2. Dr. Carter, what do you believe should be the priorities for U.S. military assistance to Taiwan?

Transcription

1 Senate Armed Services Committee Questions for the Record Hearing on 2/4/15, #15-07 To Consider the Nomination of: Honorable Ashton B. Carter to be Secretary of Defense. Witness: Carter Senator John McCain U.S. Security Commitment to Taiwan 1. Dr. Carter, the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances form the cornerstone of U.S.-Taiwan relations and affirms our commitment to maintain Taiwan s self-defense capability. How do you and the administration plan to continue to implement our policy under this framework? I am firmly committed to maintaining Taiwan s self-defense capability, consistent with our one-china policy, which is based on the three joint U.S.-China communiqués and the Taiwan Relations Act. This is a policy that has endured across multiple Administrations of both Republicans and Democrats, and has served as an important element of our approach to the Asia-Pacific region for more than thirty-five years. Consistent with the provisions of the Taiwan Relations Act, the Department of Defense should continue to evaluate Taiwan s defense needs and provide defense articles and services necessary to enable Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability. The United States should also maintain the capacity to resist any resort to force or coercion that would jeopardize the security, or the social and economic system, of the people of Taiwan. If confirmed, I will ensure that the Department continues to work closely with our partners on Taiwan, and with Congress, to fulfill these obligations and thereby support the maintenance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. 2. Dr. Carter, what do you believe should be the priorities for U.S. military assistance to Taiwan? I believe the Department should prioritize continuing to assist Taiwan s effort to incorporate asymmetric concepts and capabilities into its defense. The United States should encourage Taiwan to prioritize investments in infrastructure and weapon systems that are survivable, and able to capitalize on Taiwan s natural advantages. Furthermore, I believe the Department should continue to focus on defense cooperation in support of Taiwan s transformation to a volunteer force, assisting it improve doctrine, training, and readiness. The Department of Defense should work with Taiwan to support its defense transformation and identify procurement priorities that enable it to deter aggression, resist coercion and maintain stability across the Taiwan Strait. 1

2 Chinese Military Coercion 3. Dr. Carter, over the last several years, China has engaged in coercive diplomacy to achieve its political and territorial aims in the East and South China Seas. The administration has responded with efforts to build partner capacity and strengthen regional institutions, but this will take years if not decades to bear fruit. Beyond private diplomacy with the Chinese, which appears to be insufficient, what steps do you believe we should take to deter Chinese assertiveness in the short- and medium-term? The United States has a strong interest in maintaining peace and stability, the free flow of commerce, and the freedom of navigation and overflight in the East and South China Seas. In addition to diplomacy to resolve territorial disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law, the United States should deter assertiveness in the region with a robust force posture, sustained presence, and commitment to building the capacity of its partners and allies. The United States also should encourage China to be more transparent about how it will use its growing military capabilities. The United States should also continue to modernize and strengthen its security alliances with Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Philippines, and Thailand. The United States should also deepen relationships with and among its partners in South and Southeast Asia to build capacity and reduce vulnerabilities. If confirmed, I will continue to prioritize our investments in posture, presence, and partnership capacity in the Asia-Pacific region to deter aggression and underwrite peace and stability. 4. Dr. Carter, do you share the view that China s actions have violated U.S. national interests in the Freedom of Navigation, the free flow of commerce and the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law? The United States has a longstanding national interest in preserving the freedom of navigation, and in the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law. I am concerned that recent Chinese actions, including its unilateral and uncoordinated announcement of an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) that overlapped the previous existing ADIZ in the East China Sea, its unilateral promulgation of fishing regulations covering much of the South China Sea, its pursuit of land reclamation activities in the South China Sea, and its use of economic pressure on other claimants, has raised regional tensions and complicated efforts to peacefully manage and resolve territorial disputes. The United States should remain committed to the preservation of the freedom of navigation, and all the other rights provided under international law. If confirmed, I would carry forward that commitment, and I would work to ensure that disputes are addressed in a manner that both reflects that commitment and that serves the goal of resolving disputes peacefully. This approach would apply to my dealings with China and with all other countries. 2

