House Armed Services Committee
Chairman Smith's opening statement--January 31, 2007
"In the fight against global terrorism, our security depends more than ever on our special forces. The 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) acknowledged this fact and called for an increase in the capacity and capabilities of special operations forces (SOF) in our Armed Services.
"SOF units represent some of the most elite personnel in the U.S. military; expanding these units is not as simple as upping recruitment goals or purchasing new equipment. It will take time and careful planning to make sure we do not sacrifice the quality and effectiveness of these units in a rush to fill a numeric end-strength goal.
"One of the most important aspects of SOF unit actions involves working with local populations and allied military forces. As recent and often painful experience has taught us, this 'hearts-and-minds' component is key in our fight against global terrorism. I hope today's witnesses expound on this facet of their work and how they think the effort to grow special operations size and capabilities will affect this aspect of their operation.
"The Iraq war remains a dominant issue in any discussion about the future of our military. I am concerned the President's failed strategy in Iraq drains resources from the fight against terrorism, especially with regard to special operations forces. Is our commitment hampering our ability to work in other key fronts of the Global War on Terror?
"I hope General Brown and the various other special operations commanders testifying today can shed some light on this concern so we can account for it as we seek to make the best use of our special forces."
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