141 --> 00:49:13,252 that into account . But I can't speak 1261 00:49:13,252 --> 00:49:15,197 on their behalf as to whether that 1262 00:49:15,197 --> 00:49:14,900 would have significant altered the path 1263 00:49:14,910 --> 00:49:17,021 General , If we're in a conflict with 1264 00:49:17,021 --> 00:49:18,854 Russia , do you believe that the 1265 00:49:18,854 --> 00:49:21,080 Atlantic is contested space ? I do . 1266 00:49:21,670 --> 00:49:23,559 Wouldn't that mean that by having 1267 00:49:23,559 --> 00:49:26,280 rotational forces that it complicates 1268 00:49:26,280 --> 00:49:29,990 our ability to rotate forces to augment 1269 00:49:29,990 --> 00:49:33,770 supplement or two to ? Even as Dr 1270 00:49:33,770 --> 00:49:35,826 Anderson was saying , Thio , give us 1271 00:49:35,826 --> 00:49:38,310 the flexibility as to what we have , uh , 1272 00:49:38,320 --> 00:49:42,070 in in Europe , Congressman , To 1273 00:49:42,080 --> 00:49:44,247 keep it at this classification level , 1274 00:49:44,247 --> 00:49:46,840 I would say that while our ability to 1275 00:49:46,840 --> 00:49:49,590 rotate forces into the theater would be 1276 00:49:49,590 --> 00:49:52,780 challenged , um , the existence of the 1277 00:49:52,780 --> 00:49:54,780 amount of permanent presence forces 1278 00:49:54,780 --> 00:49:56,947 there would be insignificant would not 1279 00:49:56,947 --> 00:49:58,920 be significant enough . Thio 1280 00:49:58,930 --> 00:50:00,930 successfully engaged decisively the 1281 00:50:00,930 --> 00:50:02,940 Russians in a conflict so one would 1282 00:50:02,940 --> 00:50:05,110 still have to deploy significant 1283 00:50:05,110 --> 00:50:07,332 amounts of forces in which the Atlantic 1284 00:50:07,332 --> 00:50:09,666 would be contested regardless , General , 1285 00:50:09,666 --> 00:50:11,888 when you commit to rotational forces us 1286 00:50:11,888 --> 00:50:13,999 to oppose to permanent forces , isn't 1287 00:50:13,999 --> 00:50:15,943 it true that rotational forces can 1288 00:50:15,943 --> 00:50:18,730 actually have an increased cost above 1289 00:50:18,730 --> 00:50:20,841 what permanent basing of forces would 1290 00:50:20,841 --> 00:50:24,190 be ? I would yield to the services for 1291 00:50:24,190 --> 00:50:26,190 that , but as my understanding that 1292 00:50:26,190 --> 00:50:28,412 there is a new increased costs now that 1293 00:50:28,412 --> 00:50:30,830 that can be , uh , that that can be 1294 00:50:30,840 --> 00:50:33,250 mitigated through different means , 1295 00:50:33,260 --> 00:50:35,260 whether it be keeping the equipment 1296 00:50:35,260 --> 00:50:37,482 there or not , that there are different 1297 00:50:37,482 --> 00:50:39,704 ways that it can be mitigated . And the 1298 00:50:39,704 --> 00:50:41,871 advantages of rotational forces cannot 1299 00:50:41,871 --> 00:50:44,038 way that I would yield to the services 1300 00:50:44,038 --> 00:50:46,650 for that . Dr . Anderson . Um , Russia 1301 00:50:46,650 --> 00:50:49,150 has obviously been in violation of the 1302 00:50:49,160 --> 00:50:52,290 NATO Russia Founding Act . They , too , 1303 00:50:52,300 --> 00:50:55,830 had representations in the in the 1304 00:50:55,830 --> 00:50:57,941 agreement , which is not a treaty and 1305 00:50:57,941 --> 00:50:59,886 is not therefore binding to United 1306 00:50:59,886 --> 00:51:03,510 States . Um , and their incursions both 1307 00:51:03,510 --> 00:51:05,520 into Georgia and to Ukraine would 1308 00:51:05,520 --> 00:51:09,090 certainly be violations of those act of 1309 00:51:09,090 --> 00:51:13,000 that act . Um , if the if the brush in 1310 00:51:13,010 --> 00:51:15,670 the NATO Russia Founding Act was not 1311 00:51:15,670 --> 00:51:18,070 being adhered to by United States and 1312 00:51:18,070 --> 00:51:20,014 this plan would you have scoped it 1313 00:51:20,014 --> 00:51:22,237 differently ? And would you have looked 1314 00:51:22,237 --> 00:51:24,459 at placing permanent troops for based ? 1315 00:51:26,360 --> 00:51:29,110 I would also have to defer to the Yukon 1316 00:51:29,110 --> 00:51:32,060 staff on those , uh , on that 1317 00:51:32,060 --> 00:51:34,210 particular question . But I would say 1318 00:51:34,210 --> 00:51:37,000 that I've just reemphasize the value of 1319 00:51:37,000 --> 00:51:39,056 the rotational forces that cost is a 1320 00:51:39,056 --> 00:51:41,410 consideration . Um , in some cases , 1321 00:51:41,410 --> 00:51:43,521 that may go up , but in other cases , 1322 00:51:43,521 --> 00:51:45,632 you know , with rotational forces you 1323 00:51:45,632 --> 00:51:48,570 don't have the cost associated with 1324 00:51:48,760 --> 00:51:51,010 with families being PCs overseas . So 1325 00:51:51,010 --> 00:51:52,843 that would , in fact , be a cost 1326 00:51:52,843 --> 00:51:55,066 savings again once you get through kind 1327 00:51:55,066 --> 00:51:57,340 of a transition period , which is 1328 00:51:57,340 --> 00:52:00,630 envisioned to take years . Well , 1329 00:52:00,630 --> 00:52:02,770 doctors , I'm not a fan of the United 1330 00:52:02,770 --> 00:52:04,970 States adhering to agreements that 1331 00:52:04,970 --> 00:52:07,460 Russia continuously violates . And I do 1332 00:52:07,460 --> 00:52:09,770 fear that in this instance , we may be 1333 00:52:09,780 --> 00:52:12,260 scoping our plans and policies by 1334 00:52:12,260 --> 00:52:14,870 limiting ourselves , uh , to enact that 1335 00:52:14,880 --> 00:52:16,824 is , at this point , meaningless . 1336 00:52:16,824 --> 00:52:18,936 Thank you . You're back . Thank you , 1337 00:52:18,936 --> 00:52:18,780 Mr Courtney . 1338 00:52:23,250 --> 00:52:25,690 And for , uh , for holding this hearing 1339 00:52:25,690 --> 00:52:28,023 into our witnesses for being here today . 1340 00:52:28,023 --> 00:52:30,246 Um , you know , one aspect of this plan 1341 00:52:30,246 --> 00:52:32,357 which we haven't talked about , which 1342 00:52:32,357 --> 00:52:34,523 strikes me is one of the oddest , um , 1343 00:52:34,523 --> 00:52:36,468 part of the proposal is , uh , the 1344 00:52:36,468 --> 00:52:38,634 scaling back of continuous presence of 1345 00:52:38,634 --> 00:52:42,040 our marines in Norway again . Last 1346 00:52:42,050 --> 00:52:44,710 October , Mr . Norcross and I spent 1347 00:52:44,710 --> 00:52:47,870 some time in Norway , uh , again 1348 00:52:47,880 --> 00:52:50,010 meeting with defense officials , uh , 1349 00:52:50,020 --> 00:52:53,670 members of the Norwegian military . The 1350 00:52:53,680 --> 00:52:55,560 tempo of anti submarine warfare 1351 00:52:55,560 --> 00:52:58,090 activity that the US is collaborating 1352 00:52:58,090 --> 00:53:00,650 with Norway has gone through the roof 1353 00:53:00,660 --> 00:53:02,716 in the last few years , of which I'm 1354 00:53:02,716 --> 00:53:04,827 sure both witnesses are very familiar 1355 00:53:04,827 --> 00:53:07,570 with , um , and a za government and a 1356 00:53:07,570 --> 00:53:09,940 za country . They again , for so many 1357 00:53:09,940 --> 00:53:12,350 reasons , are so critical as an ally . 1358 00:53:12,360 --> 00:53:14,990 A . They are the NATO member in the 1359 00:53:14,990 --> 00:53:18,740 high north . They again are a 1360 00:53:18,740 --> 00:53:21,510 whisker away from hitting their NATO 1361 00:53:21,520 --> 00:53:24,550 GDP target in terms of defense spending . 1362 00:53:24,550 --> 00:53:26,772 And we went through again the increases 1363 00:53:26,772 --> 00:53:28,828 that they've been investing in and a 1364 00:53:28,828 --> 00:53:31,740 whole variety of areas that's there on , 1365 00:53:31,810 --> 00:53:35,680 uh , they border Russia s o . You know , 1366 00:53:35,680 --> 00:53:38,350 the rationale about ending continuous 1367 00:53:38,350 --> 00:53:41,410 presence of the marine ? Um uh , core 1368 00:53:41,410 --> 00:53:44,210 in in Norway ? Uh , this this committee 1369 00:53:44,210 --> 00:53:46,570 has spent really the last five years , 1370 00:53:46,580 --> 00:53:49,260 uh , on a bipartisan basis , supporting , 1371 00:53:49,650 --> 00:53:51,872 uh , the European Defense Initiative as 1372 00:53:51,872 --> 00:53:54,060 a way of reassuring our allies . And 1373 00:53:54,070 --> 00:53:55,570 that was a big part of the 1374 00:53:55,570 --> 00:53:57,950 conversations that we were having with 1375 00:53:57,950 --> 00:53:59,783 defense officials and government 1376 00:53:59,783 --> 00:54:02,117 officials while we were there . So , um , 1377 00:54:02,117 --> 00:54:04,228 explain what ? What was the rationale 1378 00:54:04,228 --> 00:54:06,300 of of doing that again at a very 1379 00:54:06,300 --> 00:54:08,850 critical time with the country that's 1380 00:54:08,850 --> 00:54:11,910 obviously really hitting above its 1381 00:54:11,910 --> 00:54:14,450 weight in the region , a zone ally of 1382 00:54:14,450 --> 00:54:16,283 this country ? What has been the 1383 00:54:16,283 --> 00:54:18,870 reaction on band , given the fact that 1384 00:54:18,880 --> 00:54:21,230 they did the Black Sea rotations out of 1385 00:54:21,230 --> 00:54:25,190 Norway with that marine unit ? Uh , and 1386 00:54:25,190 --> 00:54:27,180 and that purportedly is one of the 1387 00:54:27,190 --> 00:54:29,870 things that you're focused on . How is 1388 00:54:29,870 --> 00:54:31,820 that any How is the newly plan 1389 00:54:31,830 --> 00:54:34,052 rotations , the Black Sea Any different 1390 00:54:34,052 --> 00:54:35,997 than what we're already doing with 1391 00:54:35,997 --> 00:54:39,230 those troops that air in Norway ? So a 1392 00:54:39,230 --> 00:54:42,710 couple of points , uh , NATO , Norway 1393 00:54:42,720 --> 00:54:45,000 remains a key , actually , a founding 1394 00:54:45,000 --> 00:54:47,430 member of NATO and obvious importance 1395 00:54:47,430 --> 00:54:49,374 for its geographic location is who 1396 00:54:49,374 --> 00:54:52,220 Askew noted , sir , Theme the You know , 1397 00:54:52,230 --> 00:54:54,190 the Marine Corps is , uh , 1398 00:54:54,200 --> 00:54:56,520 expeditionary Force and readiness , you 1399 00:54:56,520 --> 00:54:59,380 know , has has decided that it , uh um 1400 00:54:59,390 --> 00:55:01,334 they are going to continue to take 1401 00:55:01,334 --> 00:55:03,810 advantage of the relationship that we 1402 00:55:03,810 --> 00:55:06,060 have with Norway on the fact that we 1403 00:55:06,060 --> 00:55:09,430 have prepositioned equipment up there , 1404 00:55:09,440 --> 00:55:11,607 but just do so in a different way in , 1405 00:55:11,607 --> 00:55:13,718 um , or rotational way that will give 1406 00:55:13,718 --> 00:55:16,090 provide additional flexibility and also 1407 00:55:16,100 --> 00:55:18,267 eyes very consistent with the national 1408 00:55:18,267 --> 00:55:20,570 defense strategy and the emphasis on 1409 00:55:20,580 --> 00:55:23,060 dynamic force employment . Um , where 1410 00:55:23,060 --> 00:55:26,650 we don't necessarily telegraph uh , you 1411 00:55:26,650 --> 00:55:28,940 know , all our movements , years in 1412 00:55:28,940 --> 00:55:30,940 advance . Uh , you know , we can do 1413 00:55:30,940 --> 00:55:33,100 things on on short notice . We can 1414 00:55:33,110 --> 00:55:35,970 change the schedule up in a way that's 1415 00:55:35,980 --> 00:55:39,200 operationally unpredictable on that 1416 00:55:39,200 --> 00:55:41,550 Z Marine Corps is very capable of 1417 00:55:41,550 --> 00:55:44,300 moving quickly on dis is something that 1418 00:55:44,300 --> 00:55:46,467 will , uh , has talked about earlier . 1419 00:55:46,467 --> 00:55:49,350 Provide the United States with with 1420 00:55:49,360 --> 00:55:51,416 with some some additional benefits . 1421 00:55:53,140 --> 00:55:55,260 So do they mean So you're saying this 1422 00:55:55,260 --> 00:55:58,740 actually enhances ? Um , you know 1423 00:55:58,740 --> 00:56:02,550 the ability toe be have a 1424 00:56:02,930 --> 00:56:06,430 deterrence capability in that region . 1425 00:56:06,440 --> 00:56:08,590 That's that's your statement today , 1426 00:56:08,690 --> 00:56:12,340 combined with the other moves described 1427 00:56:12,690 --> 00:56:14,600 with respect to this posture . 1428 00:56:14,600 --> 00:56:16,620 Alignment ? Yes , I do believe it's 1429 00:56:16,620 --> 00:56:18,820 gonna enhance the turns . So again , 1430 00:56:18,830 --> 00:56:20,886 the question regarding the Black Sea 1431 00:56:20,886 --> 00:56:22,886 rotations , which again already are 1432 00:56:22,886 --> 00:56:25,052 occurring with those Marines in Norway 1433 00:56:25,052 --> 00:56:27,650 today . How is the newly plan Plexi 1434 00:56:27,660 --> 00:56:30,030 departments ? What's the change there ? 1435 00:56:30,030 --> 00:56:33,810 What's the benefit for not using or 1436 00:56:33,820 --> 00:56:37,170 Norway's unit ? Aziz the 1437 00:56:38,730 --> 00:56:41,660 is the resource . So one of the one of 1438 00:56:41,660 --> 00:56:44,240 the main pieces envisioned with the 1439 00:56:44,250 --> 00:56:46,940 posture . Realignment is that , um 1440 00:56:46,950 --> 00:56:49,930 there will be some striker , uh , 1441 00:56:49,940 --> 00:56:52,310 striker units that will be moving to 1442 00:56:52,310 --> 00:56:55,430 the , uh , the black Sea region . Um , 1443 00:56:55,430 --> 00:56:58,780 and on a on a rotational basis . So 1444 00:56:58,790 --> 00:57:02,730 that is I'm not aware that Breen's 1445 00:57:02,730 --> 00:57:05,410 that were up in Norway or necessarily 1446 00:57:05,410 --> 00:57:07,790 moving or planning to rotate to the 1447 00:57:07,790 --> 00:57:10,150 Black Sea region . They might , um , 1448 00:57:10,630 --> 00:57:13,050 but that I mean again , that's part of 1449 00:57:13,050 --> 00:57:16,040 the value of having this rotational 1450 00:57:16,040 --> 00:57:20,000 flexibility . They are actually 1451 00:57:20,050 --> 00:57:22,950 doing doing precisely that . And with 1452 00:57:22,950 --> 00:57:25,200 that , I yield back . Thank you , Miss 1453 00:57:25,200 --> 00:57:26,200 Hartzler . 1454 00:57:31,630 --> 00:57:34,150 Thank you , Mr Chairman . I wanted to 1455 00:57:34,160 --> 00:57:36,950 focus both the Doctor Anderson and 1456 00:57:36,960 --> 00:57:39,970 Lieutenant General Allen on the 2020 1457 00:57:39,970 --> 00:57:42,192 agreement that was signed with Poland . 1458 00:57:42,530 --> 00:57:44,860 Um , setting the conditions for burden 1459 00:57:44,860 --> 00:57:48,170 sharing and moving the troops . 1100 1460 00:57:48,170 --> 00:57:50,450 more service members into Poland . So 1461 00:57:50,460 --> 00:57:53,260 was there or is there any discussion 1462 00:57:53,260 --> 00:57:55,410 about moving mawr of the troops from 1463 00:57:55,410 --> 00:57:58,010 Germany into Poland instead of 1464 00:57:58,020 --> 00:58:00,320 relocating those troops back to the 1465 00:58:00,320 --> 00:58:03,110 United States and is a permanent US 1466 00:58:03,110 --> 00:58:05,360 base in Poland ? Something that you 1467 00:58:05,370 --> 00:58:07,530 forsee may happen . 1468 00:58:09,520 --> 00:58:13,310 So I'll start on that one way . Do have 1469 00:58:13,310 --> 00:58:16,770 approximately 4500 troops in in in on a 1470 00:58:16,770 --> 00:58:18,992 rotational basis going through Poland . 1471 00:58:18,992 --> 00:58:21,159 And the agreement that was signed this 1472 00:58:21,159 --> 00:58:23,060 summer by the president and his 1473 00:58:23,060 --> 00:58:25,770 counterpart envisions another another 1474 00:58:25,770 --> 00:58:29,330 1000 thereabouts being deployed on a 1475 00:58:29,330 --> 00:58:31,219 rotational basis and will include 1476 00:58:31,219 --> 00:58:33,290 elements of the Fifth Corps 1477 00:58:33,300 --> 00:58:36,750 headquarters element Andi . 1478 00:58:36,750 --> 00:58:40,740 That that will provide our Army units 1479 00:58:40,750 --> 00:58:44,250 clearly in Europe with additional sort 1480 00:58:44,250 --> 00:58:47,320 of eastward presence that they do not 1481 00:58:47,320 --> 00:58:50,500 currently have on DWI . Think that , 1482 00:58:50,510 --> 00:58:54,060 you know , on the rotational basis is , 1483 00:58:54,070 --> 00:58:56,850 uh is the appropriate 1484 00:58:57,420 --> 00:58:59,960 agreement with the Polish government . 1485 00:58:59,970 --> 00:59:02,780 So you don't see any of the troops that 1486 00:59:02,780 --> 00:59:05,970 are currently in Germany being moved to 1487 00:59:05,980 --> 00:59:08,700 be part of the 1100 that's over in 1488 00:59:08,700 --> 00:59:12,530 Poland ? Uh , no , ma'am , those Air 1489 00:59:12,540 --> 00:59:15,850 e would describe the European force 1490 00:59:15,850 --> 00:59:19,410 posture , restructuring and the the 1491 00:59:19,410 --> 00:59:21,880 enhanced Defense cooperation agreement 1492 00:59:22,100 --> 00:59:25,660 as a separate but complementary in 1493 00:59:25,660 --> 00:59:28,330 their impact in their effect . So I was 1494 00:59:28,330 --> 00:59:30,386 in Poland last year , was some other 1495 00:59:30,386 --> 00:59:32,552 colleagues here house we were at posed 1496 00:59:32,552 --> 00:59:36,180 damn were poets that air base there and , 1497 00:59:36,190 --> 00:59:38,180 uh , can attest that a lot of the 1498 00:59:38,180 --> 00:59:40,440 training facilities air pretty austere 1499 00:59:40,520 --> 00:59:43,390 in Poland . I understand that's one of 1500 00:59:43,390 --> 00:59:45,970 the issues that needs to be addressed . 1501 00:59:45,970 --> 00:59:47,859 The development of training range 1502 00:59:47,859 --> 00:59:49,470 infrastructure , and it's my 1503 00:59:49,470 --> 00:59:51,692 understanding that Poland has agreed to 1504 00:59:51,692 --> 00:59:54,026 help pay for that and to construct that . 1505 00:59:54,026 --> 00:59:56,137 Can you tell him both the timeline of 1506 00:59:56,137 --> 00:59:58,192 that ? And what is the nature of the 1507 00:59:58,192 --> 01:00:00,303 training grounds that will need to be 1508 01:00:00,303 --> 01:00:02,940 constructed ? So the the enhanced 1509 01:00:02,940 --> 01:00:04,884 defense cooperation agreement does 1510 01:00:04,884 --> 01:00:07,940 allow for does provide for the Polish 1511 01:00:07,940 --> 01:00:10,330 government to assist with these 1512 01:00:10,340 --> 01:00:12,650 infrastructure improvements ? Um , I 1513 01:00:12,650 --> 01:00:14,706 would have to get back to you on the 1514 01:00:14,706 --> 01:00:16,980 particular timing of those men . Okay . 