3 Senator James M. Inhofe National Security Resource Mismatch 5. Dr. Carter, what is your assessment of our force structure and readiness given the current and expanding global security environment? The Joint Force has been engaged in uninterrupted warfare for over 13 years, while the changing security environment has generated greater demand for forces across the globe. The 2014 Quadrennial Defense Review assessed that the future security environment will continue to be volatile and dynamic. The high tempo of operations, coupled with constrained resources and disruptive budget actions that led to reduced readiness and force structure pressures in recent years, has challenged the Services in their efforts to reconstitute full-spectrum readiness. If sequestration returns in FY 2016 and beyond, the Department's readiness could deteriorate even further. 6. Dr. Carter, if confirmed, how do you plan to shape our military to ensure we can deter and/or defeat today s and tomorrow s threats? The Department must rebalance the Joint Force to ensure it remains modern, capable, and ready for today s requirements and an uncertain future. The 2014 QDR outlined specific steps for the Department to take to adapt, reshape, and rebalance our military in order to sharpen our ability to address threats across the spectrum, from ongoing terrorism challenges to potential nation-state adversaries with a full range of technologically advanced capabilities. If confirmed, I will actively guide the Department s efforts to achieve the right balance of capability, capacity, and readiness in the Joint Force to address today s threats while setting the foundation to meet future challenges. Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission Report 7. Dr. Carter, what are your thoughts on maintaining an All-Volunteer Force and how these recommendations could impact retention and recruiting? The All-Volunteer force has successfully supported our national security requirements particularly during the last 13 plus years of combat. I am aware the White House and the Department s senior civilian and military leadership are examining each of the Commission s specific proposals in detail. If confirmed, I will review the Commission s recommendations and the Department s analysis and provide my views to the President as required in the legislation. I will ensure that the Department s review focuses on the potential impact the Commission s recommendations could have on the long-term viability of the All-Volunteer Force, of which recruiting and retention are essential elements. I look forward to working with the Committee on these issues. 3

4 8. Dr. Carter, if confirmed, how would you ensure we will not break faith with the men and women who serve in uniform and their families? The men and women of our uniformed force and their families deserve our respect and committment. If confirmed, I will ensure the Department s detailed review and my input to the President on the specific proposals of the Commission provides for their needs. I am mindful of our obligations to both the current force as well as the future force and I am committed to ensuring that any change to the retirement system will retain the option to grandfather currently serving members. 9. Dr. Carter, if confirmed, what direction will you give your team regarding the Office of the Secretary of Defense s (OSD) assessment due in April? If confirmed, I will direct the Department to carefully review and evaluate the Commission's recommendations to ensure they sustain the All-Volunteer Force, provide the benefits to our service members that are required, and achieve fiscal sustainability. I look forward to working with the Committee in this regard. Islamic State Strategy 10. Dr. Carter, if confirmed, would you recommend placing boots-on-the-ground to Congress and the administration to deal with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)/Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) threat, if required? If confirmed, I would, in close consultation with our senior military leaders, provide the President with my best strategic advice as to how to most effectively counter the ISIL threat. In formulating my advice, I will not hesitate to consider all options. Guantanamo Bay Naval Base 11. Dr. Carter, if confirmed, how much risk would you accept to American lives when considering releasing detainees from Guantanamo Bay Naval Base (GTMO)? Congress has set a clear standard for the Secretary of Defense, and I will follow it faithfully if confirmed. I will not, and cannot, approve a transfer unless I determine that actions have been, or will be taken, to substantially mitigate the risk of the detainee engaging in terrorist or other hostile activity that threatens the United States. The law also requires that the Secretary of Defense determines it is in the national security interest to approve the transfer. If confirmed, I will take this obligation seriously and closely examine every proposed transfer to ensure that these conditions are met. 12. Dr. Carter, what is your position with regard to the President s policy of trying detainees in civilian courts versus military commissions? I understand the Administration s policy to be that the determination of whether to try detainees in civilian courts versus military commissions is made on a case-by-case basis. If 4

5 confirmed, I will support this policy and make my recommendation based on the circumstances of a particular case, in consultation with my senior military, legal, and other advisors. Military Lending Act 13. Dr. Carter, the Department of Defense (DOD) has proposed draft regulations, under the Military Lending Act (MLA), to require lenders to verify against DOD s own database the military status of customers. Currently, such verification is voluntary by lenders, used to verify a customer s claim to military status. Under the proposed regulation, lenders would be required to verify military status whether claimed by the customer or not. What plans are in place to ensure that DOD s database will be able to handle the great increase in inquiries so that it is available at all times and that it is accurate so that credit-worthy customers both military and non-military will not be held up from getting timely access to loans for which they qualify? I am not fully informed on this issue at this time, and am reluctant to express an opinion on this matter until I have more information. If confirmed, I will ensure those responsible for this area provide me with the required information so I can provide you the thoughtful response you deserve. 14. Dr. Carter, when Congress passed the MLA in October 2006, it was targeting certain loans, such as payday loans, tax refund anticipation loans, military installment loans, and car title loans, based on DOD s August 2006 study, Report on Predatory Lending Practices Directed at Members of the Armed Forces and Their Dependents. DOD adopted implementing regulations that covered the loans identified in its report. In its current proposal, DOD cites evidence and data that payday loans and title loans are being designed to circumvent the regulations and are harming our military personnel and their families. In such circumstances, it makes sense to adjust the regulations. What is the evidence of harm or circumvention behind the elements of the proposal that would reach beyond those predatory loans to mainstream products, such as credit cards, student loans, car refinance loans, and other such loans offered by banks and credit unions that are not affected by current MLA regulations? I am not familiar with the details of this issue at this time, and am reluctant to express an opinion on this matter until I have more information. I am committed to ensuring the Department is vigilant in guarding its service members against unfair and predatory lending practices that could harm them or their families. If confirmed, I will ensure those responsible for this area provide me with the required information so I can address any issues. The Department clearly has an interest in helping to protect service members from fraudulent lending practices. 15. Dr. Carter, DOD, in its proposed new regulations to the MLA, indicates that it wants credit cards to continue to be available to military personnel and their spouses. To what extent has DOD conducted an analysis as to whether the terms of its proposed new 5

