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U.S. Pacific Commander Says No Sanctuary for Terrorists in Asia

(Feb. 27 testimony before Asia, Middle East panels) (13,990)
Al Qaida and other terrorists organizations have no sanctuary in the
Asia-Pacific region, says the commander-in-chief of the U.S. Pacific
Command (CINCPAC).
"No 'Afghanistans' -- sanctuaries for active terrorist organizations
with governments fully supporting them -- exist" in the region at
present, Admiral Dennis Blair told a joint hearing of the House
International Relations Subcommittees on East Asia and the Pacific and
on the Middle East and South Asia February 27.
Instead, he said, governments "throughout the region fundamentally
support the campaign against international terrorism."
Blair described the terrorist threat in the Asia-Pacific region as one
consisting of "local groups with links to al-Qaida that are hostile to
the United States and our friends."
Such groups have plotted attacks against "American forces, embassies,
and other citizens, and have provided transit assistance to al-Qaida
members," he said.
Blair said that each country in the region "faces different
circumstances and unique challenges, and each has varying capabilities
in contributing to the international war on terrorism" but added that
success in the struggle against terrorism has come about largely
through cooperation among nations in the region.
The U.S. Pacific Command leader praised efforts by Australia, Japan,
New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, Singapore, and the
Philippines to support U.S. operations in and around Afghanistan in
the war on terrorism.
Blair said that since September 11 Thailand "has coordinated fully"
with the United States in combating terrorism "by supplying access to
Thai military facilities, granting overflight permission, making
formal public statements of support, and cooperating in information
sharing and in investigation of terrorists using Thailand for a
transit point and for other support."
Blair also recalled that immediately following the September 11 terror
attacks on America, Singapore was "unwavering in its support to
Operation Enduring Freedom, allowing our aircraft to use its airfields
and increasing protection to vital shipping in the Strait of Malacca."
Singapore has also worked directly against terrorist groups in that
country who were targeting U.S. interests, Blair said, pointing to
Singapore's arrest of 13 al-Qaida-linked terrorists in December that
led to additional arrests in Malaysia and the Philippines in January.
"Information sharing between these countries provided unprecedented
insights into the al-Qaida network in the Asia-Pacific region," Blair
said.
Turning to the Philippines, Blair said U.S. forces are training
Philippine forces to take on the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group in the
southern end of that country.
U.S. support for the Philippine armed forces (AFP) has included "a
training/advisory team of Special Operations ground, naval and air
personnel to train the AFP from their Southern Command Headquarters
potentially down through company level," Blair said. "Training will
focus on effective counter-terrorism campaign planning,
intelligence/operations fusion, psychological operations,
civil-military operations and field tactics."
Additionally the U.S. Special Forces team assistance includes civil
affairs, maintenance, medical, and other support personnel, the
admiral said.
Blair said that the effort to fight terrorism "has accelerated
security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, but has not
fundamentally altered the region's security challenges."
Blair cautioned that while U.S. forces are deployed around the world,
"terrorists will look for soft spots for further attacks. On every
deployment, every exercise and especially now at home stations, force
protection is an essential mission."
Since the September 11 terror attacks on America, combating terrorism
"on U.S. territory and throughout the Asia-Pacific region" has been
the U.S. Pacific Command's "top priority," according to Blair.
The forward-deployed and forward-stationed forces of the U.S. Pacific
Command "are making a difference in promoting American interests in
security and peaceful development in the Asia-Pacific region," the
admiral said.
The U.S. Pacific Command is "relentlessly pursuing terrorists that
threaten American citizens and interests. With a sustained effort and
support of regional partners, we will succeed in rooting them out," he
added.
Blair stressed that a "secure, peaceful and prosperous Asia-Pacific
region remains very much in the interests of America and the world."
Following is the text of Blair's February 27 remarks, as prepared for
delivery:
(begin text)
STATEMENT OF ADMIRAL DENNIS C. BLAIR, U.S. NAVY
COMMANDER IN CHIEF
U.S. PACIFIC COMMAND
BEFORE THE HOUSE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE
SUBCOMMITTEE ON EAST ASIA AND THE PACIFIC AND
SUBCOMMITTEE ON MIDDLE EAST AND SOUTH ASIA
ON U.S. PACIFIC COMMAND POSTURE
27 FEBRUARY 2002
INTRODUCTION
Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee:
On behalf of the men and women of the United States Pacific Command, I
thank you for this opportunity to testify on security in the
Asia-Pacific region.