1515 01:00:16,990 --> 01:00:19,320 And switching gears to the second 1516 01:00:19,320 --> 01:00:21,770 Calvary Regiment that is returning back 1517 01:00:21,770 --> 01:00:24,140 to the United States . What is the 1518 01:00:24,140 --> 01:00:26,280 process to determine where their 1519 01:00:26,290 --> 01:00:28,457 location is going to be their new home 1520 01:00:28,457 --> 01:00:31,110 station ? And what's the timeline for 1521 01:00:31,110 --> 01:00:34,470 stationing , uh , them back to the U . 1522 01:00:34,470 --> 01:00:36,380 S . And along with that , what 1523 01:00:36,390 --> 01:00:38,557 infrastructure will be needed for them 1524 01:00:38,557 --> 01:00:42,350 to return ? So the the timeline 1525 01:00:42,350 --> 01:00:46,270 is , we'll take , We'll take some time . 1526 01:00:46,270 --> 01:00:48,381 I mean , as we've said consistently , 1527 01:00:48,381 --> 01:00:50,492 this is , uh , months of planning and 1528 01:00:50,492 --> 01:00:52,690 years of execution . Eso that precise 1529 01:00:52,690 --> 01:00:54,912 timeline is to be determined . And that 1530 01:00:54,912 --> 01:00:57,290 will be , um , you know , in 1531 01:00:57,290 --> 01:00:59,430 consultation with obviously with 1532 01:00:59,430 --> 01:01:02,520 Congress and also the services on where 1533 01:01:02,530 --> 01:01:04,530 where they may end up in the United 1534 01:01:04,530 --> 01:01:07,670 States . Do you have any idea how much 1535 01:01:07,680 --> 01:01:11,240 infrastructure will need to be Bill to 1536 01:01:11,250 --> 01:01:12,972 sustain them ? Or will that be 1537 01:01:12,972 --> 01:01:15,194 determined ? Wants you to determine the 1538 01:01:15,194 --> 01:01:17,250 location . I assume the latter man . 1539 01:01:17,250 --> 01:01:19,250 Okay , um , thank you very much . I 1540 01:01:19,250 --> 01:01:23,140 yield back . Mhm . Thank you , 1541 01:01:23,150 --> 01:01:26,710 Mr Mr Norcross with us . I don't Mr 1542 01:01:26,710 --> 01:01:30,510 Norcross , is he ? He is not Mr 1543 01:01:30,510 --> 01:01:31,030 Gaga . 1544 01:01:34,810 --> 01:01:36,866 Mr . Gallagher is with us remotely . 1545 01:01:38,410 --> 01:01:42,170 Rubin hearing me their e can't thank 1546 01:01:42,170 --> 01:01:45,620 you very much . I apologized . 1547 01:01:45,630 --> 01:01:49,270 I'm still in shock to begin with in 1548 01:01:49,270 --> 01:01:51,750 regards to the I'm sorry , Can you hear 1549 01:01:51,750 --> 01:01:55,510 me ? Yes . Okay , because I'm 1550 01:01:55,510 --> 01:01:58,140 still Thio , begin with about decision 1551 01:01:58,140 --> 01:02:00,760 making process that we saw going into 1552 01:02:00,760 --> 01:02:02,982 this on . That's just kind of wanted to 1553 01:02:02,982 --> 01:02:05,600 make sure that part of your statement 1554 01:02:05,600 --> 01:02:08,860 here , uh , manual a public intended 1555 01:02:08,870 --> 01:02:10,981 briefing , classified briefing that I 1556 01:02:10,981 --> 01:02:13,630 think a lot of were very I came out not 1557 01:02:13,630 --> 01:02:16,630 very satisfied in terms off where the 1558 01:02:16,630 --> 01:02:19,060 rationale and not only where the came 1559 01:02:19,060 --> 01:02:22,170 from then the method that was used to 1560 01:02:22,170 --> 01:02:24,281 basically hit the goals that were set 1561 01:02:24,281 --> 01:02:26,337 by the president . So I just want to 1562 01:02:26,337 --> 01:02:29,120 stick that out , uh , go into further 1563 01:02:29,120 --> 01:02:31,287 questions . General Album Have we seen 1564 01:02:31,287 --> 01:02:33,509 a decrease in Russian military activity 1565 01:02:33,509 --> 01:02:35,509 or Joan decrease in the threat from 1566 01:02:35,509 --> 01:02:37,509 water in the past couple of years . 1567 01:02:37,509 --> 01:02:40,010 Yeah . No , Congressman , we haven't . 1568 01:02:41,200 --> 01:02:42,750 Okay , I agree . 1569 01:02:42,760 --> 01:02:47,190 E 1570 01:02:47,200 --> 01:02:49,367 wrote the amendment in this year's N d 1571 01:02:49,367 --> 01:02:51,089 a . When restrictions on troop 1572 01:02:51,089 --> 01:02:53,311 withdrawals and moved get rid of infant 1573 01:02:53,311 --> 01:02:55,478 during Europe . But tell me troops out 1574 01:02:55,478 --> 01:02:57,478 of Germany or Europe But all well , 1575 01:02:57,478 --> 01:02:59,589 against Russian attack anything other 1576 01:02:59,589 --> 01:03:02,190 than a , you know , a soft gift , in my 1577 01:03:02,190 --> 01:03:04,301 opinion , to the equipment that still 1578 01:03:04,301 --> 01:03:06,468 actually trying to exert its influence 1579 01:03:06,468 --> 01:03:07,440 over , uh , 1580 01:03:10,500 --> 01:03:12,611 Well , Congressman , all I can really 1581 01:03:12,611 --> 01:03:14,833 offer on that front is that as as we're 1582 01:03:14,833 --> 01:03:17,056 looking to execute the national defense 1583 01:03:17,056 --> 01:03:19,056 strategy , we take into account not 1584 01:03:19,056 --> 01:03:18,980 only what Russia is doing , but we also 1585 01:03:18,980 --> 01:03:21,202 have to take into account what China is 1586 01:03:21,202 --> 01:03:23,091 doing . We also have to take into 1587 01:03:23,091 --> 01:03:25,258 account what is happening with respect 1588 01:03:25,258 --> 01:03:27,313 to our readiness . Trying to recover 1589 01:03:27,313 --> 01:03:29,424 readiness . We also have to take into 1590 01:03:29,424 --> 01:03:31,480 account the fact that despite , uh , 1591 01:03:31,480 --> 01:03:33,647 the fact that Congress has been very , 1592 01:03:33,647 --> 01:03:35,813 very generous with the budget , we can 1593 01:03:35,813 --> 01:03:35,660 anticipate that there will be probably 1594 01:03:35,660 --> 01:03:37,882 downward pressure on the budget . So as 1595 01:03:37,882 --> 01:03:39,938 we look at how we can best array the 1596 01:03:39,938 --> 01:03:43,470 forces to deter across the globe . 1597 01:03:43,480 --> 01:03:45,369 Um , if we were to take Europe in 1598 01:03:45,369 --> 01:03:48,060 isolation , it is a very , very 1599 01:03:48,060 --> 01:03:50,338 defensible argument to talk about that . 1600 01:03:50,338 --> 01:03:52,338 Maybe we should have more forces in 1601 01:03:52,338 --> 01:03:54,504 Europe a same time . You one might say 1602 01:03:54,504 --> 01:03:56,671 we need to have more forces in the end 1603 01:03:56,671 --> 01:03:58,671 of a cameo are to push back on that 1604 01:03:58,671 --> 01:04:00,560 aggression . But as those sort of 1605 01:04:00,560 --> 01:04:02,560 conflict with each other three idea 1606 01:04:02,560 --> 01:04:05,120 that we would develop a new approach to 1607 01:04:05,120 --> 01:04:07,360 deterrence . And that approach is 1608 01:04:07,370 --> 01:04:09,890 founded on dynamic force employment 1609 01:04:09,900 --> 01:04:11,844 that in order to do that , some of 1610 01:04:11,844 --> 01:04:14,770 these , uh , these force alignments and 1611 01:04:14,770 --> 01:04:16,950 these forced re posturing enable the 1612 01:04:16,950 --> 01:04:19,006 secretary to have more freedom to be 1613 01:04:19,006 --> 01:04:21,172 able to do dynamic force employment to 1614 01:04:21,172 --> 01:04:24,380 not only , um , deter in Europe , but 1615 01:04:24,380 --> 01:04:26,620 also to deter in the end of Pacific . 1616 01:04:26,630 --> 01:04:28,352 Now , that is going to require 1617 01:04:28,352 --> 01:04:30,463 something , though , that is going to 1618 01:04:30,463 --> 01:04:32,686 require our ability to demonstrate that 1619 01:04:32,686 --> 01:04:34,852 we can deploy forces in a rapid manner 1620 01:04:34,852 --> 01:04:37,220 in a operationally unpredictable manner . 1621 01:04:37,230 --> 01:04:39,880 In that the new decision calculus , 1622 01:04:39,880 --> 01:04:41,991 which is the baseline of deterrence , 1623 01:04:41,991 --> 01:04:44,102 the new decision capitalists is based 1624 01:04:44,102 --> 01:04:46,324 on the idea that even though the forces 1625 01:04:46,324 --> 01:04:48,436 may not be there in the way that they 1626 01:04:48,436 --> 01:04:50,436 were before . That malign influence 1627 01:04:50,436 --> 01:04:52,830 that is being considered is now perhaps 1628 01:04:52,830 --> 01:04:54,941 deterred because of the idea that the 1629 01:04:54,941 --> 01:04:56,441 forces will be there in an 1630 01:04:56,441 --> 01:04:58,608 unpredictable manner . Maybe not where 1631 01:04:58,608 --> 01:05:00,774 they expected they would be . But it's 1632 01:05:00,774 --> 01:05:02,997 still the cost , and the risk outweighs 1633 01:05:02,997 --> 01:05:05,219 the benefit of that malign activities . 1634 01:05:05,219 --> 01:05:07,386 So it really is trying to understand , 1635 01:05:07,386 --> 01:05:09,552 with all those conflicting pressures , 1636 01:05:09,552 --> 01:05:11,830 how one best postures across the globe . 1637 01:05:11,830 --> 01:05:14,163 Which is why , as Dr Anderson mentioned , 1638 01:05:14,163 --> 01:05:13,590 the secretary has directed the 1639 01:05:13,590 --> 01:05:15,812 combatant commander views across all of 1640 01:05:15,812 --> 01:05:17,850 the combatant commands , and I'm 1641 01:05:17,850 --> 01:05:20,810 playing my time . First of all , thank 1642 01:05:20,810 --> 01:05:23,200 you , but to make to be clear talking 1643 01:05:23,200 --> 01:05:24,978 to many of our European Defense 1644 01:05:24,978 --> 01:05:26,978 ministers , Uh , if we want to talk 1645 01:05:26,978 --> 01:05:29,256 about deterrence , the best deterrence , 1646 01:05:29,256 --> 01:05:31,478 obviously , is having a strong alliance 1647 01:05:31,478 --> 01:05:33,589 that trust each other and believes in 1648 01:05:33,589 --> 01:05:35,589 each other . Thes moves have really 1649 01:05:35,589 --> 01:05:37,700 made a lot of our longstanding allies 1650 01:05:37,700 --> 01:05:39,922 question whether our we're really going 1651 01:05:39,922 --> 01:05:41,978 to be there should the balloon go up 1652 01:05:41,978 --> 01:05:44,200 and speaking of just cost doctors ? And 1653 01:05:44,200 --> 01:05:46,144 why hasn't the department sent the 1654 01:05:46,144 --> 01:05:48,311 committee a cost estimate ? Aside from 1655 01:05:48,311 --> 01:05:50,478 actively harming our national security 1656 01:05:50,478 --> 01:05:52,644 in my opinion . We're gonna need money 1657 01:05:52,644 --> 01:05:54,700 to make these changes . Specifically 1658 01:05:54,700 --> 01:05:54,270 moving a combat command headquarters 1659 01:05:54,270 --> 01:05:56,492 like African . It's gonna cost billions 1660 01:05:56,492 --> 01:05:58,603 of dollars . Where's that money going 1661 01:05:58,603 --> 01:05:58,510 to come from ? What's the estimate for 1662 01:05:58,510 --> 01:06:00,566 all this stuff ? How much it's gonna 1663 01:06:00,566 --> 01:06:04,450 cost ? So his secretary Esper 1664 01:06:04,450 --> 01:06:07,410 pointed out on the 29th of July . Um , 1665 01:06:07,420 --> 01:06:09,364 you know , we're still formulating 1666 01:06:09,364 --> 01:06:12,230 those cost estimates . Uh , he did . He 1667 01:06:12,230 --> 01:06:16,130 did note that it will be in the single 1668 01:06:16,130 --> 01:06:18,620 digit billions that that is the rough 1669 01:06:18,630 --> 01:06:20,741 order of magnitude at at this point . 1670 01:06:20,780 --> 01:06:23,420 But clearly going forward , subject 1671 01:06:23,430 --> 01:06:26,150 further planning and assessments . Uh , 1672 01:06:26,160 --> 01:06:28,216 we will have a more refined estimate 1673 01:06:28,216 --> 01:06:30,382 that we will be able to share with the 1674 01:06:30,382 --> 01:06:33,070 committee . Well , thank you . In 1675 01:06:33,080 --> 01:06:35,247 detecting Dark Anderson , this is just 1676 01:06:35,247 --> 01:06:38,200 just to be clear , we made a decision 1677 01:06:38,200 --> 01:06:40,600 based on this president's , uh , 1678 01:06:40,610 --> 01:06:42,666 decision to move a certain amount of 1679 01:06:42,666 --> 01:06:45,240 troops out of Germany without any 1680 01:06:45,240 --> 01:06:47,150 actual context of how this brings 1681 01:06:47,150 --> 01:06:49,261 deterrence or national security . And 1682 01:06:49,261 --> 01:06:51,261 then we have basically the Pentagon 1683 01:06:51,261 --> 01:06:53,428 build a I would say a plan around that 1684 01:06:53,428 --> 01:06:56,190 idea . Sorry . Without any actual . If 1685 01:06:56,190 --> 01:06:58,023 you could wrap that up quickly , 1686 01:06:58,023 --> 01:07:00,246 Urbanists . Okay . The gentleman's time 1687 01:07:00,246 --> 01:07:02,690 has expired . Thank you . Mr Byrne is 1688 01:07:02,690 --> 01:07:05,360 recognized for five minutes . Thank you , 1689 01:07:05,360 --> 01:07:07,304 Mr Chairman . General . I see that 1690 01:07:07,304 --> 01:07:09,527 you've got a master's from Troy State . 1691 01:07:09,527 --> 01:07:11,527 Spend some time . Maxwell Air Force 1692 01:07:11,527 --> 01:07:13,582 Base , Alabama proudly claims you so 1693 01:07:13,582 --> 01:07:15,582 glad you're here . So I'm trying to 1694 01:07:15,582 --> 01:07:15,480 understand some basics here , and I 1695 01:07:15,480 --> 01:07:17,647 know you could help me . So a total of 1696 01:07:17,647 --> 01:07:19,790 12,000 military personnel are being 1697 01:07:19,790 --> 01:07:22,012 repositioned , and I think I understand 1698 01:07:22,012 --> 01:07:24,810 that 5600 of those will be re stationed 1699 01:07:24,810 --> 01:07:28,100 within NATO , but 6400 will be coming 1700 01:07:28,100 --> 01:07:30,378 back to United States . So I have that . 1701 01:07:30,378 --> 01:07:32,711 Correct ? That approximate number ? Yes . 1702 01:07:32,711 --> 01:07:35,630 Are 6400 . Are all of them are gonna be 1703 01:07:35,630 --> 01:07:37,741 on a rotational basis or some of them 1704 01:07:37,741 --> 01:07:39,963 not gonna be on a rotational basis . To 1705 01:07:39,963 --> 01:07:43,110 my understanding that Aziz was briefed 1706 01:07:43,110 --> 01:07:44,943 to the secretary and secretary , 1707 01:07:44,943 --> 01:07:47,430 released on the 29th . Some are some 1708 01:07:47,430 --> 01:07:49,430 maybe back maintaining readiness is 1709 01:07:49,430 --> 01:07:51,890 well , so when they come back on a 1710 01:07:51,890 --> 01:07:53,779 rotational basis , are they still 1711 01:07:53,779 --> 01:07:55,834 considered to be a part of the Yukon 1712 01:07:55,834 --> 01:07:58,960 Force ? Yes , Congressman , There . 1713 01:07:59,090 --> 01:08:01,257 Okay , So the Father Yukon Force , But 1714 01:08:01,257 --> 01:08:03,257 there in the United States could be 1715 01:08:03,257 --> 01:08:05,440 brought back at the pleasure of the 1716 01:08:05,440 --> 01:08:08,510 commander . How do they get back s So 1717 01:08:08,510 --> 01:08:10,600 there's a There's a process that is 1718 01:08:10,600 --> 01:08:12,544 called the global force management 1719 01:08:12,544 --> 01:08:14,767 process that I won't bore the committee 1720 01:08:14,767 --> 01:08:16,989 with here . But it really the Combatant 1721 01:08:16,989 --> 01:08:19,100 Command Combat commander will request 1722 01:08:19,100 --> 01:08:21,156 on a rotating basis certain types of 1723 01:08:21,156 --> 01:08:23,322 forces for certain types of activities 1724 01:08:23,322 --> 01:08:25,544 and justify within the context of their 1725 01:08:25,544 --> 01:08:27,656 global campaign plan and execution of 1726 01:08:27,656 --> 01:08:27,200 the national defense strategy that 1727 01:08:27,200 --> 01:08:29,422 makes its way into the department . The 1728 01:08:29,422 --> 01:08:31,589 chairman and the Joint Chiefs of Staff 1729 01:08:31,589 --> 01:08:33,756 is a global integrator , will evaluate 1730 01:08:33,756 --> 01:08:35,922 all of those requests and look it from 1731 01:08:35,922 --> 01:08:35,920 a global perspective and the execution 1732 01:08:35,920 --> 01:08:38,142 of national defense strategy . And that 1733 01:08:38,142 --> 01:08:40,031 will make its way up his military 1734 01:08:40,031 --> 01:08:41,950 advice up to OSD and up to the 1735 01:08:41,950 --> 01:08:44,030 secretary for decisions . So those 1736 01:08:44,030 --> 01:08:47,770 rotational forces will be dispersed 1737 01:08:47,770 --> 01:08:50,220 across the globe in accordance with the 1738 01:08:50,230 --> 01:08:52,397 national Defense strategy priorities . 1739 01:08:52,397 --> 01:08:54,508 And and that happens a year to year . 1740 01:08:54,508 --> 01:08:56,397 But on any given time , if you're 1741 01:08:56,397 --> 01:08:58,619 counting noses in the theater , I think 1742 01:08:58,619 --> 01:09:00,841 General Walter to say all of those were 1743 01:09:00,841 --> 01:09:02,952 the rotational or assign those of the 1744 01:09:02,952 --> 01:09:02,490 forces . He's considered this part of 1745 01:09:02,490 --> 01:09:05,150 the U . S . European command force 1746 01:09:05,150 --> 01:09:08,180 posture , but I might make sure 1747 01:09:08,180 --> 01:09:10,236 understand what you're saying , even 1748 01:09:10,236 --> 01:09:12,236 though they're part of you , calm . 1749 01:09:12,236 --> 01:09:14,569 They've rotated about the United States . 1750 01:09:14,569 --> 01:09:16,680 They could be put in the end of pecan 1751 01:09:16,680 --> 01:09:18,458 if that was the decision by the 1752 01:09:18,458 --> 01:09:20,569 department defense . That's correct . 1753 01:09:20,569 --> 01:09:22,513 Congressman and another unit could 1754 01:09:22,513 --> 01:09:24,736 actually go into your life . So it does 1755 01:09:24,736 --> 01:09:26,736 seem like even though you're saying 1756 01:09:26,736 --> 01:09:28,736 it's rotational , it does seem like 1757 01:09:28,736 --> 01:09:31,030 we've got a net reduction forces in in 1758 01:09:31,030 --> 01:09:33,086 country and available to you kind of 1759 01:09:33,086 --> 01:09:35,160 6400 . That's the way it seems to 1760 01:09:35,170 --> 01:09:37,840 somebody that's not in uniforms . Where 1761 01:09:37,840 --> 01:09:40,780 am I wrong about that ? Well , you're 1762 01:09:40,780 --> 01:09:43,560 not wrong . The idea is it could be , 1763 01:09:43,560 --> 01:09:47,170 at any time , up to 6400 fewer , 1764 01:09:47,180 --> 01:09:49,650 however , at any given time , depending 1765 01:09:49,650 --> 01:09:51,539 on the nature of which rotational 1766 01:09:51,539 --> 01:09:54,180 forces have been requested and where it 1767 01:09:54,180 --> 01:09:56,402 could be known at laws . So there still 1768 01:09:56,402 --> 01:09:58,830 is a variability there , just no longer 1769 01:09:58,830 --> 01:10:01,440 permanently with their families 1770 01:10:01,450 --> 01:10:03,690 stationed there . But they could be . 