6 Military Annual Percentage Rate which is different from the Annual Percentage Rate calculations for non-military families will restrict the access to credit cards by military personnel and their spouses? I am not familiar with the specific details of the proposed regulation at this time. I am committed to ensuring the Department is vigilant in guarding its service members against unfair and predatory lending practices that could harm them or their families. If confirmed, I will ensure that the Department has an appropriate analysis of the impacts of any such regulations. Taiwan 16. Dr. Carter, Taiwan is currently planning to develop its Indigenous Defense Submarines (IDS) program. What is your opinion and position on Taiwan s IDS program? I understand that Taiwan s Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS) program is a recent concept put forward by Taiwan s Navy to design and build a submarine domestically. Taiwan has publicly requested international support for its program, but to my knowledge, it is still in the process of developing a basic design and determining what the submarine s missions or desired capabilities would be. If confirmed, I will direct DoD to continue to consult closely with Taiwan on this matter, and will assess the program as it progresses. 17. Dr. Carter, what can the administration do to assist Taiwan in improving its undersea self-defense warfare capability? Consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act, the administration can assist Taiwan by evaluating the projected threat from China, consulting closely with Congress, and providing recommendations on defense articles and services appropriate for Taiwan, particularly in the undersea domain. I am aware that the Department has identified a number of areas where Taiwan could invest in asymmetric, innovative capabilities to improve its ability to operate in the undersea domain. For example, the Department has recently delivered P-3C long-range patrol aircraft to Taiwan. The Department has also provided support to Taiwan s capabilities for using sea mines, which are particularly cost effective defensive weapons. If confirmed, I will ensure that DoD continues to work with Taiwan as develops its requirements to determine what support the Department could provide. 6

7 18. Dr. Carter, the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 indicates that to provide Taiwan with arms of a defensive character is the policy of the United States. How do you and DOD under your leadership plan to continue to implement the U.S. policy under the Act? I am firmly committed to maintaining Taiwan s self-defense capability, consistent with our one-china policy, which is based on the three joint U.S.-China communiqués and the Taiwan Relations Act. I believe the Department should continually evaluate, assess, and review Taiwan s defense needs, while also providing defense articles and services necessary to enable Taiwan to deter threats. The United States should also maintain the capacity to resist any resort to force or coercion that would jeopardize the security, or the social and economic system, of the people of Taiwan. If confirmed, I will ensure that the Department will continue to work closely with our partners on Taiwan to bolster their military preparedness, sustain the credibility of Taiwan s deterrent, and support military modernization efforts. 19. Dr. Carter, how do you define the priorities for U.S. military assistance to Taiwan? I define priorities for U.S. military assistance to Taiwan based on an evaluation and assessment of its requirements to maintain a credible defense and deterrent. Taiwan faces a much larger adversary who is spending 14 times more on defense. Because of the growing military threat, the Department's should encourage and continue to assist Taiwan in its effort to incorporate asymmetric concepts and capabilities into its defense. As Taiwan transitions to a volunteer force, the Department should also help Taiwan improve its doctrine, training, reserves, and readiness. 7

8 Senator Roger F. Wicker Humanitarian Operations in Kurdistan Region of Iraq 20. Dr. Carter, what more can DOD do to support humanitarian operations and assistance in the Kurdistan region? DoD should support humanitarian operations when the Department has a unique capability to contribute to the U.S. Government s response. If confirmed, I will assess humanitarian operations and assistance in the Kurdistan region, and will ensure that the Department is poised to consider options to support the Administration s whole-ofgovernment effort to provide humanitarian assistance to the Kurdistan region. 21. Dr. Carter, if confirmed, will you return to this committee with additional options on how DOD can assist the nearly 1.6 million refugees and internally displaced persons (IDP) currently located in the Kurdistan region? Yes. Military Benefits 22. Dr. Carter, defense commissaries are an integral part of life for deployed troops. Recently, the Defense Commissary Agency (DECA) initiated an acquisition strategy to transition delivery of produce to the Asia-Pacific region that eliminates the current second destination transportation policy and moves to an Free on Board (FOB)- destination model. According to detailed market study, this transition threatens the availability, quality, and price of the food available at overseas commissaries. Last year, your predecessor testified to this committee that there would be no cuts to overseas commissary benefits, yet DECA has acknowledged that this move will increase costs to patrons. Is it your position that commissary costs should rise for deployed troops in the Asia-Pacific region? I understand that the Department is looking at how to make the defense commissary system more efficient and effective. If confirmed, I will look for ways to achieve these goals for the commissaries while remaining mindful of the impact on their customers who are our service personnel active and retired and their families both at home and deployed. 23. Dr. Carter, should this policy transition be delayed while a study mandated in the Fiscal Year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) studies the cost impacts to our troops of this proposal? If confirmed, I will review the current status and determine if such a delay would be warranted. 8