Incidents and action drove the year 2001 for the U.S. Pacific Command
(USPACOM). In February, USS Greeneville collided with and sank the
Japanese fisheries training vessel Ehime Maru, resulting in the loss
of nine Japanese lives. Soon after, a Chinese fighter jet collided
with one of our EP-3s, resulting in the loss of the Chinese pilot and
the detention of our crew on Hainan Island for 11 days. During this
time, seven USPACOM personnel from Joint Task Force-Full Accounting
died in a helicopter crash in Vietnam. Then came the terrorist attacks
of 11 September. We have gone on the offensive against terrorism while
sustaining our readiness, improving the readiness of regional forces
to contribute to coalition operations, and transforming the
capabilities of our forces. The men and women of USPACOM have been
busy.
We cannot provide adequate protection to our citizens and our forces
while only playing defense. Since 11 September, combating terrorism on
U.S. territory and throughout the Asia-Pacific region has been
USPACOM's top priority. We are succeeding, largely as a result of
cooperation among many nations.
Countering terrorism has accelerated security cooperation in the
Asia-Pacific region, but has not fundamentally altered the region's
security challenges. A secure, peaceful and prosperous Asia-Pacific
region remains very much in the interests of America and the world. An
uncertain Asia will present crises and dangers. We continue to base
our power and influence on our values, economic vibrancy, our desire
to be a partner in this critical region, and our forward-stationed and
forward-deployed forces of USPACOM.
Overall, we are in better shape than we were a year ago. We have gone
on the offensive against terror organizations we did not know the name
of a year ago. Although there are persistent deficiencies,
particularly in facilities upkeep and replenishment of precision
weapons, our readiness is on its way to a satisfactory level. If we
can maintain our momentum, the future is bright for the U.S. Pacific
Command.
COMBATING TERRORISM IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION
International Terrorism in the Asia-Pacific Region
The terrorist threat in the Asia-Pacific region (APR) consists
primarily of local groups with links to al-Qaida that are hostile to
the United States and our friends. These groups have plotted attacks
against American forces, embassies, and other citizens, and have
provided transit assistance to al-Qaida members. Our understanding of
the threat has increased greatly since 11 September, as we brought
more intelligence resources to bear and shared intelligence with other
countries. Jemaah Islamiyah, which has plotted against U.S. and other
nations' citizens, vessels and facilities in Singapore, is one group
of concern. The Governments of Singapore and Malaysia moved quickly
against this al-Qaida-linked group. Continued vigilance, actions such
as this, and enhanced cooperation among governments, will keep
terrorists on the run and root them out over time.
At present, no "Afghanistans" -- sanctuaries for active terrorist
organizations with governments fully supporting them -- exist in this
Area of Responsibility (AOR). Governments throughout the region
fundamentally support the campaign against international terrorism.
Each country in the region faces different circumstances and unique
challenges, and each has varying capabilities in contributing to the
international war on terrorism. Domestic political considerations are
factors in countries such as Indonesia and Bangladesh. However,
nations in this region are cooperating with the United States in many
different ways, and this cooperation is succeeding against
international terrorism.
We have actively engaged our regional partners to support Operation
ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF) in Afghanistan. Our Asia-Pacific allies and
regional partners have condemned the terrorist attacks of 11
September, and many are contributing resources. We appreciate the many
military contributions of our allies and regional partners, Australia,
New Zealand, Japan and the Republic of Korea.
Australia invoked the ANZUS Treaty immediately following 11 September
for the first time in the 50-year history of this treaty. In addition
to its ongoing naval contribution to Maritime Interdiction Operations
supporting UN Security Council Resolutions against Iraq, Australia
provided additional ships to the Arabian Gulf and aircraft to Diego
Garcia. Australia was one of our first allies to deploy ground troops
to Afghanistan. New Zealand has provided a contingent of its Special
Air Service for operations as well.