1771 01:10:03,690 --> 01:10:05,650 They or other units like units or 1772 01:10:05,650 --> 01:10:07,817 different units can be there doing the 1773 01:10:07,817 --> 01:10:09,928 same mission for the combat command . 1774 01:10:09,928 --> 01:10:11,817 But to do that , you've got to go 1775 01:10:11,817 --> 01:10:14,150 through that process that you described , 1776 01:10:14,150 --> 01:10:13,760 and I don't know whether that's a 1777 01:10:13,760 --> 01:10:15,850 process It takes five minutes , five 1778 01:10:15,850 --> 01:10:18,017 days , five weeks or five months . But 1779 01:10:18,017 --> 01:10:19,850 it's take some time to make that 1780 01:10:19,850 --> 01:10:21,850 decision . Those decisions are made 1781 01:10:21,850 --> 01:10:23,572 well ahead of time . So so the 1782 01:10:23,572 --> 01:10:25,810 decisions air going on right now for 1783 01:10:25,820 --> 01:10:27,653 the types of forces that will be 1784 01:10:27,653 --> 01:10:29,876 deployed in , uh , in the end of fiscal 1785 01:10:29,876 --> 01:10:32,980 year 21 into fiscal year 22 . So there 1786 01:10:32,980 --> 01:10:35,250 those those forces are known well , had 1787 01:10:35,250 --> 01:10:37,472 enough any time so they can get trained 1788 01:10:37,472 --> 01:10:39,694 up for the missions for which they have 1789 01:10:39,694 --> 01:10:41,861 been designated to be allocated to the 1790 01:10:41,861 --> 01:10:43,806 combatant commander for Well , I'm 1791 01:10:43,806 --> 01:10:45,750 certainly not position to question 1792 01:10:45,750 --> 01:10:45,730 someone that has your level of 1793 01:10:45,730 --> 01:10:49,280 expertise and experience . But from a 1794 01:10:49,290 --> 01:10:51,401 lay person's point of view , it looks 1795 01:10:51,401 --> 01:10:53,512 like we've reduced our troop presence 1796 01:10:53,512 --> 01:10:55,680 in Europe at a time that Russia is 1797 01:10:55,680 --> 01:10:58,800 actually becoming more of a threat and 1798 01:10:58,810 --> 01:11:01,032 that I hope you understand that's where 1799 01:11:01,032 --> 01:11:02,977 some of us are coming from . We're 1800 01:11:02,977 --> 01:11:02,470 saying this looks like we're pulling 1801 01:11:02,470 --> 01:11:04,692 back and we think we should be stepping 1802 01:11:04,692 --> 01:11:07,400 forward . I never forget . I think it 1803 01:11:07,400 --> 01:11:09,511 was my second month on this committee 1804 01:11:09,960 --> 01:11:13,610 that Russia basically invaded the 1805 01:11:13,610 --> 01:11:16,580 Ukraine and nobody had any notice . We 1806 01:11:16,580 --> 01:11:18,747 didn't have five months to plan . They 1807 01:11:18,747 --> 01:11:21,640 just did it . And I have absolutely no 1808 01:11:21,640 --> 01:11:23,640 confidence that Putin won't do that 1809 01:11:23,640 --> 01:11:25,473 again . In fact , I have all the 1810 01:11:25,473 --> 01:11:27,807 conferences world . He will do it again , 1811 01:11:27,807 --> 01:11:29,807 particularly if he thinks that were 1812 01:11:29,807 --> 01:11:31,918 weakening . And I worry . And I think 1813 01:11:31,918 --> 01:11:33,973 some of our allies are worrying that 1814 01:11:33,973 --> 01:11:35,862 they're looking at this move as a 1815 01:11:35,862 --> 01:11:37,807 weakening of American presence , a 1816 01:11:37,807 --> 01:11:40,029 weekend of American resolve , a weekend 1817 01:11:40,029 --> 01:11:42,140 of American capability operating with 1818 01:11:42,140 --> 01:11:43,807 our NATO allies . So I'm just 1819 01:11:43,807 --> 01:11:45,696 registering to you . I don't have 1820 01:11:45,696 --> 01:11:47,751 Europe background . I can't question 1821 01:11:47,751 --> 01:11:49,751 you on the details of it . But from 1822 01:11:49,751 --> 01:11:51,529 that sort of outsiders layman's 1823 01:11:51,529 --> 01:11:50,840 perspective , it looks like we're 1824 01:11:50,840 --> 01:11:53,062 pulling back . And I think that bothers 1825 01:11:53,062 --> 01:11:55,229 a lot of us that Mr Chairman , I yield 1826 01:11:55,229 --> 01:11:58,580 back , Thank you very much . So I'm not 1827 01:11:58,580 --> 01:12:00,691 sure if I'm looking at the screen who 1828 01:12:00,691 --> 01:12:02,940 we have here . Miss Horne is up next . 1829 01:12:02,950 --> 01:12:05,990 Kendra , are you on anywhere ? 1830 01:12:07,550 --> 01:12:09,960 Does not appear that way , Mr . 1831 01:12:09,960 --> 01:12:13,950 Cisneros . We 1832 01:12:13,950 --> 01:12:17,370 were offered to , um , Mr Crow . 1833 01:12:18,020 --> 01:12:21,830 I saw you there . Jason crows 1834 01:12:21,840 --> 01:12:25,290 your advance for five minutes . Great . 1835 01:12:25,300 --> 01:12:27,390 Let me start with Mr Anderson . 1836 01:12:27,400 --> 01:12:31,170 Uh , was the call to say the least 1837 01:12:31,550 --> 01:12:33,550 on your comment ? That there are no 1838 01:12:33,550 --> 01:12:35,772 downsides of rotational forces . I just 1839 01:12:35,772 --> 01:12:37,994 wanna flesh that out for a minute . One 1840 01:12:37,994 --> 01:12:40,217 is our rotational forces . Do they have 1841 01:12:40,217 --> 01:12:43,070 a much time to train and develop 1842 01:12:43,070 --> 01:12:45,550 relationships and interoperability with 1843 01:12:45,550 --> 01:12:48,050 local NATO partner forces ? As 1844 01:12:48,060 --> 01:12:49,671 currently , safety forces do 1845 01:12:52,350 --> 01:12:55,650 so even with rotational forces , 1846 01:12:55,660 --> 01:12:59,580 way will have a limited presence 1847 01:12:59,590 --> 01:13:02,710 within a particular country through 1848 01:13:02,710 --> 01:13:05,530 with their rotational forces or moving . 1849 01:13:05,530 --> 01:13:08,990 But the forces Selves . They will have 1850 01:13:08,990 --> 01:13:11,101 less time than if they were permanent 1851 01:13:11,101 --> 01:13:13,101 stations . Correct . They will have 1852 01:13:13,101 --> 01:13:15,268 less time within the country . That is 1853 01:13:15,268 --> 01:13:17,434 okay . Next question . Next question . 1854 01:13:17,434 --> 01:13:19,490 Do they have a good awareness of the 1855 01:13:19,490 --> 01:13:21,601 terrain and the surrounding area with 1856 01:13:21,601 --> 01:13:23,212 which they will operate as a 1857 01:13:23,212 --> 01:13:25,157 permanently based force ? So again 1858 01:13:25,157 --> 01:13:27,323 there will be there will be liaisons . 1859 01:13:27,323 --> 01:13:29,546 There will be forward , will the forces 1860 01:13:29,546 --> 01:13:31,601 themselves . I'm not concerned about 1861 01:13:31,601 --> 01:13:33,768 liaisons , headquarter people , people 1862 01:13:33,768 --> 01:13:35,990 sitting back and headquarters offices , 1863 01:13:35,990 --> 01:13:38,260 the forces themselves . So the forces 1864 01:13:38,260 --> 01:13:41,260 themselves will have a say , a broader , 1865 01:13:41,270 --> 01:13:44,770 broader understanding of possible 1866 01:13:44,780 --> 01:13:46,947 regions of the world that they have to 1867 01:13:46,947 --> 01:13:48,947 deploy san business . You're saying 1868 01:13:48,947 --> 01:13:51,169 that a rotational force coming from the 1869 01:13:51,169 --> 01:13:53,280 United States that rotates for 6 to 9 1870 01:13:53,280 --> 01:13:55,502 months or a year , we'll have a broader 1871 01:13:55,502 --> 01:13:57,800 view , but they well , they have a 1872 01:13:57,810 --> 01:14:00,032 greater or less understanding the cream 1873 01:14:00,032 --> 01:14:02,220 of it . It would operate in Eastern 1874 01:14:02,220 --> 01:14:04,276 Europe if they were to be countering 1875 01:14:04,276 --> 01:14:06,387 Russian aggression . So they will not 1876 01:14:06,387 --> 01:14:08,498 have the same degree of understanding 1877 01:14:08,498 --> 01:14:11,860 Aziz forces that . Okay , But they 1878 01:14:11,870 --> 01:14:15,040 retain a keen appreciation and a focus 1879 01:14:15,130 --> 01:14:17,352 as I will play my time . Sanderson . So 1880 01:14:17,352 --> 01:14:19,297 they have less have less time less 1881 01:14:19,297 --> 01:14:21,463 awareness that secondly , they have as 1882 01:14:21,463 --> 01:14:23,408 much time with their families as a 1883 01:14:23,408 --> 01:14:25,519 permanently stationed force in Europe 1884 01:14:25,519 --> 01:14:28,490 would have . So it depends on the 1885 01:14:28,490 --> 01:14:30,268 nature and the frequency of the 1886 01:14:30,268 --> 01:14:32,400 rotations . Okay , Mr Anderson , the 1887 01:14:32,400 --> 01:14:34,670 answer is no to that , you know that 1888 01:14:34,680 --> 01:14:36,680 they'll be rotating away from their 1889 01:14:36,680 --> 01:14:38,847 families . Next will they have as much 1890 01:14:38,847 --> 01:14:41,170 time to train on ranges and critical 1891 01:14:41,170 --> 01:14:43,160 combat skills ? Because if you're 1892 01:14:43,170 --> 01:14:45,060 forward , deploying or rotating , 1893 01:14:45,140 --> 01:14:47,362 obviously significant amount of time is 1894 01:14:47,362 --> 01:14:49,200 spent actually deploying and 1895 01:14:49,200 --> 01:14:51,200 redeploying . But they have as much 1896 01:14:51,200 --> 01:14:53,290 time doing critical combat skill 1897 01:14:53,290 --> 01:14:56,740 training . So two points , even 1898 01:14:56,750 --> 01:14:58,972 forces that are permanently permanently 1899 01:14:58,972 --> 01:15:01,710 stationed in Europe today deploy within 1900 01:15:01,710 --> 01:15:03,990 Europe and spend our apart from their 1901 01:15:03,990 --> 01:15:06,480 families at certain at certain times . 1902 01:15:06,480 --> 01:15:08,369 Secondly , for training , Uh , it 1903 01:15:08,369 --> 01:15:10,480 really depends on the unit that we're 1904 01:15:10,480 --> 01:15:12,758 talking about and the available ranges . 1905 01:15:12,758 --> 01:15:14,924 They may in some cases , actually have 1906 01:15:14,924 --> 01:15:16,920 greater training and access in the 1907 01:15:16,920 --> 01:15:19,087 United States again , depending on the 1908 01:15:19,087 --> 01:15:22,950 unit . Okay . Well , Mr Anderson , I 1909 01:15:22,960 --> 01:15:26,040 think you and I both know that when 1910 01:15:26,040 --> 01:15:28,510 you're deploying and redeploying forces , 1911 01:15:28,510 --> 01:15:30,677 that takes significant time that could 1912 01:15:30,677 --> 01:15:32,788 otherwise be spending critical combat 1913 01:15:32,788 --> 01:15:34,899 and transcript ability that you would 1914 01:15:34,899 --> 01:15:37,066 try to justify it that way . And there 1915 01:15:37,066 --> 01:15:39,121 are indeed many downsides rotational 1916 01:15:39,121 --> 01:15:41,232 forces in terms of their readiness of 1917 01:15:41,232 --> 01:15:43,343 our troops . And I believe you know , 1918 01:15:43,343 --> 01:15:45,454 that s I don't appreciate you dodging 1919 01:15:45,454 --> 01:15:48,670 those questions . Um , Mr Anderson , 1920 01:15:50,140 --> 01:15:52,430 the Secretary of the Army . Mr . 1921 01:15:52,440 --> 01:15:55,220 McCarthy , Secretary McCarthy on July 1922 01:15:55,220 --> 01:15:58,100 21st confirmed after returning from 1923 01:15:58,100 --> 01:16:00,310 Europe that he had had no discussions 1924 01:16:00,320 --> 01:16:02,980 with our European allies allies about a 1925 01:16:02,980 --> 01:16:05,120 re basing or a troop withdrawal as of 1926 01:16:05,120 --> 01:16:07,770 July 21st . So why would the Secretary 1927 01:16:07,770 --> 01:16:10,590 army unaware of this plan at that point ? 1928 01:16:10,590 --> 01:16:13,710 Not be consulting with our allies . I 1929 01:16:13,710 --> 01:16:15,766 can't speak for the Secretary of the 1930 01:16:15,766 --> 01:16:17,821 Army . I can , uh I can assure you , 1931 01:16:17,821 --> 01:16:19,988 though , that I was in contact with my 1932 01:16:19,988 --> 01:16:21,932 counterparts A to the policy level 1933 01:16:21,932 --> 01:16:23,710 about this force structure . Re 1934 01:16:23,710 --> 01:16:27,470 posturing . Okay , General Elvin a 1935 01:16:27,470 --> 01:16:29,526 turning to you for a moment . You've 1936 01:16:29,526 --> 01:16:31,581 been in the military for a very long 1937 01:16:31,581 --> 01:16:33,692 time and have been a part of a lot of 1938 01:16:33,692 --> 01:16:35,748 discussions around repositioning and 1939 01:16:35,748 --> 01:16:39,700 shifting of forces . The timeline in 1940 01:16:39,700 --> 01:16:42,280 the process for this decision was that 1941 01:16:42,280 --> 01:16:44,900 consistent with the prior timelines and 1942 01:16:44,900 --> 01:16:47,233 processes that you followed in the past , 1943 01:16:49,230 --> 01:16:51,286 Congressman , I would say that given 1944 01:16:51,286 --> 01:16:53,250 the timeline , when the secretary 1945 01:16:53,260 --> 01:16:55,880 directed the Combatant Command to do 1946 01:16:55,880 --> 01:16:58,047 this , which was starting in January , 1947 01:16:58,047 --> 01:17:00,850 I would say that this is , uh this is 1948 01:17:00,850 --> 01:17:03,610 not completely inconsistent . I would 1949 01:17:03,610 --> 01:17:06,550 say that the complexity of this also is 1950 01:17:06,550 --> 01:17:08,383 the reason why the Secretary has 1951 01:17:08,383 --> 01:17:10,550 reserved the right to continue to make 1952 01:17:10,550 --> 01:17:12,883 iterations as we get smarter . But , uh , 1953 01:17:12,883 --> 01:17:14,550 this is a six month review is 1954 01:17:14,550 --> 01:17:17,100 consistent . I think the devil will be 1955 01:17:17,100 --> 01:17:19,650 in the details of the updates to it and 1956 01:17:19,650 --> 01:17:21,650 the implementation in order to make 1957 01:17:21,650 --> 01:17:23,706 sure we measure twice and cut once . 1958 01:17:24,430 --> 01:17:26,652 Okay . Thank you . General term in your 1959 01:17:26,652 --> 01:17:29,720 back . Thank you very much . Mr . 1960 01:17:29,720 --> 01:17:32,150 Conaway is recognized for five minutes . 1961 01:17:33,330 --> 01:17:35,441 Thanks , Chairman . Gentlemen . Thank 1962 01:17:35,441 --> 01:17:37,290 you . Nobody likes to have their 1963 01:17:37,290 --> 01:17:39,512 decisions . Second gas , but that's the 1964 01:17:39,512 --> 01:17:41,568 drill . So appreciate you being here 1965 01:17:41,568 --> 01:17:43,790 this morning . Um , I'm a c p a . And I 1966 01:17:43,790 --> 01:17:46,012 kind approach everything for the dollar 1967 01:17:46,012 --> 01:17:48,234 standpoint . Dr . Anderson , did I hear 1968 01:17:48,234 --> 01:17:50,068 you say earlier that there was a 1969 01:17:50,068 --> 01:17:52,234 rigorous cost benefit analysis done on 1970 01:17:52,234 --> 01:17:54,179 the overall project of of what was 1971 01:17:54,179 --> 01:17:56,179 proposed in June ? Otherwise , it's 1972 01:17:56,179 --> 01:17:58,512 gonna cost more money , Less money . Uh , 1973 01:17:58,512 --> 01:18:00,790 duty budgets are always under pressure , 1974 01:18:00,790 --> 01:18:02,846 given the tyranny of personnel costs 1975 01:18:02,846 --> 01:18:05,012 cost increasing . So what's the What's 1976 01:18:05,012 --> 01:18:07,123 the bottom line is gonna cost us more 1977 01:18:07,123 --> 01:18:09,980 or less . So we we anticipate that , uh , 1978 01:18:09,990 --> 01:18:13,180 this in its totality will is rough 1979 01:18:13,190 --> 01:18:15,301 order of magnitude cost in the single 1980 01:18:15,301 --> 01:18:17,523 digit billions . That is the , uh , the 1981 01:18:17,523 --> 01:18:19,579 estimate at this time . And as we go 1982 01:18:19,579 --> 01:18:22,360 forward and refine those estimates , um , 1983 01:18:22,370 --> 01:18:25,450 that number may go up 1984 01:18:26,020 --> 01:18:28,510 or it could be adjusted . And so I 1985 01:18:28,510 --> 01:18:30,677 understand it . It would change if you 1986 01:18:30,677 --> 01:18:32,830 change your plan , but would you 1987 01:18:32,830 --> 01:18:35,260 describe the process as being rigorous 1988 01:18:36,420 --> 01:18:38,980 so as the back that it seemed like 1989 01:18:38,990 --> 01:18:41,690 earlier and is my colleague has has 1990 01:18:41,700 --> 01:18:45,520 pointed out we're still in the 1991 01:18:45,520 --> 01:18:48,710 process of developing and maturing this 1992 01:18:48,710 --> 01:18:51,920 plan , and there it is , a complex one . 1993 01:18:51,930 --> 01:18:53,874 There are a lot of a lot of moving 1994 01:18:53,874 --> 01:18:55,486 pieces here . Uh , different 1995 01:18:55,486 --> 01:18:57,430 headquarters don't go in different 1996 01:18:57,430 --> 01:19:00,250 places and rotational forces and 1997 01:19:00,260 --> 01:19:02,610 subject to further refinement . So we 1998 01:19:02,610 --> 01:19:04,810 just do not have ah so clear you 1999 01:19:04,810 --> 01:19:07,210 anticipate a decision that we can't 2000 01:19:07,210 --> 01:19:09,099 afford to do all of this . And we 2001 01:19:09,099 --> 01:19:11,266 unwind this if it costs too much money 2002 01:19:12,520 --> 01:19:15,040 or is caused not a factor . So this is 2003 01:19:15,040 --> 01:19:17,207 something obviously is gonna be , uh , 2004 01:19:17,207 --> 01:19:19,151 we're gonna have toe way Will need 2005 01:19:19,151 --> 01:19:21,373 congressional support , obviously , for 2006 01:19:21,373 --> 01:19:23,484 any authorization or appropriations . 2007 01:19:23,484 --> 01:19:26,310 Um , it's my view that notwithstanding 2008 01:19:26,310 --> 01:19:28,477 the pressure on the budget , that this 2009 01:19:28,477 --> 01:19:30,532 is something that we will be able to 2010 01:19:30,532 --> 01:19:32,960 afford , and , uh , and the cost will 2011 01:19:32,960 --> 01:19:34,860 be spaced out over time . Yeah . 