9 Taiwan 24. Dr. Carter, U.S. policy towards Taiwan is governed by the Taiwan Relations Act. This important legislation forms the legal basis for U.S. military sales to Taiwan, which should be determined based on Taiwan's defensive needs. In light of the People s Republic of China s naval modernization and growing cross strait military imbalance, is it critical that we continue to implement this longstanding commitment? Yes. 25. Dr. Carter, what will be your priorities in terms of military assistance to Taiwan? The Department should continue to focus on defense cooperation in support of Taiwan s transformation to a volunteer force, assisting it improve doctrine, training, and readiness. Further, the Department should also work with Taiwan to support its defense transformation and identify procurement priorities that enable it to deter aggression, resist coercion and maintain stability across the Taiwan Strait. 26. Dr. Carter, Taiwan currently operates four diesel submarines, two of which were acquired from the U.S. Navy former Guppy II-class vessels delivered in Taiwan has expressed strong interest in acquiring modern defensive diesel submarines, and in an effort to boost their asymmetric undersea capabilities, they recently announced plans to kick off the IDS program. Do you believe it is in our interest for Taiwan to acquire new submarines? If so, what can we do to assist Taiwan? I understand that Taiwan s Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS) program is a recent concept put forward by Taiwan s Navy to design and build a submarine domestically. I also understand that Taiwan is still in the process of developing a basic design and determining what the submarine s missions or desired capabilities would be. If confirmed, I will direct DoD to consult closely with Taiwan on its efforts to boost its asymmetric undersea capabilities, and assess what support would be appropriate. North Atlantic Treaty Organization 27. Dr. Carter, the United States has faced tremendous difficulty in the past rallying consensus and participation by our North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies in Afghanistan. Collective action is inherently complex. Consensus-building often results in delayed military action. How difficult will it be to achieve consensus at NATO on next steps against ISIL? I believe the United States and NATO have a shared interest in defeating ISIL. I understand that NATO leaders affirmed at the September 2014 NATO Summit that NATO would cooperate in several areas through the NATO-Iraq partnership, and explore NATO roles to coordinate humanitarian assistance and to share information and intelligence. If 9

10 confirmed, I will seek to build on this cooperation, assess obstacles to achieving greater consensus, and work closely with our NATO Allies to address the common threat of ISIL. 28. Dr. Carter, each member of NATO has its own unique geopolitical, economic, and energy interests. As such, what is your assessment of where Russia s invasion of Ukraine stands as a test-case for NATO s effectiveness and relevancy in a post-9/11 world? Although NATO does not have a formal treaty obligation to Ukraine, NATO s response to Russia s aggressive actions have shown the shared commitment of NATO to promote its shared values and to enlarge the zone of peace, security, and stability in Europe. If confirmed, I will work with NATO to reassure our Allies and respond to the challenge from Russia. 29. Dr. Carter, what approach would you suggest for the so-called grey states that are not in NATO but are intent on resisting Russian hegemonic advances such as Ukraine and Moldova? I reject the notion that Russia should be afforded a "sphere of influence." If confirmed, I will continue to encourage U.S. partners, such as Moldova, Georgia, and Ukraine, to build their security capacity and military interoperability with NATO. 30. Dr. Carter, according to NATO guidelines, member countries should spend at least 2 percent of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on defense. Only four countries spent that much in 2013: Estonia, Greece, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Are there any carrots and sticks we can use to encourage all members of the alliance to make the necessary investments toward their national security? At the September Wales Summit, the Allies pledged to increase defense investment. If confirmed, I will work personally to encourage all Allies to meet that pledge. I would underscore the shared threats NATO members face, and the critical need to continue to invest in defense capabilities to strengthen the Alliance. I would urge Allies with larger economies to invest in military capabilities that that can be used to impose costs on any opponent with minimal cost and risk to Alliance forces. For Allies with smaller economies, I would encourage them to invest in capabilities that are needed by the Alliance, and in which they may have a comparative advantage. Combatant Commander Requirements for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance 31. Dr. Carter, our combatant commanders are demanding increasing amounts of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR), and emphasizing persistence surveillance. That persistence comes at significant cost, and in certain regions of the world many ISR needs are going unmet. Further, most of the U.S. manned and unmanned aerial assets have durations of 8 to 24 hours, making long range/long endurance capability extremely difficult if not impossible in many theaters of operation. 10