The Government of Japan has implemented major policy and legislative
changes to allow Japan to provide force protection and logistical
support to U.S. installations in Japan. The Japan Air Self Defense
Force has flown relief missions to Pakistan and lift missions for our
forces in the USPACOM AOR. For the first time since World War II, the
Japan Maritime Self Defense Force is at sea far from Japanese waters,
providing fuel and other support to coalition naval forces.
The Republic of Korea (ROK) is providing air and naval logistic
support to OEF. Several other countries [c1] have given overflight
rights and seaport and airport access to our aircraft and ships.
The bottom line is that our previous bilateral and regional
cooperation with the countries of the APR has paid off in valuable
cooperation with regard to the war on terrorism.
Antiterrorism Efforts -- Defense
USPACOM's Force Protection Program has effectively protected our armed
forces and supported civilian authorities throughout the Asia-Pacific
region since the 11 September terrorist attacks. We activated Joint
Rear Area Coordinators (JRACs) to counter the threat and accelerated
the Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) Program.
JRACs integrate the defensive measures by all the military units in
the same location -- Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, Japan and Korea. In
addition, they coordinate Department of Defense (DoD) efforts with
federal, state, and local agencies. JRACs have written and exercised
plans and are fielding the Area Security Operations Command and
Control (ASOCC) system. Over the past year, we have made significant
progress identifying and protecting critical infrastructure by making
CIP part of all major exercises and using JRACs to protect critical
assets. We are also accelerating the fielding of the Pacific Mobile
Emergency Radio System in Hawaii and Alaska to improve coordination
efforts between civilian authorities and their JRAC counterparts.
USPACOM's JRACs and CIP program are widely recognized as the model for
interagency coordination, combined scenario-based training events, and
unprecedented cooperation and information sharing.
Following the attack on the USS Cole, USPACOM began a full
reassessment of vulnerabilities at foreign ports we visit. We have
established plans and increased deployable security measures at all
these ports. To date, we have completed 25 force protection memoranda
of agreement (MOA) with U.S. embassies, including MOAs with embassies
in India, Russia, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and China.
These agreements clearly delineate U.S. responsibilities for all our
military forces in Asia-Pacific countries.
A major challenge is to sustain these intense efforts over the
long-term. Substantial resources are required to maintain higher Force
Protection Conditions (FPCONs) that will be a way of life for many
years to come.
As long as we are engaged around the world, terrorists will look for
soft spots for further attacks. On every deployment, every exercise
and especially now at home stations, force protection is an essential
mission.
Counter-terrorism -- Offense
USPACOM forces -- USS Kitty Hawk, John C. Stennis, and Carl Vinson
battlegroups, patrol aircraft, and USS PELELIU Amphibious Ready Group
with the 15th and 13th Marine Expeditionary Units -- played major
roles in the successful Afghanistan campaigns. At the same time, we
have gone on the offensive in the Pacific region.
We have already deployed personnel to U.S. embassies in the
Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and India to better integrate our
operations with interagency country teams. We have established a
Directorate for Counter-Terrorism to fuse all sources of intelligence,
to plan and coordinate operations, and to begin true interagency
integration across the region. We have sent equipment and an
assistance team to the Philippines. Our Joint Intelligence Center
Pacific (JICPAC) has rapidly improved its support to the
counter-terrorism mission. Analytical depth and breadth of the
terrorism threat in the AOR has significantly improved, with increased
collection, analysis, and reporting in this area.
To build coalition support for our offensive efforts since 11
September, I have visited the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia,
Indonesia, India, Singapore, Japan and Korea, and met with each
country's U.S. ambassador, and key senior government and military
leaders to discuss our intentions, and how their support can help. The
response to our plan has been positive, and we are building capability
to act with other countries against terrorism.
We continue to foster interagency participation in our planning and
operations. While our counter-terrorism cell includes a Joint
Interagency Coordination Group to seamlessly interconnect with the
national architecture as it is established, a Joint Interagency Task
Force with direct tasking authority that transcends agency stovepipes
would be a more effective organization.