2012 01:19:36,220 --> 01:19:39,040 Doctors say that I would prefer you 2013 01:19:39,040 --> 01:19:41,490 have said I've got a rigorous analysis 2014 01:19:41,490 --> 01:19:43,601 and that to come to that conclusion I 2015 01:19:43,601 --> 01:19:45,823 know that's what you wanted to be . But 2016 01:19:45,823 --> 01:19:47,990 let me ask you this , and this is just 2017 01:19:47,990 --> 01:19:49,601 a bit of a real weird , uh , 2018 01:19:49,601 --> 01:19:51,870 observation . Your testimony . You said 2019 01:19:51,870 --> 01:19:54,460 the third leg would be to move 2500 2020 01:19:54,460 --> 01:19:56,830 airman from Royal Air Force Base minute 2021 01:19:56,830 --> 01:20:00,110 all thio Germany was planned to move to 2022 01:20:00,110 --> 01:20:02,332 Germany and that you're not going to do 2023 01:20:02,332 --> 01:20:05,750 that um , is there a plan someplace in 2024 01:20:05,750 --> 01:20:08,220 the bowels of the department that when 2025 01:20:08,220 --> 01:20:10,164 that original decision was to move 2026 01:20:10,164 --> 01:20:12,540 those air units , the air refueling and 2027 01:20:12,540 --> 01:20:14,484 special ops moved to Germany , Was 2028 01:20:14,484 --> 01:20:16,596 there some sort of justification plan 2029 01:20:16,596 --> 01:20:18,818 that was done at that point ? Time that 2030 01:20:18,818 --> 01:20:21,040 would have had some lofty phrases as to 2031 01:20:21,040 --> 01:20:23,207 why you made why that made sense . And 2032 01:20:23,207 --> 01:20:25,429 now we're unwinding that decision . And 2033 01:20:25,429 --> 01:20:27,373 the only rationale you put in your 2034 01:20:27,373 --> 01:20:29,540 statement is that they would remain in 2035 01:20:29,540 --> 01:20:32,240 the UK , thus ensuring uninterrupted it 2036 01:20:32,240 --> 01:20:34,310 readiness and responsive of the 2037 01:20:34,320 --> 01:20:36,900 responsiveness of these units . That 2038 01:20:36,900 --> 01:20:38,900 leads me to believe that if we have 2039 01:20:38,900 --> 01:20:41,011 gone through with the move to Germany 2040 01:20:41,011 --> 01:20:43,178 that it would have in fact interrupted 2041 01:20:43,178 --> 01:20:43,120 their readiness and responsiveness . 2042 01:20:43,120 --> 01:20:45,342 That's not what you're telling us isn't 2043 01:20:45,810 --> 01:20:48,980 so I'm whatever the justification 2044 01:20:48,990 --> 01:20:51,970 for initially having the plan to move 2045 01:20:51,970 --> 01:20:53,859 them to Germany , I'm not I'm not 2046 01:20:53,859 --> 01:20:56,310 familiar with that . E believe proceeds 2047 01:20:56,310 --> 01:20:58,940 my time in my my current position . Uh , 2048 01:20:58,950 --> 01:21:01,800 but what ? What ? What we do know is 2049 01:21:01,800 --> 01:21:04,860 that in order to meet the cap of the 2050 01:21:04,860 --> 01:21:07,810 reduction in Germany , uh , this was so 2051 01:21:07,810 --> 01:21:09,810 this movement expense . This wasn't 2052 01:21:09,810 --> 01:21:11,921 driven by a mission . This was driven 2053 01:21:11,921 --> 01:21:14,032 by the caps . Well , there is a cap , 2054 01:21:14,032 --> 01:21:16,143 and there's also the added benefit is 2055 01:21:16,143 --> 01:21:18,366 pointed on the statement that there are 2056 01:21:18,366 --> 01:21:20,900 efficiencies to remaining in with their 2057 01:21:20,900 --> 01:21:23,011 close . Uh , British . How much money 2058 01:21:23,011 --> 01:21:25,140 was spent in Germany on the receiving 2059 01:21:25,140 --> 01:21:27,450 base before we unwound this decision ? 2060 01:21:27,810 --> 01:21:29,921 I don't have that detail , sir . I'll 2061 01:21:29,921 --> 01:21:32,088 have to come back to you on that . You 2062 01:21:32,088 --> 01:21:34,143 have any idea when that decision was 2063 01:21:34,143 --> 01:21:36,143 made to move that unit , those 2500 2064 01:21:36,143 --> 01:21:38,254 airman and I assume their families to 2065 01:21:38,254 --> 01:21:40,254 Germany Would we have been spending 2066 01:21:40,254 --> 01:21:42,421 money at the receiving base in Germany 2067 01:21:42,421 --> 01:21:44,643 at this during that time frame ? I will 2068 01:21:44,643 --> 01:21:46,699 have to take that for the record and 2069 01:21:46,699 --> 01:21:48,921 come back . You would mind doing that ? 2070 01:21:48,921 --> 01:21:47,950 I appreciate it . You're back , Mr 2071 01:21:47,950 --> 01:21:51,830 Chairman . Thank you . And I 2072 01:21:51,840 --> 01:21:54,250 do just have to make the comment . I 2073 01:21:54,270 --> 01:21:56,381 know you gentlemen . You're doing the 2074 01:21:56,381 --> 01:21:58,603 job that assigned you by the Pentagon . 2075 01:21:58,603 --> 01:22:00,270 This is why we need an actual 2076 01:22:00,270 --> 01:22:02,492 undersecretary for policy . And this is 2077 01:22:02,492 --> 01:22:04,326 why we need the positions of the 2078 01:22:04,326 --> 01:22:06,437 Pentagon filled . I understand . Dr . 2079 01:22:06,437 --> 01:22:08,492 Anderson , You You're in a difficult 2080 01:22:08,492 --> 01:22:07,960 position . You weren't here for the 2081 01:22:07,960 --> 01:22:10,016 plans . You're in an acting position 2082 01:22:10,016 --> 01:22:12,580 now . Um But there's a level of detail 2083 01:22:12,590 --> 01:22:16,230 in a bipartisan way . Thistle is just 2084 01:22:16,230 --> 01:22:18,341 not acceptable from the Department of 2085 01:22:18,341 --> 01:22:20,600 Defense that , you know , on a move of 2086 01:22:20,600 --> 01:22:22,730 this kind . You know , whatever you 2087 01:22:22,730 --> 01:22:24,841 guys may think of Congress , whatever 2088 01:22:24,841 --> 01:22:27,063 you may think of this committee , it is 2089 01:22:27,063 --> 01:22:28,786 our responsibility to exercise 2090 01:22:28,786 --> 01:22:31,008 oversight . This theme Merican people , 2091 01:22:31,008 --> 01:22:33,174 in their infinite wisdom , have put us 2092 01:22:33,174 --> 01:22:36,640 in these chairs . Um , and we're not 2093 01:22:36,640 --> 01:22:38,640 getting the level of inside in this 2094 01:22:38,640 --> 01:22:40,751 decision that we should . And I don't 2095 01:22:40,751 --> 01:22:42,640 know if it's because you're in an 2096 01:22:42,640 --> 01:22:44,751 acting position acting in the role of 2097 01:22:44,751 --> 01:22:46,973 or whatever , but I wasn't in on that . 2098 01:22:46,973 --> 01:22:49,084 I didn't hear that . I'd have to talk 2099 01:22:49,084 --> 01:22:51,140 to this person . I'd have to talk to 2100 01:22:51,140 --> 01:22:53,084 that person , you know , and again 2101 01:22:53,084 --> 01:22:55,307 you're doing with the Pentagon told you 2102 01:22:55,307 --> 01:22:57,473 to do . And I'm not taking this out on 2103 01:22:57,473 --> 01:22:59,696 you , but for the Pentagon to send this 2104 01:22:59,696 --> 01:23:01,751 over on a decision of this level and 2105 01:23:01,751 --> 01:23:03,973 not deficit . Look , here's what we did 2106 01:23:03,973 --> 01:23:06,196 here was the timeline . Here is peace , 2107 01:23:06,196 --> 01:23:05,720 and we talked to We talk to this person , 2108 01:23:05,720 --> 01:23:07,998 we didn't talk to that person . I mean , 2109 01:23:07,998 --> 01:23:10,164 the level of detail that we're getting 2110 01:23:10,164 --> 01:23:12,440 here , it's just not acceptable for for 2111 01:23:12,440 --> 01:23:14,607 for us to exercise their oversight and 2112 01:23:14,607 --> 01:23:16,829 for what the Pentagon should be putting 2113 01:23:16,829 --> 01:23:19,051 in front of us . And I just I just want 2114 01:23:19,051 --> 01:23:18,600 that on the record from from my 2115 01:23:18,600 --> 01:23:20,860 perspective , and I have the strong 2116 01:23:20,860 --> 01:23:23,027 sense that my colleagues on both sides 2117 01:23:23,027 --> 01:23:25,027 of the aisle would agree with me on 2118 01:23:25,027 --> 01:23:27,560 that point . So on this and other 2119 01:23:27,560 --> 01:23:30,220 decisions , we just need to hear better . 2120 01:23:30,220 --> 01:23:32,820 What the hell is going on s so that we 2121 01:23:32,820 --> 01:23:35,540 can exercise our oversight ? And if you 2122 01:23:35,540 --> 01:23:37,540 have common on that , you're you're 2123 01:23:37,540 --> 01:23:39,762 you're welcome to , but that is it is a 2124 01:23:39,762 --> 01:23:42,096 very frustrating briefing at this point . 2125 01:23:42,096 --> 01:23:44,151 So , Congressman , its's clearly not 2126 01:23:44,151 --> 01:23:46,318 the case that we are not providing the 2127 01:23:46,318 --> 01:23:48,484 details . We just at this stage of the 2128 01:23:48,484 --> 01:23:50,596 process , we don't have that level of 2129 01:23:50,596 --> 01:23:52,540 detail , but we commit as the plan 2130 01:23:52,540 --> 01:23:54,800 matures and we develop those details 2131 01:23:54,860 --> 01:23:57,027 that we will , we will . We will share 2132 01:23:57,027 --> 01:23:59,630 them with the committee that that's 2133 01:23:59,630 --> 01:24:02,450 alarming in its own right . But but But 2134 01:24:02,450 --> 01:24:06,180 I take your point . Um Okay . Next up , 2135 01:24:06,180 --> 01:24:08,730 we have Miss Davis recognized for five 2136 01:24:08,730 --> 01:24:12,290 minutes . Thank you , Mr Chairman . 2137 01:24:12,290 --> 01:24:15,210 Thank you for being here . Obviously 2138 01:24:15,210 --> 01:24:17,377 doing your job . We totally understand 2139 01:24:17,377 --> 01:24:19,880 that . Um , but I I am taking Bacchus . 2140 01:24:19,880 --> 01:24:23,010 Well , um , by the language , uh , that 2141 01:24:23,010 --> 01:24:25,430 you're developing and maturing the plan , 2142 01:24:25,790 --> 01:24:28,080 when do you think the plan is gonna be 2143 01:24:28,080 --> 01:24:31,710 matured ? So I would 2144 01:24:31,710 --> 01:24:35,340 anticipate that , uh , you know , by 2145 01:24:35,350 --> 01:24:38,810 early 2021 early in the new year that 2146 01:24:38,810 --> 01:24:40,866 we will have , ah , much more mature 2147 01:24:40,866 --> 01:24:44,660 plan to to share with Congress . And 2148 01:24:44,660 --> 01:24:46,882 General Alvin , did you want to respond 2149 01:24:46,882 --> 01:24:48,882 to that as well ? Is that your time 2150 01:24:48,882 --> 01:24:51,600 frame ? Uh huh . I don't have any 2151 01:24:51,600 --> 01:24:53,711 better answer than that . Frankly , a 2152 01:24:53,711 --> 01:24:55,656 lot of it will depend upon what Dr 2153 01:24:55,656 --> 01:24:57,711 Anderson has spoken about all of the 2154 01:24:57,711 --> 01:24:57,600 variables that need to come together . 2155 01:24:57,600 --> 01:25:00,590 But , um , t get the As the chairman 2156 01:25:00,590 --> 01:25:02,710 said to get the details that would be 2157 01:25:02,710 --> 01:25:04,821 satisfying , I would imagine would be 2158 01:25:04,821 --> 01:25:06,932 into that timeframe . And I wonder Dr 2159 01:25:06,932 --> 01:25:09,160 Anderson of the details that you're 2160 01:25:09,160 --> 01:25:11,630 talking about . What is it that 2161 01:25:11,630 --> 01:25:14,030 concerns you the most ? That you don't 2162 01:25:14,040 --> 01:25:16,900 have a feel for that you don't feel 2163 01:25:16,910 --> 01:25:19,200 is cooked . 2164 01:25:21,690 --> 01:25:24,450 So from from a policy perspective , I'm 2165 01:25:24,450 --> 01:25:26,728 very comfortable this plan and in fact , 2166 01:25:26,728 --> 01:25:28,561 I think it is going to serve the 2167 01:25:28,561 --> 01:25:30,450 interests of the national defense 2168 01:25:30,450 --> 01:25:32,672 strategy . Uh , that we way promulgated 2169 01:25:32,672 --> 01:25:36,250 in January 2018 eso at that level . 2170 01:25:36,260 --> 01:25:39,150 I'm very , very pleased with the 2171 01:25:39,150 --> 01:25:41,317 approach . I think it is gonna enhance 2172 01:25:41,317 --> 01:25:43,150 deterrence and assure allies and 2173 01:25:43,150 --> 01:25:46,630 provide us more flexibility . I , too , 2174 01:25:46,630 --> 01:25:48,463 am interested in the in the cost 2175 01:25:48,463 --> 01:25:50,900 details causes , Uh , you know , as we 2176 01:25:50,900 --> 01:25:52,900 think about budgets in the future , 2177 01:25:52,900 --> 01:25:55,580 obviously a large concern . Eso that is 2178 01:25:55,580 --> 01:25:57,413 something that will certainly be 2179 01:25:57,413 --> 01:25:59,650 keeping an eye on . Thank you . I I 2180 01:25:59,650 --> 01:26:01,872 know that in the testimony that you all 2181 01:26:01,872 --> 01:26:04,280 presented you , you pointed Thio Airman 2182 01:26:04,280 --> 01:26:06,490 that had been scheduled to re base to 2183 01:26:06,490 --> 01:26:08,601 Germany and that they would remain in 2184 01:26:08,601 --> 01:26:10,768 the UK And you said that they would do 2185 01:26:10,768 --> 01:26:13,450 so , uh , to ensure that the under a 2186 01:26:13,450 --> 01:26:15,690 new interrupted readiness and 2187 01:26:15,690 --> 01:26:18,230 responsiveness of these units would be 2188 01:26:18,230 --> 01:26:20,560 realized . Um , I'm wondering about 2189 01:26:20,560 --> 01:26:22,671 other units that have been designated 2190 01:26:22,671 --> 01:26:24,227 to be moved experiencing an 2191 01:26:24,227 --> 01:26:26,750 interruption and their readiness and 2192 01:26:26,750 --> 01:26:30,560 responsiveness . What can we expect on 2193 01:26:30,560 --> 01:26:33,610 that level ? So there will be a timing 2194 01:26:33,610 --> 01:26:36,170 and a phasing in a sequencing of all 2195 01:26:36,170 --> 01:26:38,740 these moves , I can say with confidence 2196 01:26:38,740 --> 01:26:40,851 or not , they're not gonna all happen 2197 01:26:40,851 --> 01:26:43,184 at once that we spaced out over time on . 2198 01:26:43,184 --> 01:26:45,073 Because of that , we will be very 2199 01:26:45,073 --> 01:26:47,770 attuned to any temporary disruptions or 2200 01:26:47,780 --> 01:26:50,790 interruptions in , uh , readiness or 2201 01:26:50,800 --> 01:26:53,810 capabilities . And you'll be planning 2202 01:26:53,810 --> 01:26:55,921 for that ? Yes , indeed . And I would 2203 01:26:55,921 --> 01:26:57,921 also note , in the broader sweep of 2204 01:26:57,921 --> 01:26:59,866 NATO's history , we've made , uh , 2205 01:26:59,866 --> 01:27:01,977 moves even larger moves . And we have 2206 01:27:01,977 --> 01:27:04,032 we have done so without compromising 2207 01:27:04,032 --> 01:27:06,199 our overall capabilities . Thank you . 2208 01:27:06,199 --> 01:27:08,143 Thank you , sir . Thank you . Um , 2209 01:27:08,143 --> 01:27:10,366 General , you mentioned you did mention 2210 01:27:10,366 --> 01:27:12,588 the families , and we know how critical 2211 01:27:12,588 --> 01:27:14,643 on how important they that is . Um , 2212 01:27:14,643 --> 01:27:16,866 the men and women who serve our country 2213 01:27:16,866 --> 01:27:19,260 have a vote in this , um , and they do 2214 01:27:19,260 --> 01:27:21,770 it often by their feet . And so I 2215 01:27:21,770 --> 01:27:25,020 wonder what you're doing to mitigate 2216 01:27:25,030 --> 01:27:27,252 the impact on those families . And what 2217 01:27:27,252 --> 01:27:29,310 costs do you incur as you attempt to 2218 01:27:29,310 --> 01:27:30,300 realign them ? 2219 01:27:33,680 --> 01:27:36,540 Well , Congress primarily the one of 2220 01:27:36,540 --> 01:27:38,596 the five that the secretary laid out 2221 01:27:38,596 --> 01:27:40,651 was take care of the service members 2222 01:27:40,651 --> 01:27:42,762 and their families . And I think that 2223 01:27:42,762 --> 01:27:44,929 goes to , uh , largely the the idea of 2224 01:27:44,929 --> 01:27:47,040 planning this out ahead of time to be 2225 01:27:47,040 --> 01:27:48,929 able to ensure that when the move 2226 01:27:48,929 --> 01:27:48,720 happens , and , of course , a zoo you 2227 01:27:48,720 --> 01:27:51,320 mentioned man , the the service members 2228 01:27:51,320 --> 01:27:53,376 and their families . They have to be 2229 01:27:53,376 --> 01:27:55,431 resilient because they move here and 2230 01:27:55,431 --> 01:27:57,653 there and everywhere . That's a part of 2231 01:27:57,653 --> 01:27:59,764 life , but we don't even make it more 2232 01:27:59,764 --> 01:27:59,640 complicated . So the idea that as the 2233 01:27:59,640 --> 01:28:01,850 moves are being contemplated , the 2234 01:28:01,860 --> 01:28:03,971 department insurance and the chairman 2235 01:28:03,971 --> 01:28:06,138 is very engaged on this is , well that 2236 01:28:06,138 --> 01:28:08,193 the landing location , wherever that 2237 01:28:08,193 --> 01:28:10,580 will be . When these moves happen , uh , 2238 01:28:10,590 --> 01:28:14,210 will be in full consultation with the 2239 01:28:14,210 --> 01:28:16,266 services who are responsible for the 2240 01:28:16,266 --> 01:28:18,432 organized training equipped to provide 2241 01:28:18,432 --> 01:28:20,654 them that combatant commands as well as 2242 01:28:20,654 --> 01:28:22,766 this body and others to ensure that , 2243 01:28:22,766 --> 01:28:24,821 as I said before , measure twice cut 2244 01:28:24,821 --> 01:28:26,988 once . So we won't Do you have a sense 2245 01:28:26,988 --> 01:28:28,988 that it's really important to surge 2246 01:28:28,988 --> 01:28:31,210 personnel in order to address the needs 2247 01:28:31,210 --> 01:28:34,570 of families ? Often , families feel 2248 01:28:34,570 --> 01:28:36,980 that , uh , it takes forever for them 2249 01:28:36,980 --> 01:28:39,147 to get the attention that they need in 2250 01:28:39,147 --> 01:28:41,313 order to to plan themselves for a move 2251 01:28:41,313 --> 01:28:43,424 that could be detrimental in terms of 2252 01:28:43,424 --> 01:28:45,480 the education of their Children . On 2253 01:28:45,480 --> 01:28:49,020 many other facets of this , what will 2254 01:28:49,020 --> 01:28:51,420 be done toe bring him on more personnel 2255 01:28:51,420 --> 01:28:54,580 in order to address First of all , 2256 01:28:54,590 --> 01:28:56,701 Congressman , I would say the way you 2257 01:28:56,701 --> 01:28:58,760 put it is very eloquent and very 2258 01:28:58,760 --> 01:29:00,880 accurate . Uh , I anticipate that the 2259 01:29:00,880 --> 01:29:02,769 chairman will work with the Joint 2260 01:29:02,769 --> 01:29:04,936 Chiefs as well as the service in their 2261 01:29:04,936 --> 01:29:07,158 hats of service chiefs , to ensure that 2262 01:29:07,158 --> 01:29:09,213 as those moves which are executed by 2263 01:29:09,213 --> 01:29:11,324 the services that they are doing that 2264 01:29:11,324 --> 01:29:13,491 as you said , Serge , the personnel to 2265 01:29:13,491 --> 01:29:15,491 were you able to communicate what's 2266 01:29:15,491 --> 01:29:15,410 required and how they can anticipate 2267 01:29:15,410 --> 01:29:17,299 that , so they at least have some 2268 01:29:17,299 --> 01:29:19,410 predictability . Thank you , sir . My 2269 01:29:19,410 --> 01:29:21,410 time is that Thank you . Mr Bacon's 2270 01:29:21,410 --> 01:29:23,688 recognized for five months . Thank you , 2271 01:29:23,688 --> 01:29:25,632 Mr Chairman . I first want to just 2272 01:29:25,632 --> 01:29:27,188 start off by congratulate . 