11 I am aware that in June 2014, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) issued a Joint Emerging Operational Needs Statement for long endurance ISR (AF-0005) ISR. It is my understanding a Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) Memorandum of December 22, 2014, acknowledged the capability gaps outlined in the Joint Emergent Operational Needs (JEON) as valid and tasked the Battlespace Awareness group to consider solutions and report back by April 30, Recent press reports reveal that the Air Force is managing a program known as Orion unmanned aerial system (UAS), which has proven significant endurance capability far beyond currently available air assets. Orion was selected in 2009 as a Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD), a process in which several of the combatant commands voted for Orion. This result was reflected in the President s Budget under the MAGIC (Medium Altitude Global ISR and Communication) program within Air Force Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E). If confirmed, will you direct DOD to brief the appropriate Congressional committees on DOD s plans to continue Orion platform development and speed operational test and evaluation of such a platform in order to meet urgent, and rapidly growing, combatant command requirements for additional long range/long endurance ISR capability? The Department has invested significant resources over the past decade to meet critical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance needs through Quick Reaction Capabilities, Joint Urgent Operational Needs and flexible, responsive, programs of record. If confirmed, I will ensure the appropriate congressional committees are briefed on combatant command requirements, and the broad spectrum of both airborne and spacebased ISR assets, including ORION, to provide long-range/long-endurance ISR capability. Syria 32. Dr. Carter, it is my understanding that the Free Syrian Army utilizes a secure mobile wireless network known as the Free Syria Network for communications purposes. I also understand that DOD and agencies within the Intelligence Community may have utilized this system to successfully communicate with the leadership of the Free Syrian Army. If confirmed, will you direct the appropriate entity within DOD to brief the appropriate Congressional committees on the efficacy of the Free Syria Network and, if appropriate, DOD s plans to protect, and potentially expand and enhance, this critical communications tool for the Free Syrian Army? If confirmed, I will support briefings to appropriate congressional committees on the details of the Department of Defense s train-and-equip program in Syria to include those aspects outlined in your question. Seapower 33. Dr. Carter, I have the honor of serving as Chairman of the Seapower Subcommittee of the Senate Armed Services Committee this Congress. Should you be confirmed, I look 11

12 forward to working with you on Navy and Marine Corps priorities during the months to come. In fiscal year 2013, the Navy implemented numerous cuts in response to sequestration. This included cancellation of five ship deployments and the delayed deployment of a carrier strike group to the Middle East. Since 2013, we ve witnessed the rise of ISIL, the deteriorating situation in Yemen, Russia s aggression in Eastern Europe, and a belligerent North Korea. The world is more dangerous today than it was in What is your view on how sequestration would threaten the Navy and Marine Corps ability to decisively project power abroad? The Seapower Subcommittee has a long and productive history in providing for a strong Navy and Marine Corps. If confirmed, I look forward to working with you as Chairman of the Subcommittee and the other members of the Subcommittee in furtherance of this goal. A return to sequestration could have a serious effect on the Navy's and Marine Corps' ability to project power. Both Services could become smaller, less ready, and less modern. The shipbuilding industrial base, a critical component of sea power, could suffer, and deployments would be borne by a smaller Marine Corps, which could be stretched thin. 34. Dr. Carter, what is your assessment of the impact sequestration would have on our amphibious forces and our Navy and Marine Corps ability to execute DOD s pivot to Asia-Pacific? A return to sequestration could negatively affect the Navy and Marine Corps ability to support DoD s rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region. Both services could necessarily be smaller, less ready, and less modern, resulting in fewer forces available to support operations in this vital region. These forces are a key component of our forward regional presence in support of our allies and partners. 35. Dr. Carter, certain sectors of the defense industry such as shipbuilding are extremely capital intensive. Our fiscally constrained environment threatens to close production lines that would take years to restart. Given your prior experience as Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, what is your vision on how best to maintain the vitality of the industrial base given our current budget environment? A healthy industrial base is critically important to the Department s long-term success. The keys to maintaining the world s finest fighting force are high-quality people who have constant and realistic training and are equipped with cutting-edge technology. The Department must be prepared to act if key parts of the industrial base are threatened. If confirmed, I will ensure that the Department actively monitors the industrial base to identify risks and to preserve critical capabilities. 12