USPACOM Requirements for the War against Terrorism
Manpower
Legislation mandating a 15 percent headquarters manpower reduction
over 3 years was passed before 11 September. As we launched the war on
terrorism, we brought additional Reserve Component (RC) personnel on
board to handle the increased workload. On 12 October 2001, the Deputy
Secretary of Defense waived the FY01 10 percent headquarters manpower
reduction. As long as the war on terrorism continues, there will be
more requirements for intelligence, operations, logistics,
communications, and planning officers on USPACOM combatant
headquarters staffs.
The war on terrorism has created new manpower requirements. Over 5,000
additional billets are needed to address the full range of force
protection, antiterrorism, and counter-terrorism missions throughout
USPACOM. Examples of additional manpower requirements include
increased shore and harbor security patrols in response to enhanced
Force Protection Conditions (FPCONs), additional teams to assess
security of foreign ports and airfields we visit, and around-the-clock
manning of JRACs and crisis action teams. We are working to address
these manning and management challenges from within existing
endstrength levels.
Combating Terrorism Readiness Initiatives Fund (CBT RIF)
Funding obtained through CBT RIF continues to play a major role in
addressing emergent requirements. This initiative provides the
geographic CINCs additional avenues for resourcing against emerging
threats. Some examples of USPACOM funded CBT RIF projects include
weapons/metal detectors and explosive vapor detectors for Marine Corps
Base Okinawa and blast mitigation windows for Yongsan Base in Korea.
USPACOM received $3.95 million in CBT RIF funding in FY01. USPACOM
received nearly $3.9 million more in the first allocation of FY02
funding, including $850,000 for U.S. Forces Korea (USFK). However,
USPACOM still has over 1,070 unfunded Anti-Terrorism Force Protection
(ATFP) projects totaling nearly $1.5 billion to achieve full
compliance with current standards. Service funding will meet some of
these requirements, but the CBT RIF program fills the gaps.
Foreign Military Financing (FMF)
FMF is an essential tool for our allies and partners to improve their
capabilities against international terrorist groups and their
supporters. A detailed discussion of FMF funding requirements, with
particular emphasis on FMF for the Philippines, is included at pages
34-35.
OTHER REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTS
Australia
Australia remains America's oldest ally in the Asia-Pacific region.
Last year we celebrated the 50th anniversary of our defense treaty.
Australia's steadfast support has been a key facet of our
counter-terrorism campaign in the Asia-Pacific region.
Australian armed forces remain in the lead role in East Timor and in
the shaping of East Timor's new defense force. In addition, Australia
maintains an important presence in Papua New Guinea, Bougainville and
the Solomon Islands, ensuring peace and security in these problematic
areas. The Australian government has been active in promoting the
return of democracy in Fiji and security and peaceful development
throughout the archipelagic states of Southeast Asia and the South
Pacific.
Our relationship with Australia is mature and as strong as it has ever
been. USPACOM works hard through bilateral and multilateral fora to
keep the ANZUS Treaty relationship with Australia healthy and looking
forward. We are currently conducting a strategic top-down
interoperability study with Australia's armed forces. It will return
great long-term dividends in acquisition, information technology,
operations, research and development, and further strengthening the
relationship with this trusted ally.
Japan
Japan hosts nearly 41,000 U.S. armed forces personnel and 14,000
additional sailors afloat with the Seventh Fleet. It contributes $4.57
billion in host-nation support, the most of any U.S. ally. These
forward-stationed and forward-deployed forces are key to the U.S.
commitment to defend American interests throughout the Asia-Pacific
region. The U.S.-Japan alliance is the cornerstone of U.S. security
interests in Asia and fundamental to regional security and peaceful
development.
Over the past year, Japan and the United States have made steady
progress in strengthening our alliance. We signed the first bilateral
defense plan under the 1997 revised Defense Guidelines. It
incorporates additional Japanese support for U.S. operations, and
opens new areas for defense cooperation.
After 11 September, Japan passed historic legislation to assist U.S.
combat operations. For the first time since World War II, Japan sent
its Self-Defense Force (JSDF) overseas to support a combat operation
and work with other countries in a U.S.-led coalition.