2273 01:29:27,188 --> 01:29:29,188 Congratulate Channel , Alvin . Uh , 2274 01:29:29,470 --> 01:29:31,637 I've had multiple assignments . Both , 2275 01:29:31,637 --> 01:29:33,914 um and for him to be getting this four . 2276 01:29:33,914 --> 01:29:36,081 Star of the Air Force is selecting the 2277 01:29:36,081 --> 01:29:38,137 right person . So congratulations to 2278 01:29:38,137 --> 01:29:38,100 you . We've had a little bit of a 2279 01:29:38,100 --> 01:29:40,380 debate up here on the forward presence 2280 01:29:40,380 --> 01:29:42,730 of forces , and I believe that we 2281 01:29:42,740 --> 01:29:44,740 absolutely need forward presence in 2282 01:29:44,740 --> 01:29:46,907 Poland and the Baltics . We've seen in 2283 01:29:46,907 --> 01:29:49,330 the past with Georgia and Ukraine how 2284 01:29:49,340 --> 01:29:51,740 Russia responds to perceived weakness . 2285 01:29:51,750 --> 01:29:54,570 So I'm a big supporter , making sure we 2286 01:29:54,570 --> 01:29:56,681 have a presence . I would even prefer 2287 01:29:56,681 --> 01:29:58,737 permanent presence in Poland and the 2288 01:29:58,737 --> 01:30:00,959 Baltics toe make our intentions and our 2289 01:30:00,959 --> 01:30:03,237 deterrence clear on my first questions , 2290 01:30:03,237 --> 01:30:06,030 Dr Anderson , if I may . I used to be 2291 01:30:06,030 --> 01:30:08,086 the commander at Ramstein . It was a 2292 01:30:08,086 --> 01:30:10,700 deputy of Third Air Force . What's our 2293 01:30:10,700 --> 01:30:12,978 plants for Spangdahlem in the long run ? 2294 01:30:12,978 --> 01:30:15,144 Because I believe both Spangdahlem and 2295 01:30:15,144 --> 01:30:18,080 Ramstein our strategic bases that we 2296 01:30:18,080 --> 01:30:20,136 have to preserve because the airlift 2297 01:30:20,136 --> 01:30:22,370 capacity , the Earl of Capacity , 2298 01:30:22,370 --> 01:30:24,530 cannot go strictly on Ramstein . We 2299 01:30:24,530 --> 01:30:26,697 know that and it's in the perfect spot 2300 01:30:26,697 --> 01:30:29,650 for unrefueled C seventeens that get 2301 01:30:29,650 --> 01:30:31,761 there and then get to the Middle East 2302 01:30:31,761 --> 01:30:33,983 or Africa and without Spangdahlem where 2303 01:30:33,983 --> 01:30:36,150 I think we're in trouble . So I'm just 2304 01:30:36,150 --> 01:30:38,910 curious your perspective . So certainly , 2305 01:30:38,910 --> 01:30:40,910 in the context of moving to greater 2306 01:30:40,910 --> 01:30:42,966 rotational forces , there is still a 2307 01:30:42,966 --> 01:30:46,610 role for for hubs , logistics hubs and , 2308 01:30:46,610 --> 01:30:50,500 uh , and air bases . Um , that 2309 01:30:50,510 --> 01:30:53,290 can and should be retained . So I would 2310 01:30:53,300 --> 01:30:55,590 say that that is part of our thinking 2311 01:30:55,600 --> 01:30:58,160 on the European force structure Re 2312 01:30:58,160 --> 01:31:00,049 posturing . So your intentions to 2313 01:31:00,049 --> 01:31:02,382 maintain Spangdahlem is a barrel of tub . 2314 01:31:03,060 --> 01:31:06,980 So yeah , I know that we're going 2315 01:31:06,980 --> 01:31:09,030 to retain the hubs . I wanna be a 2316 01:31:09,030 --> 01:31:12,220 little bit . I want a caveat this a 2317 01:31:12,220 --> 01:31:14,220 little bit because I'm not familiar 2318 01:31:14,220 --> 01:31:17,480 with the the exact nature of what's 2319 01:31:17,480 --> 01:31:19,147 what's being planned for that 2320 01:31:19,147 --> 01:31:21,313 particular base . I'll just let me put 2321 01:31:21,313 --> 01:31:23,460 my perspective out there . That whole 2322 01:31:23,460 --> 01:31:25,780 capacity can't follow Ramstein . I know 2323 01:31:25,780 --> 01:31:28,460 it . I just know it firsthand . And 2324 01:31:28,460 --> 01:31:30,620 both those bases are your primary 2325 01:31:30,620 --> 01:31:32,870 conduits in the Middle East and Africa 2326 01:31:33,260 --> 01:31:35,427 and would be for the rest of Europe if 2327 01:31:35,427 --> 01:31:37,316 you had troubles in Poland or the 2328 01:31:37,316 --> 01:31:39,427 Baltic . So I just I just I'm worried 2329 01:31:39,427 --> 01:31:41,704 that pulling out of spend Donald Total , 2330 01:31:41,704 --> 01:31:43,760 I could see some force realignment . 2331 01:31:43,760 --> 01:31:45,982 But that airlift of is critical . Yes . 2332 01:31:45,982 --> 01:31:47,982 And our defense planners were fully 2333 01:31:47,982 --> 01:31:50,260 aware of those , uh , those advantages . 2334 01:31:50,260 --> 01:31:52,260 Yes , sir . Uh , another question I 2335 01:31:52,260 --> 01:31:54,427 always was concerned about pulling out 2336 01:31:54,427 --> 01:31:56,538 of Milton Hall , the United Kingdom , 2337 01:31:56,538 --> 01:31:58,704 Great Britain's our best ally and NATO 2338 01:31:58,704 --> 01:32:00,816 through thick and thin . They've been 2339 01:32:00,816 --> 01:32:02,982 with us . I didn't really care for how 2340 01:32:02,982 --> 01:32:02,920 we handle that to begin with . So I'm 2341 01:32:02,920 --> 01:32:04,809 glad that we're maintaining force 2342 01:32:04,809 --> 01:32:06,864 presence at Maldon Hall . What's the 2343 01:32:06,864 --> 01:32:08,864 plan for Fairford ? Because we were 2344 01:32:08,864 --> 01:32:11,142 talking about moving the RC 1 35 there . 2345 01:32:11,950 --> 01:32:14,210 So I'm not I'm not sure . I don't know 2346 01:32:14,210 --> 01:32:16,330 if my colleague is aware of the 2347 01:32:16,340 --> 01:32:19,500 particulars on that Congressman . I 2348 01:32:19,500 --> 01:32:21,722 will take that for the record , because 2349 01:32:21,722 --> 01:32:23,889 I think that having experienced Europe 2350 01:32:23,889 --> 01:32:25,889 is you have a well , you understand 2351 01:32:25,889 --> 01:32:27,833 that . And so I will , um , in the 2352 01:32:27,833 --> 01:32:29,722 context of what General Walter is 2353 01:32:29,722 --> 01:32:31,722 currently pursuing , uh , we will . 2354 01:32:31,722 --> 01:32:33,889 We'll take that for the record and get 2355 01:32:33,889 --> 01:32:35,889 back to But to your point on Milton 2356 01:32:35,889 --> 01:32:37,944 Hall , as you recall , that it was a 2357 01:32:37,944 --> 01:32:40,167 European infrastructure consolidation , 2358 01:32:40,167 --> 01:32:42,222 which was made in a different time . 2359 01:32:42,222 --> 01:32:42,220 And so Milton Hall , while not only 2360 01:32:42,220 --> 01:32:44,387 serving as a refueling , can also help 2361 01:32:44,390 --> 01:32:46,557 augment that critical through flow for 2362 01:32:46,557 --> 01:32:48,334 enabling global operations as a 2363 01:32:48,334 --> 01:32:50,501 narrative . Tough as well can help the 2364 01:32:50,501 --> 01:32:50,480 augment those two bases you mentioned 2365 01:32:50,480 --> 01:32:53,090 in Germany , sir . We're just plant 2366 01:32:53,090 --> 01:32:55,150 this thought to . We have built a 2367 01:32:55,150 --> 01:32:57,428 strong relationship with Great Britain . 2368 01:32:57,428 --> 01:32:59,483 When it comes to reconnaissance , we 2369 01:32:59,483 --> 01:33:01,539 have sold them our C 1 30 fives . We 2370 01:33:01,539 --> 01:33:03,761 operate out of there . I think it would 2371 01:33:03,761 --> 01:33:07,280 be wise to have a joint base with a UK 2372 01:33:07,280 --> 01:33:09,420 and ourselves doing the RC 1 35 2373 01:33:09,420 --> 01:33:12,780 operations . You get great synergy and 2374 01:33:12,790 --> 01:33:14,901 we both we both gain from it . It's a 2375 01:33:14,901 --> 01:33:18,570 win win . So I I'm a proponent for it . 2376 01:33:18,580 --> 01:33:20,469 Let me just close on this . I'm a 2377 01:33:20,469 --> 01:33:22,413 little concerned about where we're 2378 01:33:22,413 --> 01:33:24,469 going to Germany . I think we have a 2379 01:33:24,469 --> 01:33:26,580 growing rift . They used to be on the 2380 01:33:26,580 --> 01:33:28,691 front lines , You know , I was in the 2381 01:33:28,691 --> 01:33:28,070 Cold War , but now they're more of the 2382 01:33:28,070 --> 01:33:30,660 logistics sub . And I'm concerned that 2383 01:33:30,660 --> 01:33:32,620 we're burning bridges with the 2384 01:33:32,630 --> 01:33:34,797 populists and the political leadership 2385 01:33:34,797 --> 01:33:37,740 there with a country that we absolutely 2386 01:33:37,740 --> 01:33:39,962 have to have a good report with . If we 2387 01:33:39,962 --> 01:33:42,360 have a strong a conflict with Russia 2388 01:33:42,360 --> 01:33:44,910 down the road , are we a threat of 2389 01:33:44,910 --> 01:33:47,077 burning bridges too far with Germany ? 2390 01:33:47,077 --> 01:33:49,354 Because that should be a concern to us . 2391 01:33:49,354 --> 01:33:51,410 Now , I defer to you , Dr Anderson . 2392 01:33:51,750 --> 01:33:53,806 Well , a couple of points . I mean , 2393 01:33:53,806 --> 01:33:55,972 Germany certainly plays a constructive 2394 01:33:55,972 --> 01:33:58,194 role . They have been helpful in , uh , 2395 01:33:58,194 --> 01:34:00,194 in Afghanistan and in Iraq and also 2396 01:34:00,194 --> 01:34:02,540 been , uh , an outstanding partner and 2397 01:34:02,550 --> 01:34:05,230 counterterrorism activities . All that 2398 01:34:05,230 --> 01:34:07,880 said the president . The secretary are 2399 01:34:07,880 --> 01:34:10,102 absolutely right . And , uh , asserting 2400 01:34:10,102 --> 01:34:12,324 that Germany can and should pay mawr in 2401 01:34:12,324 --> 01:34:15,250 terms of its defense budget . Uh , 2402 01:34:15,260 --> 01:34:17,371 there's whales . Pledge was agreed to 2403 01:34:17,371 --> 01:34:21,030 unanimous unanimously in 2014 to get to 2404 01:34:21,030 --> 01:34:23,820 2% within 10 years , and in Germany is 2405 01:34:23,820 --> 01:34:27,170 currently lagging at about 1.5% . They 2406 01:34:27,170 --> 01:34:30,670 have . They do have a plan to get to 2% 2407 01:34:30,670 --> 01:34:32,950 but that's not gonna happen by their 2408 01:34:32,950 --> 01:34:36,400 terms by 2030 . So we would certainly 2409 01:34:36,400 --> 01:34:39,750 encourage Berlin Thio to advance that 2410 01:34:39,750 --> 01:34:41,806 timeline . So , Mr Chair , I'll just 2411 01:34:41,806 --> 01:34:43,940 close with us that they are paying 2412 01:34:43,940 --> 01:34:46,162 under 2% but we still need them to have 2413 01:34:46,162 --> 01:34:48,329 a strong alliance . So we gotta find a 2414 01:34:48,329 --> 01:34:50,329 way toe , make that work , and I'll 2415 01:34:50,329 --> 01:34:52,551 just say , Hey , we're gonna vice Chief 2416 01:34:52,551 --> 01:34:52,490 of Staff . Gentlemen , your time has 2417 01:34:52,490 --> 01:34:54,810 expired . Mr . Garamendi is recognized 2418 01:34:54,810 --> 01:34:58,800 for five minutes . Thank you , 2419 01:34:58,800 --> 01:34:59,680 Mr Chairman . 2420 01:35:06,640 --> 01:35:08,720 E Think we lost you there , Johnny ? 2421 01:35:08,720 --> 01:35:12,600 You still have one more convinced I 2422 01:35:12,600 --> 01:35:16,210 am . It should be . Should be 2423 01:35:16,210 --> 01:35:18,070 there . Keep going . 2424 01:35:25,940 --> 01:35:28,051 Yeah , if you're speaking , we can no 2425 01:35:28,051 --> 01:35:31,970 longer hear you . What ? Mhm . 2426 01:35:32,840 --> 01:35:35,180 Appreciate that . Helpful insight . Um , 2427 01:35:35,190 --> 01:35:37,301 yeah . I'm sorry , John . We've got a 2428 01:35:37,301 --> 01:35:39,579 connection problem here because we are . 2429 01:35:39,579 --> 01:35:41,857 We are not hearing you . You're moving . 2430 01:35:41,857 --> 01:35:44,023 It's still tiddly , so we'll see if we 2431 01:35:44,023 --> 01:35:46,630 can fix that . In the meantime , I have . 2432 01:35:46,640 --> 01:35:50,270 I don't see him on the screen now . Um , 2433 01:35:50,840 --> 01:35:54,040 Mr Cisneros is the next one who is up . 2434 01:35:54,040 --> 01:35:56,262 Mr . Scenarios , you are recognized for 2435 01:35:56,262 --> 01:35:58,596 five minutes . If your device functions . 2436 01:35:58,596 --> 01:36:00,840 Go ahead . Are you okay ? 2437 01:36:02,530 --> 01:36:04,697 Thank you , Mr Chairman . I appreciate 2438 01:36:04,697 --> 01:36:07,550 that , Um , thanks to our panel for 2439 01:36:07,550 --> 01:36:09,960 being here today , and I know this has 2440 01:36:09,970 --> 01:36:13,080 been asked , but I will kind of 2441 01:36:13,730 --> 01:36:16,070 ask it again . But based on secretary 2442 01:36:16,070 --> 01:36:18,420 experts comments , this realignment 2443 01:36:18,420 --> 01:36:20,587 will be expensive . Not to mention the 2444 01:36:20,587 --> 01:36:22,809 impact of realignment on morale for our 2445 01:36:22,809 --> 01:36:24,864 service members and their families . 2446 01:36:24,864 --> 01:36:27,031 Does the department expect any savings 2447 01:36:27,031 --> 01:36:28,642 Are increased burden sharing 2448 01:36:28,642 --> 01:36:30,809 contributions from Germany as a result 2449 01:36:30,809 --> 01:36:32,476 of the realignment that would 2450 01:36:32,476 --> 01:36:34,698 compensate for the cost of the proposed 2451 01:36:34,698 --> 01:36:37,031 force . Posture changes , General Alvin , 2452 01:36:37,031 --> 01:36:38,920 what is the plan for the military 2453 01:36:38,920 --> 01:36:41,031 families of U . S service members who 2454 01:36:41,031 --> 01:36:42,976 are affected by this realignment . 2455 01:36:46,030 --> 01:36:48,390 So let me start with the question on 2456 01:36:48,390 --> 01:36:50,557 Germany . Uh , you know , certainly it 2457 01:36:50,557 --> 01:36:53,050 is our , uh it is . It is our hope . 2458 01:36:53,050 --> 01:36:55,400 And it is our indeed , our expectation 2459 01:36:55,400 --> 01:36:57,622 that Germany will live up to the whales 2460 01:36:57,622 --> 01:36:59,622 pledge , uh , going forward . And I 2461 01:36:59,622 --> 01:37:01,567 would say even more broadly , with 2462 01:37:01,567 --> 01:37:03,789 respect to this , uh , realignment plan 2463 01:37:03,789 --> 01:37:05,956 for European force structure , we will 2464 01:37:05,956 --> 01:37:08,178 look for opportunities where our allies 2465 01:37:08,178 --> 01:37:11,790 can contribute and , uh , in terms of 2466 01:37:11,790 --> 01:37:15,080 the funding element of this , because 2467 01:37:15,090 --> 01:37:17,350 this is , uh , this does need to be a 2468 01:37:17,360 --> 01:37:20,380 shared burden with respect to the 2469 01:37:20,390 --> 01:37:22,890 families And , uh , asked my 2470 01:37:22,890 --> 01:37:25,001 counterpart to , ah , elaborate . But 2471 01:37:25,001 --> 01:37:27,001 But certainly this ties in directly 2472 01:37:27,001 --> 01:37:28,779 with secretary customers , uh , 2473 01:37:28,779 --> 01:37:30,890 commitment that he stated on numerous 2474 01:37:30,890 --> 01:37:32,890 occasions that we are going to take 2475 01:37:32,890 --> 01:37:34,890 care of our service members and our 2476 01:37:34,890 --> 01:37:37,223 families throughout this entire process . 2477 01:37:37,223 --> 01:37:39,446 What that means very practical terms is 2478 01:37:39,446 --> 01:37:41,557 that as the is , the plan matures and 2479 01:37:41,557 --> 01:37:43,557 we have timelines that we will keep 2480 01:37:43,557 --> 01:37:45,950 them informed . Andi , I would also 2481 01:37:45,960 --> 01:37:48,630 note that there are no there are no 2482 01:37:48,640 --> 01:37:50,850 near term by that in the next couple 2483 01:37:50,850 --> 01:37:54,480 months PCs moves that are currently 2484 01:37:54,480 --> 01:37:56,740 envisioned , all that will be scoped 2485 01:37:56,740 --> 01:37:58,950 out and , uh , communicated 2486 01:37:58,950 --> 01:38:02,700 appropriately . And Congressman , I'll 2487 01:38:02,700 --> 01:38:05,320 follow up with what Dr Anderson 2488 01:38:05,320 --> 01:38:07,640 mentioned . The plan really for the 2489 01:38:07,640 --> 01:38:10,050 families is is as I mentioned , I'm 2490 01:38:10,050 --> 01:38:12,106 speaking with Representative Davis . 2491 01:38:12,106 --> 01:38:14,217 The understanding , the scope and the 2492 01:38:14,217 --> 01:38:16,494 ultimate destination , which has to be , 2493 01:38:16,494 --> 01:38:19,130 has to be 100% in consultation with 2494 01:38:19,130 --> 01:38:21,352 this body as well as the services , the 2495 01:38:21,352 --> 01:38:23,574 services , who will eventually they are 2496 01:38:23,574 --> 01:38:25,797 the ones who do the organized , trained 2497 01:38:25,797 --> 01:38:27,852 and equipped . They will be part and 2498 01:38:27,852 --> 01:38:29,852 parcel of understanding . Uh , that 2499 01:38:29,852 --> 01:38:31,852 particular puzzle and and the right 2500 01:38:31,852 --> 01:38:34,019 location for those service members and 2501 01:38:34,019 --> 01:38:36,270 families to go who will be , uh , 2502 01:38:36,280 --> 01:38:38,660 rotated back . But as representative 2503 01:38:38,660 --> 01:38:41,570 Davis said , I feel very confident that 2504 01:38:41,570 --> 01:38:43,681 I can speak on behalf of the services 2505 01:38:43,681 --> 01:38:45,737 on this to say that surging ahead of 2506 01:38:45,737 --> 01:38:47,737 time , surging the people to ensure 2507 01:38:47,737 --> 01:38:49,848 that the families are made well aware 2508 01:38:49,848 --> 01:38:51,792 aunt have a predictability because 2509 01:38:51,792 --> 01:38:54,014 that's we understand . Families need to 2510 01:38:54,014 --> 01:38:56,181 be resilient . The best that we can do 2511 01:38:56,181 --> 01:38:57,737 on this is to give them the 2512 01:38:57,737 --> 01:38:59,903 predictability . So they aren't , uh , 2513 01:38:59,903 --> 01:39:02,126 sort of whip lashing around between one 2514 01:39:02,126 --> 01:39:04,680 eventuality and the next . All right , 2515 01:39:04,690 --> 01:39:07,550 thank you . Eso Mr . Anderson , 2516 01:39:09,320 --> 01:39:11,542 you know there's talk about moving in F 2517 01:39:11,542 --> 01:39:13,760 16 squadron to Italy from Germany , 2518 01:39:13,770 --> 01:39:17,150 also moving 2000 troops to Belgium . 