13 Walter Reed Disposition 36. Dr. Carter, the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2015 identified 13.2 acres, including the American Institute of Pathology building, of the former Walter Reed Army hospital site that would be ideal for medical research purposes. The Senate Armed Services Committee and I continue to believe that it is in the best interest of the taxpayer to convey this building to a research institution, especially when one considers the millions of dollars spent in recent years to update and renovate the facility, as well as the future economic impact of medical innovation. Unfortunately, I learned this week that despite a letter I received from the Secretary of the Army stating the Army s intent to expeditiously transfer the land to a children s research facility the parcel of land at Walter Reed may be transferred to the State Department. It would be an incredible waste of taxpayer dollars to allow the State Department to spend tens of millions of dollars to tear down a world class research building, which is ready for a new tenant immediately, in order to build an undefined, unplanned foreign embassy at some undetermined date in the future. What are your views as to how the land should be dispersed? I do not have sufficient information to answer this question at this time. It is my understanding that the Department has been working this matter with the State Department, public health advocates including Children s Hospital, and the District of Columbia. If confirmed, I will ensure that effort is concluded without unreasonable delay, consistent with the requirements of the legislation. 37. Dr. Carter, if confirmed, will you direct DOD to provide the Senate Armed Services Committee and other appropriate Congressional committees with an explanation as to the holdup of the Walter Reed land transfer to a medical research entity? If confirmed, I will ensure the appropriate congressional committees are provided with the Department s plans and the timing for the disposition of Walter Reed, including any transfer to a medical research entity. 13

14 Senator Kelly Ayotte Military Housing at Camp Humphreys, Korea 38. Dr. Carter, U.S. Forces in Korea are engaged in a massive realignment that will result in the consolidation of U.S. Forces onto fewer, larger installations. One such installation is United States Army Garrison Camp Humphreys. I am concerned about reports of the potential housing shortage at Camp Humphreys that could result in both long bus rides for children attending new schools on post, and a failure to meet the Commanding General s goal for 40 percent of accompanied families to live on-post. I have received information that suggests despite the fact that some current housing facilities are slated for demolition, there is no final agreement for on-post family housing because DOD has not approved a special on-post Overseas Housing Allowance District despite the inclusion of this districting in the solicitation for bids. I understand that in your last tour in the Pentagon you were involved in the family housing situation at Camp Humphreys. If my information is correct, do you know why the on-post housing contract is still delayed? I am very aware of the importance of Camp Humphreys to our posture on the Korean Peninsula. At this time, I am not familiar with the current status of the on-post housing contract at Camp Humphreys, including why it may have been delayed. If confirmed, I will review this matter and take appropriate action and ensure you get a prompt answer to your question. 39. Dr. Carter, will you provide your assurance that soldiers and their families will have the on-post housing they deserve as the military relocates to Camp Humphreys? If confirmed, I will work to ensure the on-post housing at Camp Humphreys meets operational requirements and provides quality residences for as many of our soldiers and their families as possible. 40. Dr. Carter, do you know whether a contract has been awarded for the construction of onpost housing at Camp Humphreys? If so, has construction begun? If not, why not? I am not privy to the construction schedules at this time. If confirmed, I will review the Department s plan for meeting Camp Humphrey s on-base housing requirements and ensure you receive full and timely answers to your questions. 14

15 Department of Defense Budget 41. Dr. Carter, if the President s Budget Request for DOD is funded at the $499 billion level mandated by the congressional budget caps instead of the $585 billion requested, what will be the breakdown of cuts to each Service by program, project, and activity (PPA)? Should Congress appropriate the Department's full FY 2016 request while failing to amend the Budget Control Act (BCA), my understanding is that the mechanical sequestration process would then cut any funding provided above the BCA caps in a mindless across-theboard fashion. I further understand that the Department is preparing a report to the Congress on those potential impacts. The only discretion in that event would be how the President exercised his authority to exempt the military personnel accounts from those across-the-board cuts. Should the Congress chose to appropriate only the amount allowed by the BCA for FY2016, the Congress would make its own decisions on how to reduce the Department's budget. My hope is that we would not face this alternative but, if we do, that those actions would be taken in consultation with the Department. Afghanistan 42. Dr. Carter, in the advance policy questions, you were asked if you would consider recommending to the President revisions to the size and pace of the drawdown in Afghanistan if the security conditions on the ground deteriorate in You answered yes. What specific conditions on the ground in Afghanistan would cause you to recommend to the President a change to the size and pace of the drawdown? Should security conditions in Afghanistan degrade such that the efficacy of the U.S. strategy is in doubt, or result in a significant increase in risk to our people there, I would consult with my senior military and civilian advisors and provide my best strategic advice to the President about the need for any changes to the size or pace of the drawdown. Readiness Deficits 43. Dr. Carter, in your responses to the advance policy questions, you write that there are still critical readiness deficits in many areas. Based on your prior service in DOD and your preparation for this hearing, can you provide more details on those readiness deficits? It is my understanding that the Services are working to rebuild core skill sets and reorient their manning, training and equipping processes in order to broaden their readiness profile after years of operational commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan and elsewhere. Their progress to date does not undo the loss of full-spectrum readiness across the Department. These institutional readiness deficits took years to create, were exacerbated by the sequester level funding and, as such, will take years to remedy. Their progress to date has 15