JSDF roles and capabilities are evolving to meet future challenges. In
addition to Japan's military contribution in support of OEF, the JSDF
will deploy a 700-member engineer battalion to East Timor in March
2002, and will continue to provide a 45-man transportation unit as
part of the Golan Heights UN Disengagement Observer Force. The JSDF
has also worked closely with USPACOM components in restructuring
bilateral exercises to develop skills for humanitarian assistance;
search and rescue; non-combatant evacuation; consequence management
for chemical, biological and nuclear incidents; and complex
contingency operations likely to occur in the future. I am also
encouraged by the increased attention the JSDF is giving to
cooperating with regional armed forces -- the ROK in particular.
We successfully completed the search and recovery effort on the Ehime
Maru last October with the recovery of eight out of nine missing
crewmembers. The U.S. Navy's intense efforts and our two nations'
exceptional cooperation overcame the effects of the tragedy, and even
strengthened the ties between our two countries in many areas.
We continue to work to be good neighbors on our bases in Japan. Japan
closed the industrial waste incinerator next to the U.S. Naval Air
Facility Atsugi, ending an environmental hazard. Because of steady
progress made under the Special Action Committee on Okinawa (SACO), a
relocation site for Marine Corps Air Station Futenma has been selected
in northern Okinawa, and detailed discussions have begun over the type
and scale of the facility.
Japan's timely, meaningful and visible contribution to the campaign
against terrorism is a new stage in our alliance relations. This
lynchpin relationship is vital for security and peaceful development
in Asia.
Republic of Korea (ROK)
Encouraging events on the Korean Peninsula in 2000 appeared to
indicate a new era. However, progress stalled last year. Since March
2001, the North has canceled events and refused to meet regularly with
the ROK. At the same time, North Korea's "military-first" policy
remains. Its training cycles in 2001 were at normal levels, but the
ongoing 2002 winter training cycle has featured unusual corps-level
activity. North Korea continues to maintain more than 60 percent of
its forces within 100 kilometers of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The
North remains a formidable force that we must guard against and deter.
During 2001, the U.S. and the ROK successfully negotiated several
important alliance issues. Our military relationship is on a stronger
footing every year.
The Special Measures Agreement (SMA), once completed, will
significantly increase contributions to the maintenance of U.S. troops
on the Peninsula. Under the SMA, the ROK will cover 50 percent of the
non-personnel stationing costs for U.S. forces by 2004. The Commander
of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) has also reached a tentative agreement
with the ROK government on a Land Partnership Plan (LPP) that will
consolidate U.S. force presence. The plan will reduce the number of
major U.S. bases in Korea from 41 to 26 while enhancing training and
combined warfighting capability. Commander USFK and the ROK Ministry
of National Defense have agreed to review the 1990 agreement to
relocate Yongsan Army Garrison, the home of USFK, from its location in
downtown Seoul.
We must continue to enhance the quality of life for our troops and
their families stationed in Korea. The ROK provides critical Host
Nation Funded Construction (HNFC) support. However, HNFC, coupled with
the current level of U.S. Military Construction (MILCON) funding, is
inadequate. Many of the facilities, including unaccompanied personnel
housing and family housing, are of Korean War vintage. Personnel live
in inadequate barracks, apartments, even Quonset huts and "temporary"
Vietnam-era buildings that we have maintained at increasing cost as
age, infestation, and Pacific weather have taken their toll. The FY03
funding shortfall for facility construction and modernization across
Korea is estimated at $315 million. Congressional support of MILCON
funding for Korea in the FY01 supplemental and FY02 MILCON
Appropriations bills was sorely needed and very appreciated. We seek
your continued support for MILCON and sustainment, restoration and
maintenance funding as provided in the President's FY03 budget.
The ROK increasingly contributes to regional security by deploying
over 400 troops to the peacekeeping mission in East Timor, in addition
to its other peacekeeping commitments in Western Sahara, the Republic
of Georgia, Cyprus and the India-Pakistan border region. ROK forces
participate in exercises such as RIMPAC (a major, multilateral naval
exercise), PACIFIC REACH (a submarine rescue exercise also involving
naval forces from Japan, Singapore and the United States), and COPE
THUNDER (a multilateral air exercise in Alaska). Most recently, the
ROK and USCINCPAC co-hosted a Multilateral Planning Augmentation Team
(MPAT) workshop in Korea. Hosting an exercise with over 20 non-U.S.
participants, including Japan, was a significant first for the ROK.