2519 01:39:17,720 --> 01:39:19,780 But yet , you know Belgium or Italy 2520 01:39:19,780 --> 01:39:22,113 meet NATO's target for defense spending , 2521 01:39:22,113 --> 01:39:24,590 Uh , which seems to be inconsistent 2522 01:39:24,590 --> 01:39:26,590 with the administration's reasoning 2523 01:39:27,550 --> 01:39:30,980 moving these troops out . So what ? How 2524 01:39:30,980 --> 01:39:33,091 can you speak towards the consistency 2525 01:39:33,091 --> 01:39:36,160 of of moving the president ? Well , the 2526 01:39:36,170 --> 01:39:38,392 comments that the president's made that 2527 01:39:38,392 --> 01:39:41,860 Germany is eyes not paid its dues and 2528 01:39:41,860 --> 01:39:43,860 not doing its part . So he's moving 2529 01:39:43,860 --> 01:39:45,749 troops out . But yet we're moving 2530 01:39:45,749 --> 01:39:48,190 troops in the other areas of NATO that 2531 01:39:48,200 --> 01:39:50,770 have also been not kind of met their 2532 01:39:50,780 --> 01:39:52,891 their part as well as their financial 2533 01:39:52,891 --> 01:39:56,270 obligations . So in the 2534 01:39:56,280 --> 01:39:59,740 formulation of the concept , which is 2535 01:39:59,740 --> 01:40:02,510 transitioning to a plan , the defense 2536 01:40:02,510 --> 01:40:04,920 planners did not , uh , you know , look , 2537 01:40:04,920 --> 01:40:07,930 a scorecard of who's paying what ? 2538 01:40:08,310 --> 01:40:11,900 Um , as a determining factor on 2539 01:40:11,910 --> 01:40:15,370 where rotational units would go . They 2540 01:40:15,380 --> 01:40:19,170 made these assessments based upon , uh , 2541 01:40:19,180 --> 01:40:21,600 their best military judgment on what 2542 01:40:21,600 --> 01:40:24,210 makes sense operationally , uh , in 2543 01:40:24,210 --> 01:40:27,090 terms of the broader restructuring , 2544 01:40:27,100 --> 01:40:28,220 restructuring . 2545 01:40:31,510 --> 01:40:34,480 All right , so this is so the president , 2546 01:40:34,490 --> 01:40:36,490 his delinquent , this comment about 2547 01:40:36,490 --> 01:40:38,490 delinquent , they haven't paid NATO 2548 01:40:38,490 --> 01:40:41,900 fees . Um , this is not the reason 2549 01:40:41,900 --> 01:40:44,067 we're not punishing Germany for moving 2550 01:40:44,067 --> 01:40:45,122 these troops out . 2551 01:40:47,510 --> 01:40:50,570 So again , going back to an earlier 2552 01:40:50,570 --> 01:40:53,320 point of you know , you calm has been 2553 01:40:53,320 --> 01:40:55,542 thinking about force posture , moves on 2554 01:40:55,542 --> 01:40:57,542 a continuous basis and then receive 2555 01:40:57,542 --> 01:40:59,880 specific direction from Secretary Esper 2556 01:40:59,890 --> 01:41:02,480 in , uh , in the January February time 2557 01:41:02,480 --> 01:41:05,830 frame . And , uh , and it's It's fair 2558 01:41:05,830 --> 01:41:07,886 to say that the president's guidance 2559 01:41:07,886 --> 01:41:10,060 did accelerate the process , uh , and 2560 01:41:10,060 --> 01:41:12,171 has brought us to this point where we 2561 01:41:12,171 --> 01:41:15,230 are . We're sharing the concept . Thank 2562 01:41:15,230 --> 01:41:17,286 you . Gentleman's time has expired . 2563 01:41:17,286 --> 01:41:20,780 Miss Gabbert is next and is recognized 2564 01:41:20,790 --> 01:41:22,140 for five minutes . 2565 01:41:25,710 --> 01:41:27,932 Thank you very much , Mr Chairman . And 2566 01:41:27,932 --> 01:41:29,932 thank you to the witnesses here . I 2567 01:41:29,932 --> 01:41:32,890 know earlier you briefly touched on 2568 01:41:32,900 --> 01:41:35,280 impacts Africam . But , I mean , if you 2569 01:41:35,280 --> 01:41:37,558 could go into a little bit more detail , 2570 01:41:37,558 --> 01:41:41,190 both on where Africa missions will pull 2571 01:41:41,190 --> 01:41:44,700 their forces from with this change 2572 01:41:44,700 --> 01:41:48,700 given they share troops with with 2573 01:41:48,710 --> 01:41:52,400 the Europe a o . R . And also , how 2574 01:41:52,400 --> 01:41:55,490 will this change impact ? Um , any 2575 01:41:55,500 --> 01:41:57,830 intel gathering capabilities or other 2576 01:41:57,830 --> 01:41:59,774 shared capabilities that currently 2577 01:41:59,774 --> 01:42:01,663 exists between the two commands . 2578 01:42:03,600 --> 01:42:06,060 So , with respect to Africa , ma'am , 2579 01:42:06,070 --> 01:42:09,300 there to the department is undergoing a 2580 01:42:09,310 --> 01:42:12,460 combatant command blank slate review of 2581 01:42:12,470 --> 01:42:15,960 missions and tasks and and deployments , 2582 01:42:15,960 --> 01:42:18,740 and that that is currently ongoing . 2583 01:42:19,100 --> 01:42:21,740 Andi , When Secretary Esther makes 2584 01:42:21,750 --> 01:42:24,460 final decisions , uh , with respect 2585 01:42:24,460 --> 01:42:27,560 Thio the positioning of those forces , 2586 01:42:27,570 --> 01:42:29,280 we will . We will share those 2587 01:42:29,280 --> 01:42:32,020 appropriately with respect . Thio 2588 01:42:32,540 --> 01:42:34,660 Intelligence and warning certainly 2589 01:42:34,670 --> 01:42:37,460 agree with the the point or the 2590 01:42:37,460 --> 01:42:40,260 importance of that on on multiple 2591 01:42:40,260 --> 01:42:43,330 fronts . Uh , to include going back to 2592 01:42:43,330 --> 01:42:46,080 our earlier discussion about moving 2593 01:42:46,080 --> 01:42:48,270 rotational forces to the European 2594 01:42:48,270 --> 01:42:50,520 content content and back to the United 2595 01:42:50,520 --> 01:42:53,600 States . It's absolutely imperative 2596 01:42:53,600 --> 01:42:55,900 that we have appropriate , uh , 2597 01:42:55,910 --> 01:42:58,132 intelligence and surveillance that will 2598 01:42:58,132 --> 01:43:00,510 provide us sufficient indications and 2599 01:43:00,510 --> 01:43:02,990 warning time in order to make these 2600 01:43:02,990 --> 01:43:03,620 moves . 2601 01:43:05,800 --> 01:43:09,550 And forgive me if you already 2602 01:43:09,560 --> 01:43:11,727 talked about this . I didn't hear it . 2603 01:43:11,727 --> 01:43:15,380 But how will this , uh , 2604 01:43:15,390 --> 01:43:18,270 new realignment impact the burden 2605 01:43:18,270 --> 01:43:20,326 sharing contributions that come from 2606 01:43:20,326 --> 01:43:23,920 Germany ? Um , and how that will impact 2607 01:43:23,920 --> 01:43:25,864 them as well as how to impact us . 2608 01:43:28,000 --> 01:43:30,970 So moving forward on this on this 2609 01:43:30,980 --> 01:43:33,036 realignment , we will look , we will 2610 01:43:33,036 --> 01:43:35,258 look for opportunities where allies can 2611 01:43:35,260 --> 01:43:38,520 contribute , you know , financially in 2612 01:43:38,520 --> 01:43:41,050 a meaningful way . Um , you know , some 2613 01:43:41,050 --> 01:43:43,217 of those costs will obviously be , but 2614 01:43:43,217 --> 01:43:45,383 we will look for those opportunities . 2615 01:43:45,383 --> 01:43:47,661 And then I would say more broadly , uh , 2616 01:43:47,661 --> 01:43:50,060 we , uh we continue thio , expect our 2617 01:43:50,070 --> 01:43:52,610 European allies toe live up , and to 2618 01:43:52,620 --> 01:43:54,700 hold the whales pledge . That was 2619 01:43:54,700 --> 01:43:58,220 unanimous . We agreed to in 2014 . 2620 01:43:58,400 --> 01:44:00,900 I would also say , on the on the cost 2621 01:44:00,900 --> 01:44:03,110 front in the financial front that we 2622 01:44:03,190 --> 01:44:05,770 NATO has made progress their arm or 2623 01:44:05,770 --> 01:44:09,490 countries now that are at or above the 2624 01:44:09,500 --> 01:44:12,830 2% limit . Those include not only , of 2625 01:44:12,830 --> 01:44:15,360 course , ourselves United States , but 2626 01:44:15,360 --> 01:44:17,416 Bulgaria , Greece , United Kingdom , 2627 01:44:17,416 --> 01:44:20,750 Estonia , Romania , Lithuania , Latvia , 2628 01:44:20,760 --> 01:44:23,370 and also Poland . And there's some 2629 01:44:23,370 --> 01:44:25,426 other countries that soon will be at 2630 01:44:25,426 --> 01:44:28,530 that 2% level . So that is a positive 2631 01:44:28,530 --> 01:44:32,210 trajectory . Eso 2632 01:44:32,220 --> 01:44:34,520 specifically with Germany . I mean , 2633 01:44:34,530 --> 01:44:36,820 you have a very specific number of 2634 01:44:36,820 --> 01:44:39,550 troops that will be repositioned back 2635 01:44:39,550 --> 01:44:42,790 here in the United States . Are you not 2636 01:44:42,790 --> 01:44:45,340 able to speak specifically to how that 2637 01:44:45,340 --> 01:44:48,120 burden sharing agreement will be 2638 01:44:48,120 --> 01:44:50,287 impacted ? Both German United States ? 2639 01:44:50,287 --> 01:44:52,760 Because it has to be re negotiated or 2640 01:44:52,770 --> 01:44:56,710 you don't know ? Well , we respect to 2641 01:44:56,710 --> 01:45:00,100 the the target for defense spending . 2642 01:45:00,110 --> 01:45:03,450 The , uh Germany , as with the other 2643 01:45:03,450 --> 01:45:06,650 NATO partners , is expected to reach 2644 01:45:06,650 --> 01:45:10,050 the 2% and they they have 2645 01:45:10,050 --> 01:45:12,161 articulated that they could get there 2646 01:45:12,161 --> 01:45:14,620 in 2030 . It is our position that they 2647 01:45:14,890 --> 01:45:16,970 can , and they should move that 2648 01:45:16,970 --> 01:45:20,300 timeline much earlier to get 2% . And I 2649 01:45:20,300 --> 01:45:22,411 would also say that it's , you know , 2650 01:45:22,411 --> 01:45:24,411 way talk about the 2% level all the 2651 01:45:24,411 --> 01:45:26,578 time and for the appropriate reasons . 2652 01:45:26,578 --> 01:45:29,600 But there's also the , um , way have to 2653 01:45:29,600 --> 01:45:31,711 focus on not just the number but what 2654 01:45:31,711 --> 01:45:33,767 what are actually the capabilities . 2655 01:45:33,767 --> 01:45:35,933 And there it's , uh , you know , there 2656 01:45:35,933 --> 01:45:37,933 is a 20% target of defense spending 2657 01:45:37,933 --> 01:45:40,830 that would be invested in in in actual 2658 01:45:40,840 --> 01:45:44,020 uh , no kidding . Military capabilities . 2659 01:45:46,190 --> 01:45:49,230 Thank you , Mr Chairman . back . Thank 2660 01:45:49,230 --> 01:45:51,310 you , Mr A Small recognized for five 2661 01:45:51,310 --> 01:45:54,490 minutes . Thank you , Mr Chairman . And 2662 01:45:54,490 --> 01:45:56,823 thank you both . So much for being here . 2663 01:45:56,823 --> 01:45:59,046 I really appreciate your service to our 2664 01:45:59,046 --> 01:46:00,823 country . Acting Undersecretary 2665 01:46:00,823 --> 01:46:03,046 Anderson . I wanted to follow up on the 2666 01:46:03,046 --> 01:46:05,268 conversation that you had with Congress 2667 01:46:05,268 --> 01:46:07,157 members Wilson and Hoolahan about 2668 01:46:07,157 --> 01:46:10,130 Africom headquarters . Um and and 2669 01:46:10,140 --> 01:46:12,140 really appreciate your conversation 2670 01:46:12,140 --> 01:46:14,196 that you mentioning the factors that 2671 01:46:14,196 --> 01:46:16,529 you would discuss that you would review . 2672 01:46:16,529 --> 01:46:18,640 So you mentioned cost and receptivity 2673 01:46:18,640 --> 01:46:18,290 of the host nation is factors for 2674 01:46:18,290 --> 01:46:20,457 consideration in the relocation . Will 2675 01:46:20,457 --> 01:46:22,090 you also consider time Zone 2676 01:46:25,680 --> 01:46:28,990 e think of , um 2677 01:46:29,480 --> 01:46:33,220 I'm not sure how . I don't think that 2678 01:46:33,220 --> 01:46:35,600 would be a big consideration man in 2679 01:46:35,600 --> 01:46:37,656 terms of ease , of communication and 2680 01:46:37,656 --> 01:46:39,822 coordination . I mean , we we have now 2681 01:46:39,822 --> 01:46:42,044 we have certain , obviously have combat 2682 01:46:42,044 --> 01:46:44,044 commands that are in different time 2683 01:46:44,044 --> 01:46:46,740 zones . So And you know , both General 2684 01:46:46,740 --> 01:46:48,740 Allen myself . We just managed that 2685 01:46:48,740 --> 01:46:50,796 right ? Sometimes we have late night 2686 01:46:50,796 --> 01:46:52,518 calls or early morning calls , 2687 01:46:52,518 --> 01:46:54,573 depending on which combatant command 2688 01:46:54,573 --> 01:46:56,796 we're talking about . I do not see that 2689 01:46:56,796 --> 01:46:59,330 is a a big issue in the considerations . 2690 01:46:59,350 --> 01:47:01,294 Okay . What about proximity to the 2691 01:47:01,294 --> 01:47:04,040 continent ? So 2692 01:47:04,050 --> 01:47:07,620 there again , I don't wanna get beyond 2693 01:47:07,620 --> 01:47:10,290 the three broad possible , uh , 2694 01:47:10,300 --> 01:47:12,300 destinations . Whether it be in the 2695 01:47:12,300 --> 01:47:15,470 European continent or in Africa or or 2696 01:47:15,470 --> 01:47:17,940 the United States , they all have 2697 01:47:17,940 --> 01:47:20,162 particular advantages and disadvantages 2698 01:47:20,162 --> 01:47:22,162 that need to be sorted out well and 2699 01:47:22,162 --> 01:47:24,162 part of making that decision making 2700 01:47:24,162 --> 01:47:26,162 that decision is identifying all of 2701 01:47:26,162 --> 01:47:28,218 those advantages and disadvantages . 2702 01:47:28,218 --> 01:47:30,329 Correct ? Yes . So would you consider 2703 01:47:30,329 --> 01:47:31,996 as one of those advantages or 2704 01:47:31,996 --> 01:47:33,718 disadvantages proximity to the 2705 01:47:33,718 --> 01:47:36,000 continent ? Two world too . 2706 01:47:36,680 --> 01:47:39,800 Thio , That is among the other , the 2707 01:47:39,800 --> 01:47:42,000 other among the considerations . Yes , 2708 01:47:42,000 --> 01:47:44,056 ma'am . OK , And are there any other 2709 01:47:44,056 --> 01:47:45,944 considerations that you think are 2710 01:47:45,944 --> 01:47:47,611 important for determining the 2711 01:47:47,611 --> 01:47:49,778 headquarters for Africom ? I think the 2712 01:47:49,778 --> 01:47:51,833 ones that we've talked about are the 2713 01:47:51,833 --> 01:47:53,778 main ones . So in your response to 2714 01:47:53,778 --> 01:47:55,944 Congresswoman Hoolahan , you committed 2715 01:47:55,944 --> 01:47:58,111 to ensuring that the decision would be 2716 01:47:58,111 --> 01:48:00,167 made in consultation with Congress . 2717 01:48:00,167 --> 01:48:02,278 And I deeply appreciate that and also 2718 01:48:02,278 --> 01:48:04,278 appreciate you reaffirming that for 2719 01:48:04,278 --> 01:48:06,444 Chairman Smith and Congresswoman Davis 2720 01:48:06,444 --> 01:48:08,444 regarding the entire realignment in 2721 01:48:08,444 --> 01:48:10,611 regards to Africom headquarters . Will 2722 01:48:10,611 --> 01:48:10,540 you commit to ensuring that d o . D . 2723 01:48:10,540 --> 01:48:12,429 Provides an assessment of all the 2724 01:48:12,429 --> 01:48:14,596 factors we just identified and present 2725 01:48:14,596 --> 01:48:16,651 them to this committee in advance of 2726 01:48:16,651 --> 01:48:19,710 that determination ? Yes , we commit to 2727 01:48:19,710 --> 01:48:21,850 that . Thank you I appreciate that 2728 01:48:21,850 --> 01:48:23,906 because it is deeply important these 2729 01:48:23,906 --> 01:48:25,906 air vital decisions that affect our 2730 01:48:25,906 --> 01:48:28,017 deterrence posture , our relationship 2731 01:48:28,017 --> 01:48:30,017 with allies and all of our national 2732 01:48:30,017 --> 01:48:32,350 security . Do you agree with that ? Yes . 2733 01:48:32,350 --> 01:48:34,017 The committee obviously has a 2734 01:48:34,017 --> 01:48:36,350 tremendous role to play in this process . 2735 01:48:36,350 --> 01:48:38,572 Thank you very much . I wonder then why 2736 01:48:38,572 --> 01:48:40,683 the decision was made to move Africom 2737 01:48:40,683 --> 01:48:42,906 headquarters in the first place without 2738 01:48:42,906 --> 01:48:45,450 such consultation . So part of that as 2739 01:48:45,460 --> 01:48:47,238 a Z mentioned previously in the 2740 01:48:47,238 --> 01:48:49,400 discussion , is Teoh is to seek 2741 01:48:49,400 --> 01:48:51,950 operational efficiencies . Andi also 2742 01:48:51,950 --> 01:48:55,620 Thio to meet the directive cap of the 2743 01:48:55,620 --> 01:48:58,750 reductions regarding Germany . Would 2744 01:48:58,760 --> 01:49:00,538 consultation with Congress have 2745 01:49:00,538 --> 01:49:03,880 impacted that ? I'm not sure if it 2746 01:49:03,880 --> 01:49:05,991 would or would not have been impacted 2747 01:49:05,991 --> 01:49:07,880 that . So what is the difference 2748 01:49:07,880 --> 01:49:09,991 between now is we identify the future 2749 01:49:09,991 --> 01:49:11,713 location and the importance of 2750 01:49:11,713 --> 01:49:13,658 consultation with Congress at that 2751 01:49:13,658 --> 01:49:15,547 point compared to the decision to 2752 01:49:15,547 --> 01:49:18,940 relocate it in the first place . So as 2753 01:49:18,940 --> 01:49:22,170 for the actual , uh , the consideration 2754 01:49:22,170 --> 01:49:24,281 that came up with that you come staff 2755 01:49:24,281 --> 01:49:26,337 came up with , I I cannot speak that 2756 01:49:26,337 --> 01:49:28,503 directly . I can say that . You know , 2757 01:49:28,503 --> 01:49:30,726 we we are We are on a bit had been on a 2758 01:49:30,726 --> 01:49:32,837 bit of an accelerated timeline . Uh , 2759 01:49:32,837 --> 01:49:35,020 but now we're in a different place and 2760 01:49:35,020 --> 01:49:36,909 there's a plan . Matures , Aziz , 2761 01:49:36,909 --> 01:49:40,540 you've heard way ? Absolutely . Will 2762 01:49:40,550 --> 01:49:42,772 will consult with Congress as this plan 2763 01:49:42,772 --> 01:49:44,990 matures . So there is no articulable 2764 01:49:44,990 --> 01:49:46,823 distinction between the need for 2765 01:49:46,823 --> 01:49:48,960 consultation . Thio move headquarters 2766 01:49:48,960 --> 01:49:50,793 in the first place and the final 2767 01:49:50,793 --> 01:49:53,016 location . Both are important decisions 2768 01:49:53,016 --> 01:49:55,370 that Congress should be part of and 2769 01:49:55,370 --> 01:49:58,230 consulted about . And we have . We have 2770 01:49:58,230 --> 01:50:00,400 briefed members on staff members on 2771 01:50:00,410 --> 01:50:02,590 these , uh , these proposed moves . 2772 01:50:03,560 --> 01:50:05,782 Thank you . I yield the remainder of my 2773 01:50:05,782 --> 01:50:08,990 time . Thank you . Mr Keating , are you 2774 01:50:08,990 --> 01:50:12,670 with us ? Yes , I am . Mr . Chairman . 2775 01:50:12,680 --> 01:50:14,736 You're recognized for five minutes . 2776 01:50:14,960 --> 01:50:18,710 Thank you , Dr Anderson . Uh , you said 2777 01:50:18,720 --> 01:50:21,110 quote unquote that the decision with 2778 01:50:21,120 --> 01:50:23,810 removing the nearly 12,000 troops in 2779 01:50:23,810 --> 01:50:25,620 Germany was a quote unquote 2780 01:50:25,620 --> 01:50:28,050 presidential decision . Any went on 2781 01:50:28,050 --> 01:50:30,480 with your testimony to talk about the 2782 01:50:30,490 --> 01:50:32,434 fact that Secretary Esper has been 2783 01:50:32,434 --> 01:50:34,657 doing a review of rotations in Europe . 