16 not reversed the loss of full-spectrum readiness across the department affecting all services and all force elements. Ohio Replacement Program 44. Dr. Carter, the Chief of Naval Operations has testified that maintaining a safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent is his number one priority. The Navy will be challenged to recapitalize our ballistic missile submarines, known as the Ohio Replacement Program, within historic levels of shipbuilding funding. What is your position on the importance of the Ohio Replacement Program and how DOD should fund it? The Ohio Replacement Program is a vital component of our nuclear deterrence strategy. The Ohio Replacement Program will present challenges to the Navy s shipbuilding plan, particularly in the years after The Department needs adequate resources for modernization in order to insure we can make the transition to the new generation ballistic missile submarine. Which account it is funded in is of lesser importance. It makes the most sense to include the Ohio replacement in the shipbuilding account but this is a decision that can be made in the future. If confirmed, I will work within the Department and with the Congress to explore options to address this challenge. Sexual Assault 45. Dr. Carter, over the last 3 years, numerous provisions have been enacted to reform the military justice system and to improve the armed services ability to combat sexual assault. If confirmed, will you commit to ensuring the timely, full, and robust implementation of all sexual assault provisions in previous years NDAAs? Yes. If confirmed, I plan to continue the Department's efforts to effectively implement each provision. I recognize that it is critical to work closely with Congress, so that legislative efforts and the Department's initiatives are consistent and complement each other. Auditing the Pentagon 46. Dr. Carter, ensuring DOD achieves full auditability has been a major priority of mine since coming to the Senate. Every dollar wasted is a dollar we don t have to provide our troops with the training and equipment they need to protect themselves and accomplish their missions. However, the Pentagon s audit timeline and structure continue to evolve and experience delays. If you are confirmed, do you commit that you will make achieving audit milestones and objectives a major priority? If confirmed, I will make this a high priority and hold our senior leaders, civilian and military, accountable for making progress towards a clean opinion. DoD must demonstrate that internal controls are in place to prevent waste and provide a level of confidence to the taxpayers that we are good stewards of their funds. I understand that the Department is 16

17 following the audit strategy it has outlined to the Congress. If confirmed, I intend to keep Congress apprised of the Department s progress. 47. Dr. Carter, do you commit to achieve current timelines for auditability? Yes. I am committed to the current timelines for getting the Department under audit. Keeping this initiative on track is an important priority. If confirmed, I will stress to the Department s senior military and civilian leaders, to including the Secretaries of Military Departments and defense agency heads, the importance of meeting our obligations on auditability. 17

18 Senator Tom Cotton Russia Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty 48. Dr. Carter, as you are no doubt aware, last year the U.S. State Department in its annual Arms Control Compliance Report stated that Russia had violated the terms of Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. As a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, I ve reviewed the evidence and Russia is clearly in violation. Earlier this year, before the House Armed Services Committee, the Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Brian McKeon, stated that DOD was considering responding to the violation by developing and deploying increased defensive capabilities to counter the non-compliant missile, counter-force capabilities to prevent cruise missile attacks; and counter-vailing strike capabilities. Do you agree with Secretary McKeon? Isn t this the minimum we should be doing? The U.S. goal should be to convince Russia to return to compliance with the INF Treaty in a verifiable manner. If Russia refuses to return to compliance, the U.S. should prevent Russia from achieving a military advantage from its violation. Potential military responses are a critical component of a strategy directed towards convincing Russia to return to compliance with the INF Treaty or, if Russia does not return, denying it significant military advantage from violating the Treaty. I agree that DoD should consider a range of options, including active defenses to counter intermediate-range ground-launched cruise missiles; counterforce capabilities to prevent intermediate-range ground-launched cruise missile attacks; and countervailing strike capabilities to enhance U.S. or allied forces. U.S. responses must make clear to Russia that if it does not return to compliance our responses will make them less secure than they are today. 49. Dr. Carter, General Breedlove, the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) Commander stated last year that A weapon capability that violates the INF that is introduced into the greater European land mass is absolutely a tool that will have to be dealt with. It can't go unanswered. Do you agree? Yes. Russia Open Skies Treaty 50. Dr. Carter, I am a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence in addition to this committee. I have become concerned with Russian misuse of the Open Skies Treaty. Have you reviewed any of the assessments of this treaty and its potential national security implications? I have not had the opportunity to familiarize myself with the assessments to which you refer. 18