2784 01:50:34,657 --> 01:50:37,100 Now , I wanna It's important for this 2785 01:50:37,100 --> 01:50:39,211 committee and our relationship in our 2786 01:50:39,211 --> 01:50:41,433 decision making to understand the joint 2787 01:50:41,433 --> 01:50:43,489 of the two things because you didn't 2788 01:50:43,489 --> 01:50:45,656 connect one way or the other . I wanna 2789 01:50:45,656 --> 01:50:47,822 ask you specifically . Was that review 2790 01:50:47,822 --> 01:50:49,989 by Secretary Expert then , all right , 2791 01:50:50,260 --> 01:50:52,580 made concrete . And did he place that 2792 01:50:52,590 --> 01:50:55,740 on the president's desk for a decision ? 2793 01:50:55,750 --> 01:50:58,780 Or did the president make that decision 2794 01:50:59,160 --> 01:51:01,880 on then informed secretary expert ? 2795 01:51:01,890 --> 01:51:05,710 Which way was so ? Congressman , I'm 2796 01:51:05,710 --> 01:51:07,960 not privy . Thio discussions between 2797 01:51:07,970 --> 01:51:10,160 the president and the secretary . So I 2798 01:51:10,160 --> 01:51:13,040 can't comment on that . What the 2799 01:51:13,040 --> 01:51:15,680 chairman said , Then why are you here ? 2800 01:51:16,060 --> 01:51:18,116 Uh , this committee deserves answers 2801 01:51:18,116 --> 01:51:20,393 that's critical to our decision making . 2802 01:51:20,393 --> 01:51:22,616 In fact , there were about four or five 2803 01:51:22,616 --> 01:51:24,840 days between the time the Germany and 2804 01:51:24,840 --> 01:51:27,320 form the president , the chancellor . 2805 01:51:27,320 --> 01:51:29,310 Merkel informed the president that 2806 01:51:29,320 --> 01:51:31,487 she's likely not attending the G seven 2807 01:51:31,487 --> 01:51:33,709 summit when this was announced . Do you 2808 01:51:33,709 --> 01:51:35,709 think that's a coincidence ? A mere 2809 01:51:35,709 --> 01:51:37,709 coincidence ? Or more importantly , 2810 01:51:37,709 --> 01:51:39,764 since you may not know the answer to 2811 01:51:39,764 --> 01:51:41,876 that , don't you think that creates a 2812 01:51:41,876 --> 01:51:44,200 tension and a problem with one of our 2813 01:51:44,200 --> 01:51:46,311 central members of one of our central 2814 01:51:46,311 --> 01:51:49,770 alliances for our security ? Don't you 2815 01:51:49,770 --> 01:51:53,580 see the appearance of that ? So , I 2816 01:51:53,580 --> 01:51:55,747 would say , is articulate very clearly 2817 01:51:55,747 --> 01:51:57,858 in our national defense strategy line 2818 01:51:57,858 --> 01:52:00,110 of effort to were committed thio our 2819 01:52:00,110 --> 01:52:03,610 allies and partners , uh , to answer 2820 01:52:03,610 --> 01:52:07,030 the question , Don't you understand the 2821 01:52:07,040 --> 01:52:09,151 problem with that appearance ? Yes or 2822 01:52:09,151 --> 01:52:12,160 No . The problem with which Congressman ? 2823 01:52:13,750 --> 01:52:16,590 I'm sorry if I could translate that . 2824 01:52:16,600 --> 01:52:18,520 The question , basically is the 2825 01:52:18,530 --> 01:52:21,150 appearance of Okay , Germany doesn't 2826 01:52:21,150 --> 01:52:23,317 come to the G seven summit , which the 2827 01:52:23,317 --> 01:52:25,483 president doesn't like . A couple days 2828 01:52:25,483 --> 01:52:27,539 later , the president announces that 2829 01:52:27,539 --> 01:52:29,428 he's pulling 12,000 troops out of 2830 01:52:29,428 --> 01:52:31,594 Germany . It appeared to be a petulant 2831 01:52:31,594 --> 01:52:33,761 response to something he didn't like . 2832 01:52:33,761 --> 01:52:35,650 The Germany did . And I guess the 2833 01:52:35,650 --> 01:52:37,872 question . Sorry , Bill . I'll give you 2834 01:52:37,872 --> 01:52:40,094 more time . It would be twofold . Would 2835 01:52:40,094 --> 01:52:42,590 be one . Um , doesn't that appearance 2836 01:52:42,590 --> 01:52:44,790 look bad ? And to what did the 2837 01:52:44,790 --> 01:52:46,957 department do to try to make sure that 2838 01:52:46,957 --> 01:52:48,846 that appearance didn't create the 2839 01:52:48,846 --> 01:52:51,630 obvious problem ? Well , sometimes 2840 01:52:51,630 --> 01:52:53,686 after the fact is not because of the 2841 01:52:53,686 --> 01:52:55,463 fact . And I would I would note 2842 01:52:55,463 --> 01:52:57,519 historically , for example , that in 2843 01:52:57,519 --> 01:53:00,450 2004 the Bush administration decided to 2844 01:53:00,450 --> 01:53:03,280 remove 30,000 troops , uh , from the 2845 01:53:03,280 --> 01:53:06,140 European Theater and including Ah , a 2846 01:53:06,150 --> 01:53:08,760 lot of those from Germany . Onda at the 2847 01:53:08,760 --> 01:53:10,593 time that was there was a lot of 2848 01:53:10,593 --> 01:53:12,490 speculation that that was because 2849 01:53:12,490 --> 01:53:14,980 Germany did not did not support us in 2850 01:53:14,980 --> 01:53:18,070 the in the Gulf War on duh 2851 01:53:18,080 --> 01:53:21,490 that , uh , claim my time . 2852 01:53:23,250 --> 01:53:26,230 So , you know , I can only speak to 2853 01:53:26,230 --> 01:53:29,880 the plan and the connection to the N D 2854 01:53:29,880 --> 01:53:33,390 s . And and and that is , uh , there is 2855 01:53:33,390 --> 01:53:35,557 a very , uh , there is a very positive 2856 01:53:35,557 --> 01:53:37,723 relationship there . This will improve 2857 01:53:37,723 --> 01:53:40,070 our security . Mr . Chairman , I 2858 01:53:40,070 --> 01:53:42,126 reclaim my time and just follow up . 2859 01:53:42,126 --> 01:53:44,348 Yes , yes , go ahead . So it is . It is 2860 01:53:44,348 --> 01:53:46,514 awkward with the back and forth on the 2861 01:53:46,514 --> 01:53:48,626 video , but yes , Mr Keating , please 2862 01:53:48,626 --> 01:53:52,440 proceed now . You also said 2863 01:53:52,440 --> 01:53:55,240 that Secretary experts plan and 2864 01:53:55,250 --> 01:53:57,028 involved a lot of strategy with 2865 01:53:57,028 --> 01:53:59,194 rotation . Make sure one of the things 2866 01:53:59,194 --> 01:54:01,510 you cited in your testimony was the 2867 01:54:01,510 --> 01:54:03,732 deterrence to Russia and the importance 2868 01:54:03,732 --> 01:54:05,788 of that . And clearly we all agree . 2869 01:54:05,788 --> 01:54:07,677 Well , everyone in this committee 2870 01:54:07,677 --> 01:54:10,010 agrees with that . But at the same time , 2871 01:54:10,490 --> 01:54:14,140 the president interceded with cutting 2872 01:54:14,150 --> 01:54:16,590 half a billion dollars extra out of the 2873 01:54:16,600 --> 01:54:19,740 national out of the European Deterrence 2874 01:54:19,750 --> 01:54:22,240 Initiative , which was consistent in 2875 01:54:22,240 --> 01:54:25,270 line with our national defense strategy . 2876 01:54:25,640 --> 01:54:28,330 Now , how does that make sense ? And 2877 01:54:28,330 --> 01:54:30,163 again , was that the president's 2878 01:54:30,163 --> 01:54:31,886 decision , or was that part of 2879 01:54:31,886 --> 01:54:34,060 secretary experts strategic plan ? 2880 01:54:34,060 --> 01:54:36,450 Because it's in contradiction with 2881 01:54:36,450 --> 01:54:39,260 secretary experts strategic plan to be 2882 01:54:39,260 --> 01:54:41,260 making those cuts and using them to 2883 01:54:41,260 --> 01:54:43,316 paint the wall at the border black , 2884 01:54:43,740 --> 01:54:47,360 half a billion dollars . Now tell me 2885 01:54:47,370 --> 01:54:49,537 where the consistency of that is . And 2886 01:54:49,537 --> 01:54:51,703 who made that decision ? Was that part 2887 01:54:51,703 --> 01:54:53,426 of a strategic decision by the 2888 01:54:53,426 --> 01:54:56,640 secretary ? So with respect to the 2889 01:54:56,650 --> 01:54:59,390 European deterrence initiative , uh , 2890 01:54:59,400 --> 01:55:02,870 there there have been a number of 2891 01:55:02,880 --> 01:55:05,070 military infrastructure projects that 2892 01:55:05,070 --> 01:55:07,900 have come thio completion on . Because 2893 01:55:07,900 --> 01:55:11,420 of that , the the budget request has 2894 01:55:11,420 --> 01:55:13,800 been , uh , is there is a slight ah , 2895 01:55:13,810 --> 01:55:16,260 slight decrease in that in that funding 2896 01:55:16,260 --> 01:55:19,330 level . But we're very confident that 2897 01:55:19,340 --> 01:55:21,460 the funding level is is indeed 2898 01:55:21,470 --> 01:55:24,120 appropriate . And that e d I is 2899 01:55:24,120 --> 01:55:27,420 consistent with is will be 2900 01:55:27,430 --> 01:55:29,900 complementary to the proposed for 2901 01:55:29,900 --> 01:55:33,890 structure . Uh , closing visions here . 2902 01:55:33,900 --> 01:55:36,190 Indeed . Here . Include , Say , I'll 2903 01:55:36,190 --> 01:55:38,301 tell you what isn't consistent . What 2904 01:55:38,301 --> 01:55:40,790 isn't consistent , given even past 2905 01:55:40,800 --> 01:55:43,430 relationships with this committee on 2906 01:55:43,430 --> 01:55:46,770 our defense on our secretary . 2907 01:55:47,140 --> 01:55:49,140 Uh , and indeed , administrations . 2908 01:55:49,140 --> 01:55:51,084 What's not consistent is getting a 2909 01:55:51,084 --> 01:55:54,360 straight answer to questions and and 2910 01:55:54,370 --> 01:55:56,450 circumventing the will of this 2911 01:55:56,450 --> 01:55:58,728 committee and Congress . I you go back . 2912 01:56:00,130 --> 01:56:02,400 Mr . Garamendi wants to give it another 2913 01:56:02,400 --> 01:56:06,280 shot . So we will way will try 2914 01:56:06,280 --> 01:56:08,950 that . Um , John , you're on again . 2915 01:56:09,330 --> 01:56:11,440 Mhm . Well , here I am . Hopefully 2916 01:56:11,440 --> 01:56:13,662 it'll work . I'm gonna make this very , 2917 01:56:13,662 --> 01:56:15,662 very short . This hearing is banned 2918 01:56:15,662 --> 01:56:17,490 extremely important and 2919 01:56:20,230 --> 01:56:23,200 very no justification for what is being 2920 01:56:23,200 --> 01:56:25,440 proposed here . This whole thing 2921 01:56:25,440 --> 01:56:28,890 started as Mr Keating That his 2922 01:56:28,890 --> 01:56:29,570 comment ? 2923 01:56:32,130 --> 01:56:32,970 Yeah . 2924 01:56:38,130 --> 01:56:40,260 With our six months later , with the 2925 01:56:40,260 --> 01:56:42,450 entire Department of Defense trying to 2926 01:56:42,450 --> 01:56:44,430 figure out how to make it happen . 2927 01:56:44,440 --> 01:56:47,140 Bottom line is , it makes no sense 2928 01:56:47,140 --> 01:56:49,580 whatsoever . Not from beginning their 2929 01:56:49,580 --> 01:56:51,580 end . And we go on for several days 2930 01:56:51,580 --> 01:56:53,530 about that . Bottom line is in the 2931 01:56:53,530 --> 01:56:55,910 National Defense Authorization Act . We 2932 01:56:55,910 --> 01:56:58,900 simply have to stop . Stop this 2933 01:56:58,900 --> 01:57:01,011 foolishness . I'll yield back at this 2934 01:57:01,011 --> 01:57:04,010 point . Thank you . Thank you , John . 2935 01:57:04,010 --> 01:57:08,010 I appreciate that . Um , Mr Brown is up 2936 01:57:08,010 --> 01:57:10,177 next . Anthony Anthony is with us . Go 2937 01:57:10,177 --> 01:57:12,121 ahead . Yes , thank Thank you , Mr 2938 01:57:12,121 --> 01:57:15,560 Chairman . And I wanna thank my 2939 01:57:15,560 --> 01:57:18,240 colleagues on the committee on both 2940 01:57:18,240 --> 01:57:20,573 sides of the aisle for their , you know , 2941 01:57:20,573 --> 01:57:22,851 comprehensive set of questions . And I , 2942 01:57:22,851 --> 01:57:26,320 too , am disappointed with the , um , 2943 01:57:26,330 --> 01:57:28,760 incompleteness and in some cases , the 2944 01:57:28,760 --> 01:57:31,440 shallowness of the responses . Uh , 2945 01:57:31,450 --> 01:57:33,670 nevertheless , most of my questions 2946 01:57:33,670 --> 01:57:36,650 have been asked . So let me ask about 2947 01:57:36,650 --> 01:57:40,070 some specific issues on both of my 2948 01:57:40,070 --> 01:57:43,400 questions . Go to General Allvine assed 2949 01:57:43,400 --> 01:57:47,120 part of the realignment plan . Um , Air 2950 01:57:47,120 --> 01:57:50,850 Force F 16 fighters are the proposal is 2951 01:57:50,850 --> 01:57:53,900 to shift them from Germany to Italy . 2952 01:57:54,330 --> 01:57:57,580 Secretary asked for a stated a Z Many 2953 01:57:57,580 --> 01:58:00,930 of commented today that the changes are 2954 01:58:00,930 --> 01:58:02,986 not meant as a punishment to Germany 2955 01:58:02,986 --> 01:58:04,930 but are part of an effort to quote 2956 01:58:04,930 --> 01:58:06,986 strengthen the North Atlantic Treaty 2957 01:58:06,986 --> 01:58:09,640 Organization enhanced the deterrence of 2958 01:58:09,640 --> 01:58:11,751 Russia . So my question is , how does 2959 01:58:11,751 --> 01:58:15,720 it move of f sixteens um 2960 01:58:15,730 --> 01:58:18,760 southeast , uh , additions of less than 2961 01:58:18,760 --> 01:58:22,000 400 kilometers improve efforts to deter 2962 01:58:22,000 --> 01:58:24,111 Russian aggression . What is the cost 2963 01:58:24,111 --> 01:58:27,170 of moving the F 16 down to Aviano and 2964 01:58:27,170 --> 01:58:30,860 will updates need be made to the bases 2965 01:58:30,870 --> 01:58:33,140 on the hangers and other facilities to 2966 01:58:33,140 --> 01:58:34,918 house these additional aircraft 2967 01:58:37,320 --> 01:58:40,000 Congress Mental address 2968 01:58:40,000 --> 01:58:43,380 the last to first and then again , 2969 01:58:43,380 --> 01:58:46,320 those cost estimates are are ongoing . 2970 01:58:46,330 --> 01:58:48,740 I don't have the answer to that . And I 2971 01:58:48,740 --> 01:58:50,629 know if we go back to , um , they 2972 01:58:50,629 --> 01:58:52,796 haven't finalized those cost estimates 2973 01:58:52,796 --> 01:58:55,180 to this point To the question of what 2974 01:58:55,180 --> 01:58:57,850 good does it do to move Air Force 2975 01:58:57,850 --> 01:59:01,250 fighters from Germany to Italy ? Um , 2976 01:59:01,820 --> 01:59:04,030 I'm quoting General Walters . Now I 2977 01:59:04,030 --> 01:59:05,974 think believe in someone's earlier 2978 01:59:05,974 --> 01:59:07,974 responses is three ideas . You were 2979 01:59:07,974 --> 01:59:10,197 sort of broadening the attack surface , 2980 01:59:10,197 --> 01:59:12,363 really , that Theo idea that Russia is 2981 01:59:12,363 --> 01:59:15,780 just , um , uh , inclined to do things 2982 01:59:15,780 --> 01:59:18,290 in the Baltic region because that's 2983 01:59:18,290 --> 01:59:20,346 where we sort of strengthened up . I 2984 01:59:20,346 --> 01:59:22,234 think they're They have , perhaps 2985 01:59:22,234 --> 01:59:23,957 designs from relying influence 2986 01:59:23,957 --> 01:59:26,050 throughout the periphery . And so 2987 01:59:26,060 --> 01:59:28,400 Southeast Europe becomes as important 2988 01:59:28,400 --> 01:59:30,233 as so . The Black Sea becomes as 2989 01:59:30,233 --> 01:59:32,344 important as the Baltic Sea . And the 2990 01:59:32,344 --> 01:59:34,344 idea that we would expand down into 2991 01:59:34,344 --> 01:59:36,456 Italy on and enhanced that ability in 2992 01:59:36,456 --> 01:59:38,456 Aviano to be able to better address 2993 01:59:38,456 --> 01:59:40,567 some of the things that are happening 2994 01:59:40,567 --> 01:59:42,622 in the Eastern Mediterranean and the 2995 01:59:42,622 --> 01:59:44,678 Black Sea as well . Uh , really . It 2996 01:59:44,678 --> 01:59:47,500 puts another axis of approach for the 2997 01:59:47,500 --> 01:59:49,444 EUCOM commander , and that was why 2998 01:59:49,444 --> 01:59:51,530 General Walters opted for that 2999 01:59:51,540 --> 01:59:53,540 particular piece of the overall . I 3000 01:59:53,540 --> 01:59:55,707 appreciate that . I do appreciate that 3001 01:59:55,707 --> 01:59:58,330 rationale in explanation . Uh , the 3002 01:59:58,340 --> 02:00:00,284 second question I had again a very 3003 02:00:00,284 --> 02:00:02,380 specific question . The seventh Army 3004 02:00:02,380 --> 02:00:04,950 Training Command in graph and beer on 3005 02:00:04,950 --> 02:00:06,950 that , as you know , is , is a very 3006 02:00:06,950 --> 02:00:10,610 large training facility 233 square 3007 02:00:10,610 --> 02:00:13,230 kilometers used by both U S . And NATO 3008 02:00:13,230 --> 02:00:16,360 allies for major training 3009 02:00:16,370 --> 02:00:20,140 exercises . Um , field artillery , 3010 02:00:20,140 --> 02:00:23,790 um , uh , exercises large armor 3011 02:00:23,790 --> 02:00:27,710 exercises . Is there any intention to , 3012 02:00:27,720 --> 02:00:31,000 um , close graph and beer are their 3013 02:00:31,000 --> 02:00:34,170 intentions to open additional major 3014 02:00:34,170 --> 02:00:36,059 training centers anywhere else in 3015 02:00:36,059 --> 02:00:38,910 Europe . Congressman , that's a very 3016 02:00:38,910 --> 02:00:41,077 important question . To my knowledge , 3017 02:00:41,077 --> 02:00:43,670 there is not any plans to close it . 3018 02:00:43,670 --> 02:00:45,670 But I will take that for the record 3019 02:00:45,670 --> 02:00:47,781 because your your point is well taken 3020 02:00:47,781 --> 02:00:49,726 about the capabilities there , and 3021 02:00:49,726 --> 02:00:49,480 we'll take that for the record , your 3022 02:00:49,480 --> 02:00:51,080 back to at this point , my 3023 02:00:51,080 --> 02:00:53,520 understanding of it . There is not , ah 3024 02:00:53,520 --> 02:00:55,631 plan to close that important training 3025 02:00:55,631 --> 02:00:57,590 facility . But I owe you a more 3026 02:00:57,590 --> 02:01:00,080 complete answer , sir . Okay . And let 3027 02:01:00,080 --> 02:01:02,191 me just finish then with this sort of 3028 02:01:02,191 --> 02:01:04,247 statement . You know , we've heard a 3029 02:01:04,247 --> 02:01:06,191 lot about dynamic force employment 3030 02:01:06,191 --> 02:01:08,413 today on . We find that in the national 3031 02:01:08,413 --> 02:01:10,690 defense strategy , that's a concept 3032 02:01:10,690 --> 02:01:12,468 that deals as I understand with 3033 02:01:12,468 --> 02:01:15,450 operational deployment to eliminate 3034 02:01:15,450 --> 02:01:18,410 predictability . Uh , and I get a sense 3035 02:01:18,410 --> 02:01:20,640 that we're using it in today's hearing 3036 02:01:20,640 --> 02:01:23,310 interchangeably on perhaps 3037 02:01:23,320 --> 02:01:26,590 inappropriately , with rotational force 3038 02:01:26,600 --> 02:01:29,300 presence . We have a We have a 3039 02:01:29,300 --> 02:01:31,990 strategic commitment to NATO to be 3040 02:01:31,990 --> 02:01:33,980 present in Europe , either its 3041 02:01:33,980 --> 02:01:37,910 rotational or it's permanent . But in 3042 02:01:37,910 --> 02:01:40,190 many ways it's predictable because 3043 02:01:40,190 --> 02:01:42,357 rotational force , deployment of force 3044 02:01:42,357 --> 02:01:45,540 ah , deployments or presence is heel to 3045 02:01:45,540 --> 02:01:48,800 toe . So I'm not quite clear on how 3046 02:01:48,810 --> 02:01:50,720 going to um or rotational force 3047 02:01:50,720 --> 02:01:54,470 presence in Europe , Um , maintains our 3048 02:01:54,470 --> 02:01:56,860 commitment to our strategic presence in 3049 02:01:56,860 --> 02:01:59,350 Europe . And you don't have time to 3050 02:01:59,350 --> 02:02:01,572 really respond . If you could take that 3051 02:02:01,572 --> 02:02:04,050 for the record and just tell me how 3052 02:02:04,060 --> 02:02:05,950 we're accomplishing dynamic force 3053 02:02:05,950 --> 02:02:08,230 employment at the same time is 3054 02:02:08,230 --> 02:02:10,341 rotational force presence in Europe . 3055 02:02:10,341 --> 02:02:12,619 Thank you , Mr Chairman . I yield back . 3056 02:02:12,800 --> 02:02:15,580 Thank you . I have Mr Brindisi on the 3057 02:02:15,580 --> 02:02:17,524 list here . I don't see him on the 3058 02:02:17,524 --> 02:02:19,691 screen anymore . And Miss Slotkin , is 3059 02:02:19,691 --> 02:02:21,630 she up there somewhere ? Or she's 3060 02:02:23,140 --> 02:02:26,900 okay . Um , I'm 3061 02:02:26,900 --> 02:02:29,067 sorry . So , Mr Goldman Mystery hand . 3062 02:02:29,067 --> 02:02:31,178 They're not out there either . Okay , 3063 02:02:31,740 --> 02:02:33,962 Miss Escobar , you're not on the list , 3064 02:02:33,962 --> 02:02:36,590 but you are here . Did you ? If you 3065 02:02:36,590 --> 02:02:40,580 wish , you may I yield 3066 02:02:40,580 --> 02:02:42,840 five minutes to you . Let's do that . 3067 02:02:44,400 --> 02:02:46,820 Thank you , Mr Chairman . And many 3068 02:02:46,820 --> 02:02:50,120 thanks to our witnesses , I'd like to 3069 02:02:50,800 --> 02:02:53,700 join in the chorus of voices . Um , 3070 02:02:53,710 --> 02:02:56,660 that on a bipartisan basis have 3071 02:02:56,660 --> 02:02:58,882 expressed disappointment at the lack of 3072 02:02:58,882 --> 02:03:02,330 detail during this hearing today . Um , 3073 02:03:02,340 --> 02:03:04,562 but I do appreciate that you are here , 3074 02:03:04,562 --> 02:03:07,210 Lieutenant General . Alvin , Um , I 3075 02:03:07,210 --> 02:03:09,321 have some questions for you . Want to 3076 02:03:09,321 --> 02:03:11,450 drill down just a little bit more on 3077 02:03:11,460 --> 02:03:14,870 the question of sort of cost benefit 3078 02:03:14,880 --> 02:03:17,940 analysis , which began with the 3079 02:03:17,940 --> 02:03:20,960 chairman's initial question . What 3080 02:03:20,960 --> 02:03:23,071 impacts do you forsee the realignment 3081 02:03:23,071 --> 02:03:25,420 having on the Army's limited M F G I 3082 02:03:25,420 --> 02:03:28,260 sites like Fort Bliss . I represent a 3083 02:03:28,270 --> 02:03:31,120 congressional district 16 in Texas s O . 3084 02:03:31,120 --> 02:03:33,460 Obviously , there is a direct concern 3085 02:03:33,460 --> 02:03:34,627 for me on that front 3086 02:03:37,400 --> 02:03:39,456 and my mind . You have to start with 3087 02:03:39,456 --> 02:03:41,678 that . I am not familiar with that . So 3088 02:03:41,678 --> 02:03:43,733 I will . That is , one will take for 3089 02:03:43,733 --> 02:03:45,956 the record , because I am not sideswipe 3090 02:03:45,956 --> 02:03:48,122 or anything . I am not familiar enough 3091 02:03:48,122 --> 02:03:48,070 to give you a complete answer on the 3092 02:03:48,070 --> 02:03:51,250 service impacts of the concept . Okay , 3093 02:03:51,260 --> 02:03:53,960 Also to be taken back , and hopefully 3094 02:03:53,960 --> 02:03:56,127 it s so that we can learn a little bit 3095 02:03:56,127 --> 02:03:58,127 more as you learn a little bit more 3096 02:03:58,127 --> 02:04:00,238 about this , Uh , one of the concerns 3097 02:04:00,238 --> 02:04:03,090 that that we have , uh , that my office 3098 02:04:03,090 --> 02:04:05,201 has and that we have expressed , uh , 3099 02:04:05,201 --> 02:04:06,868 two different parties through 3100 02:04:06,868 --> 02:04:08,701 leadership is that the There are 3101 02:04:08,701 --> 02:04:11,140 current infrastructure limitations that 3102 02:04:11,140 --> 02:04:12,918 prevent units from meeting army 3103 02:04:12,918 --> 02:04:15,710 standards for efficiently deploying a 3104 02:04:15,710 --> 02:04:18,370 NA armored brigade combat team . And so 3105 02:04:18,370 --> 02:04:20,426 I'd like for you to please look into 3106 02:04:20,426 --> 02:04:23,080 that as well and get back to me when 3107 02:04:23,080 --> 02:04:26,820 possible . Um And then I would also 3108 02:04:26,820 --> 02:04:29,820 like to learn more about whether there 3109 02:04:29,820 --> 02:04:32,610 would be infrastructure improvements 3110 02:04:32,620 --> 02:04:35,960 that could be made in order to address 3111 02:04:35,960 --> 02:04:38,182 those deficiencies that you know , that 3112 02:04:38,182 --> 02:04:41,630 we may see this domino effect down the 3113 02:04:41,630 --> 02:04:43,960 line . So I would like to hear back on 3114 02:04:43,960 --> 02:04:47,310 that and then just want to say , 3115 02:04:47,310 --> 02:04:50,850 finally , 11,900 troops 3116 02:04:50,900 --> 02:04:53,067 strikes me is a significant cut to the 3117 02:04:53,067 --> 02:04:55,900 force in the region . How do you expect 3118 02:04:55,910 --> 02:04:58,940 this to impact operations ? What will 3119 02:04:58,940 --> 02:05:02,910 we have to sacrifice ? Uh , 3120 02:05:03,290 --> 02:05:05,690 so I am to be clear and understand by 3121 02:05:05,690 --> 02:05:07,746 saying this I don't want to diminish 3122 02:05:07,746 --> 02:05:09,968 the point that you make . But in fact , 3123 02:05:09,968 --> 02:05:12,700 the 11,900 the current concept aren't 3124 02:05:12,710 --> 02:05:14,821 all leaving the region , so they will 3125 02:05:14,821 --> 02:05:17,043 be about half those that will come on . 3126 02:05:17,043 --> 02:05:19,210 Half of those will be better dispersed 3127 02:05:19,210 --> 02:05:18,550 for the reason . But your point is 3128 02:05:18,550 --> 02:05:21,200 still a valid on an understanding how 3129 02:05:21,200 --> 02:05:23,340 it will affect our approach to the 3130 02:05:23,350 --> 02:05:25,461 region . And I think that gets to the 3131 02:05:25,461 --> 02:05:27,700 point of understanding how we will 3132 02:05:27,710 --> 02:05:31,010 execute the rotational forces and , uh , 3133 02:05:31,020 --> 02:05:33,020 to the point by represent Escobar , 3134 02:05:33,020 --> 02:05:35,680 believe on , um , difference between 3135 02:05:35,680 --> 02:05:37,902 dynamic force employment and rotational 3136 02:05:37,902 --> 02:05:41,270 forces it . This really does 3137 02:05:41,310 --> 02:05:44,590 is that at the heart of trying to 3138 02:05:44,590 --> 02:05:46,312 institute this new approach to 3139 02:05:46,312 --> 02:05:48,930 deterrence because the the the 3140 02:05:49,890 --> 02:05:51,890 current understanding of deterrence 3141 02:05:51,890 --> 02:05:53,946 being present , you gotta be present 3142 02:05:53,946 --> 02:05:56,350 there . That is a way to impact 3143 02:05:56,360 --> 02:05:58,850 adversary decision calculus on when 3144 02:05:58,850 --> 02:06:01,017 they're anticipating whether they have 3145 02:06:01,017 --> 02:06:03,128 a cost benefit analysis of proceeding 3146 02:06:03,128 --> 02:06:05,610 with malign behavior . But the idea 3147 02:06:05,610 --> 02:06:07,554 that if we're trying to do this in 3148 02:06:07,554 --> 02:06:09,610 accordance with the national defense 3149 02:06:09,610 --> 02:06:11,777 strategy , with the myriad threats and 3150 02:06:11,777 --> 02:06:13,832 adversaries that are emerging across 3151 02:06:13,832 --> 02:06:15,720 the globe , the services cannot 3152 02:06:15,720 --> 02:06:17,831 maintain readiness and have all those 3153 02:06:17,831 --> 02:06:19,831 forces force sort of try and bridge 3154 02:06:19,831 --> 02:06:22,053 that gap is this new concept . The idea 3155 02:06:22,053 --> 02:06:24,250 would be through the operational 3156 02:06:24,250 --> 02:06:26,194 unpredictability and the continued 3157 02:06:26,194 --> 02:06:28,370 episodic presence to be able to put 3158 02:06:28,370 --> 02:06:30,481 doubt in the mind of an adversary who 3159 02:06:30,481 --> 02:06:32,648 might be considering malign behavior . 3160 02:06:32,680 --> 02:06:36,440 That deterrence is decision calculus 3161 02:06:36,440 --> 02:06:38,662 decision calculus based on perception . 3162 02:06:38,662 --> 02:06:40,829 Perception is based on experience , so 3163 02:06:40,829 --> 02:06:42,940 we're trying to change the experience 3164 02:06:42,940 --> 02:06:44,607 that will still have the same 3165 02:06:44,607 --> 02:06:46,440 perception that will have on the 3166 02:06:46,440 --> 02:06:48,496 calculus . So this is arguably a new 3167 02:06:48,496 --> 02:06:50,718 approach to deterrence rather than just 3168 02:06:50,718 --> 02:06:52,940 forward presence , so the idea would be 3169 02:06:52,940 --> 02:06:54,884 to manage the risk throughout that 3170 02:06:54,884 --> 02:06:57,051 transition in order to be able to have 3171 02:06:57,051 --> 02:06:59,162 this idea of dynamic force employment 3172 02:06:59,162 --> 02:07:01,273 yield the results of putting doubt in 3173 02:07:01,273 --> 02:07:03,384 the minds of would be adversaries . I 3174 02:07:03,384 --> 02:07:05,607 thank you , sir . And I look forward to 3175 02:07:05,607 --> 02:07:07,940 your follow up on those other questions . 3176 02:07:07,940 --> 02:07:11,920 Mr . Chairman , I yield back . Thank 3177 02:07:11,920 --> 02:07:15,850 you very much . A So far as I know , I 3178 02:07:15,860 --> 02:07:17,971 don't think anyone else seeks time to 3179 02:07:17,971 --> 02:07:19,916 this point . So we're finished . I 3180 02:07:19,916 --> 02:07:22,027 don't have anything , Mr Thornberry . 3181 02:07:22,027 --> 02:07:21,510 Everything for the good of the order . 3182 02:07:21,880 --> 02:07:24,310 Yeah . Thank you , Mr Chairman . Uh , 3183 02:07:24,320 --> 02:07:25,987 gentlemen , I appreciate that 3184 02:07:25,987 --> 02:07:28,320 conversation , but I don't think we 3185 02:07:28,320 --> 02:07:31,060 should pigeonhole current deterrence as 3186 02:07:31,070 --> 02:07:34,110 presence only it is decision making now , 3187 02:07:34,110 --> 02:07:36,430 presence could be in a forward based 3188 02:07:36,430 --> 02:07:39,510 presence Has been a fundamental part of 3189 02:07:40,080 --> 02:07:42,302 our deterrent strategy since the end of 3190 02:07:42,302 --> 02:07:44,524 World War Two . I take your point , you 3191 02:07:44,524 --> 02:07:46,770 can have different ways to evoke the 3192 02:07:46,770 --> 02:07:49,750 same result in an adversary's decision 3193 02:07:49,750 --> 02:07:52,980 making process . Uh , but I don't think 3194 02:07:52,980 --> 02:07:54,890 it's fair to categorize current 3195 02:07:54,900 --> 02:07:58,640 deterrence as Aziz presence . 3196 02:07:58,640 --> 02:08:01,590 Only , uh , I just want to say , Mr 3197 02:08:01,590 --> 02:08:03,646 Chairman , that I do appreciate both 3198 02:08:03,646 --> 02:08:05,812 witnesses being here and and trying to 3199 02:08:05,812 --> 02:08:09,140 answer our questions . Um , I think the 3200 02:08:09,140 --> 02:08:11,890 bottom line is that , as you and I know , 3201 02:08:11,890 --> 02:08:14,190 Secretary Esper has been conducting a 3202 02:08:14,190 --> 02:08:16,250 review of all the combatant commands 3203 02:08:16,250 --> 02:08:18,417 that has been going on for months . He 3204 02:08:18,417 --> 02:08:20,820 has kept us abreast of those reviews . 3205 02:08:20,830 --> 02:08:22,886 What's different is that a couple of 3206 02:08:22,886 --> 02:08:24,886 staffers in the White House decided 3207 02:08:24,886 --> 02:08:26,886 that they wanted to try to sell the 3208 02:08:26,886 --> 02:08:29,052 president on an absolute troop cap for 3209 02:08:29,052 --> 02:08:31,330 Germany . And if you remember that the 3210 02:08:31,330 --> 02:08:34,300 beginning , it had a cap on how Maney 3211 02:08:34,300 --> 02:08:36,356 boot American boots could even be on 3212 02:08:36,356 --> 02:08:38,356 the ground at the same time , which 3213 02:08:38,356 --> 02:08:40,244 would prevent Germany for bring a 3214 02:08:40,244 --> 02:08:42,300 transit point of our troops into the 3215 02:08:42,300 --> 02:08:44,356 Middle East or Africa . They clearly 3216 02:08:44,356 --> 02:08:46,689 hadn't thought through the consequences . 3217 02:08:46,689 --> 02:08:46,240 They didn't know how it would be 3218 02:08:46,240 --> 02:08:48,462 implemented . And so what's happened is 3219 02:08:48,462 --> 02:08:50,518 Secretary Esper and the folks of the 3220 02:08:50,518 --> 02:08:52,684 Pentagon are trying to put lipstick on 3221 02:08:52,684 --> 02:08:55,260 the pig or make lemons and eliminate or 3222 02:08:55,260 --> 02:08:57,427 whatever colloquialism you wanna use . 3223 02:08:57,427 --> 02:09:00,560 There may be some benefit to some of 3224 02:09:00,560 --> 02:09:02,282 these moves . As I said at the 3225 02:09:02,282 --> 02:09:04,450 beginning , My concern is , however , 3226 02:09:04,450 --> 02:09:06,506 the underlying strength and unity of 3227 02:09:06,506 --> 02:09:09,420 the alliance has not been a foremost 3228 02:09:09,420 --> 02:09:12,550 consideration . And so all of that , 3229 02:09:12,560 --> 02:09:16,470 plus the uh status of the decision 3230 02:09:16,470 --> 02:09:18,692 making it the Pentagon , I think has to 3231 02:09:18,692 --> 02:09:21,340 inform our conference negotiations with 3232 02:09:21,340 --> 02:09:23,950 the Senate this year . And I presume in 3233 02:09:23,960 --> 02:09:26,530 in years to come you back . Thank you . 3234 02:09:26,530 --> 02:09:28,641 I just associate myself with Well , I 3235 02:09:28,641 --> 02:09:30,308 completely agree with what Mr 3236 02:09:30,308 --> 02:09:32,430 Thornberry just said . And I do think 3237 02:09:32,430 --> 02:09:34,652 that what Secretary Esper has done with 3238 02:09:34,652 --> 02:09:37,540 the bottom up review with the command 3239 02:09:37,540 --> 02:09:40,550 by command combatant command analysis 3240 02:09:40,560 --> 02:09:42,893 is a very appropriate thing to be doing . 3241 02:09:42,893 --> 02:09:45,040 And he is trying to move our defense 3242 02:09:45,040 --> 02:09:48,080 strategy forward . Um , but I also 3243 02:09:48,080 --> 02:09:50,302 concurred that the coordination between 3244 02:09:50,302 --> 02:09:52,500 what D o . D is doing and what whims 3245 02:09:52,500 --> 02:09:54,667 come into the heads in the White House 3246 02:09:54,667 --> 02:09:56,610 has undermined that incredibly 3247 02:09:56,610 --> 02:09:59,070 important effort . We just had the task 3248 02:09:59,070 --> 02:10:02,400 force report that came out . Um , but 3249 02:10:02,410 --> 02:10:05,130 by Seth Moulton and Mr Banks , um , 3250 02:10:05,130 --> 02:10:07,408 sort of outlining Here's the challenge . 3251 02:10:07,408 --> 02:10:09,900 We face China and you believe it or not . 3252 02:10:09,910 --> 02:10:12,132 To some degree , Russia have left ahead 3253 02:10:12,132 --> 02:10:14,660 of us on certain key technologies , um , 3254 02:10:14,660 --> 02:10:16,740 technologies that didn't exist , you 3255 02:10:16,740 --> 02:10:18,796 know , 50 years ago or even 20 years 3256 02:10:18,796 --> 02:10:20,796 ago , in some cases , and and we've 3257 02:10:20,796 --> 02:10:22,851 fallen behind on our ability to meet 3258 02:10:22,851 --> 02:10:25,260 that threat , so rethinking the way we 3259 02:10:25,260 --> 02:10:27,427 meet , the threats that we face within 3260 02:10:27,427 --> 02:10:30,350 the Pentagon is enormously important . 3261 02:10:30,360 --> 02:10:32,970 We can't keep doing things the same way 3262 02:10:32,970 --> 02:10:36,050 we've done them to date . Um , but that 3263 02:10:36,050 --> 02:10:39,150 that process takes thought focus on 3264 02:10:39,150 --> 02:10:41,390 band E . I think we need to let the d o 3265 02:10:41,390 --> 02:10:43,446 d do their job and not not interfere 3266 02:10:43,446 --> 02:10:46,010 with that effort . Eso I certainly 3267 02:10:46,020 --> 02:10:48,350 agree with that . And I also agree with 3268 02:10:48,350 --> 02:10:50,461 the point on presence , which I think 3269 02:10:50,461 --> 02:10:52,683 is very important . I get asked all the 3270 02:10:52,683 --> 02:10:54,810 time . You know , we're not We're not 3271 02:10:54,810 --> 02:10:57,070 at war with . Well , why do we have you 3272 02:10:57,070 --> 02:10:59,292 know the Soviet Union broke up ? Why do 3273 02:10:59,292 --> 02:11:01,292 we have troops in Europe ? What are 3274 02:11:01,292 --> 02:11:03,459 they doing there ? They're there for a 3275 02:11:03,459 --> 02:11:05,459 very important purpose . Storm very 3276 02:11:05,459 --> 02:11:07,626 outlined it a little bit . We've heard 3277 02:11:07,626 --> 02:11:07,310 it today . I think we need to make 3278 02:11:07,310 --> 02:11:09,600 clearer to the American public why we 3279 02:11:09,600 --> 02:11:11,822 have troops deployed in Europe . Why we 3280 02:11:11,822 --> 02:11:13,878 have troops deployed , um , in South 3281 02:11:13,878 --> 02:11:16,100 Korea , um , in Okinawa and elsewhere . 3282 02:11:16,100 --> 02:11:18,530 They serve an incredibly important 3283 02:11:18,530 --> 02:11:20,641 purpose . And I think we need to make 3284 02:11:20,641 --> 02:11:22,808 that clear so we can build support for 3285 02:11:22,808 --> 02:11:24,863 what needs to be done . Thio to meet 3286 02:11:24,863 --> 02:11:27,086 the threats that we face . I appreciate 3287 02:11:27,086 --> 02:11:26,940 you gentlemen being here . Appreciate 3288 02:11:26,940 --> 02:11:29,051 this discussion . I think it has been 3289 02:11:29,051 --> 02:11:31,690 very helpful on with that . We are 3290 02:11:31,700 --> 02:11:32,280 adjourned .