19 51. Dr. Carter, are you aware that the Commander of EUCOM non-concurred last summer when the administration sought to approve the use of a new sensor over Europe but the Commander s concerns were ignored and the sensor was approved anyway? No, I am not aware of the situation you mentioned. 52. Dr. Carter, would you please commit to promptly reviewing the assessments of the Commanders of U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM), EUCOM, and U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) as to the Open Skies Treaty and let me know, within the next 2 weeks, if you agree or disagree with their assessments of the potential harms to our European allies and the United States? If confirmed, I would ensure a prompt review is conducted of any concerns expressed by combatant commanders regarding the Open Skies Treaty. 19

20 Senator Dan Sullivan Strategic Location of Alaska 53. Dr. Carter, in a week or two, the Army will be conducting force reduction and realignment listening sessions across country. Two of these sessions will be conducted in Alaska; one on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and the other Fort Wainwright. Given our strategic shift to the Asia-Pacific and a renewed focus on the Arctic, do you believe that the forces in Alaska are uniquely suited to help address strategic needs in our Pacific Pivot and new Arctic Strategy? Yes, U.S. forces in Alaska play a critical role in our posture in the Asia-Pacific region. 54. Dr. Carter, can I have your assurance that decisions are not made to eliminate units which are best positioned to quickly and effectively respond to threats in the Pacific Region in strategically important places like Alaska? Any changes to U.S. force posture need to ensure that the U.S. can continue to quickly and effectively respond to threats in the Pacific Region. 55. Dr. Carter, should the Army decide to eliminate one or both brigade combat teams (BCT) in Alaska, how do you expect Kim Jong-un to react to this news? An important purpose of U.S. force posture in the Pacific Region is to deter aggression on the Korean Peninsula. That should be clear to the government of the DPRK. 56. Dr. Carter, how would Vladimir Putin view it? An important purpose of our posture in the Asia Pacific region is to deter aggression by any power, including Russia. 57. Dr. Carter, how about our friends and partners like Japan, Korea, and Singapore, how would they interpret it? An important purpose of our posture is also to assure our friends and partners, such as Japan, Korea, and Singapore, that the United States is fully committed to the security of the Asia-Pacific region. Russian Arctic Actions and Lack of U.S. Action 58. Dr. Carter, recent news articles have reported increased Russian involvement in the Arctic. This involvement, which some have called the militarization of the Arctic, includes creation of a new Arctic Command, the construction of as many as 13 new airfields and 10 air-defense radar stations, an increase in Russian Long-Range Air Patrols, continued investment in the world s largest ice-breaker fleet, and the recent 20

21 activation of an Arctic Brigade. Additionally, Russia has made several large territorial claims into the Arctic, including the expressed desire to expand its Arctic borders by more than 460,000 square miles. Meanwhile DOD has issued a 16-page Arctic Strategy; just 13 pages if you don t count the cover, the forward, and the 1-page map. How are we not falling behind in the Arctic? The U.S. approach to the Arctic should support our core objectives to ensure security and promote defense cooperation. If confirmed, I will direct our Combatant Commanders and Services to regularly review the security environment to ensure the U.S. is investing in required capabilities in a timely manner. 59. Dr. Carter, what is your 50-year vision for the Arctic? My 50-year vision is for an Arctic region that remains stable and free of conflict, where nations continue act responsibly in a spirit of trust and cooperation, and where economic and energy resources are developed in a sustainable manner that respects both the fragile environment and the interests and cultures of indigenous peoples. Although the Arctic Ocean may be ice-free for several months during the summer by 2065, it will still be icebound during the long, dark polar winter. If confirmed, I will work with my interagency partners to support the work of the Arctic Council during the upcoming U.S. Chairmanship to lay the foundation for addressing the enduring challenges to human and environmental safety and security in the region. 60. Dr. Carter, what resources do we need as a Nation to effectively project power into the Arctic Region? To effectively project power into the Arctic Region, the United States needs to maintain the aircraft necessary to patrol our skies and respond to Russian long-range aviation when our sovereignty is challenge. Given that the Arctic is frozen much of the year, submarines are also vital to our power projection capability. DoD is able to accomplish its mission against existing threats in current Arctic conditions with its current capabilities. At some point in the future, the United States will also need ships capable of operating in the marginal ice zone or near ice in the summer months when the Arctic is accessible. If confirmed, I will continue to assess those needs to determine what resources the U.S. requires. Arctic Collaboration 61. Dr. Carter, besides our participation on the Arctic council, how can we more effectively collaborate with Arctic nations? The United States can work to advance its defense and security partnerships with partners in the Arctic through engagement in international venues such as the International Maritime Organization, where a Polar Code for Arctic shipping is under development, and the new Coast Guard Arctic Forum. The U.S. can also seek to enhance research and academic collaboration through institutions like the new Coast Guard Center for Arctic 21