Following the 11 September tragedy, the ROK aggressively supported our
efforts to combat terrorism. They have dispatched forces to support
Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, currently deploying four C-130 aircraft, a
naval tank landing ship (LST) and a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital
(MASH) unit. The ROK has also sent liaison officers to the
headquarters of USCINCPAC and Commander in Chief, U.S. Central Command
to coordinate ROK government support for the Afghan campaign and
continuing war. The ROK has worked closely with USFK to fully ensure
the highest levels of protection of U.S. forces on the Peninsula. This
is in addition to the $45 million pledged for the reconstruction of
Afghanistan.
By joining the coalition to combat global terrorism and participating
in peacekeeping missions and USPACOM's regional exercises and
cooperative initiatives, the ROK plays a very positive role in the
region. Although there has been little or no substantive progress
toward normalization and reunification of the Peninsula, the United
States and the ROK have strengthened our alliance, and the ROK has
continued its contribution to regional security.
Philippines
Our relationship with the Republic of the Philippines (RP), a
long-time U.S. ally, had major developments last year. The RP
continued to be a strong partner in regional security initiatives --
hosting various conferences, the annual bilateral BALIKATAN exercise
linked to the regional TEAM CHALLENGE exercise, and numerous Joint
Combined Exchanges for Training (JCETs).
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are challenged by budgetary
constraints, logistical problems and a lack of adequately trained
personnel. These factors hamper the AFP's ability to deal with
internal insurgent groups, like the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) that also
has ties to al-Qaida and poses a threat to Americans.
President Arroyo has championed Philippine and regional support for
the international counter-terrorism campaign. During her November 2001
visit to the United States to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the
U.S.-RP Mutual Defense Treaty, she and President Bush agreed that the
11 September terrorist attacks on the United States, and the terrorist
activities of the ASG (which now holds Filipino and American hostages
in the Southern Philippines), underscore the urgency of ensuring that
the two countries maintain a robust defense partnership into the 21st
century. The two leaders agreed to strengthen the military alliance on
a sustained basis, through increased training, exercises, and other
joint activities. Finally, they declared that the American and
Filipino people stand together in the global campaign against
terrorism.
USPACOM has deployed a Joint Task Force (JTF) to the Southern
Philippines and has organized a substantial program to improve the
maintenance of AFP equipment. The JTF package includes: a
training/advisory team of Special Operations ground, naval and air
personnel to train the AFP from their Southern Command Headquarters
potentially down through company level. Training will focus on
effective counter-terrorism campaign planning, intelligence/operations
fusion, psychological operations (PSYOP), civil-military operations
(CMO) and field tactics. Additionally, civil affairs (CA),
maintenance, medical, and other support personnel round out the
Special Forces team.
The JTF initial deployment of advisors was approved during
implementation planning in January 2002. The recently concluded Terms
of Reference (TOR) provided both governments with the necessary
framework for executing our deployment to the Philippines.
The war against the ASG will not be won by military operations alone.
Improvements in law enforcement, intelligence, economics, business,
information, media, academia, community leadership and religion will
have enduring and important roles in the battle. A solid, sustainable
socio-economic program by the Government of the Philippines in the
affected areas is also essential. USPACOM is working on a civil
affairs assessment to support the JTF operation. Our training,
assistance, and maintenance package will improve the AFP's CT
capabilities. Continued U.S. support to the Philippines through the
FMF program is critical to the success of the AFP's campaign against
terror.
Thailand
Thailand is one of the nations in Asia most committed to building
regional approaches to the future challenges of counter-terrorism
(CT), counter-drug (CD) interdiction, peacekeeping operations (PKO),
humanitarian assistance (HA), and other transnational concerns. The
TEAM CHALLENGE multilateral training event to improve multinational
capability/interoperability is held in Thailand.
Thailand has taken a leading role in Southeast Asia in support of
peacekeeping operations (PKO) by maintaining battalion strength forces
in East Timor and again supplying the UN military commander there.
Thailand has also sponsored several multilateral PKO seminars. We have
supported humanitarian demining in Thailand and are transferring that
program to Thailand in FY02. USPACOM continues to respond to
Thailand's request for U.S. assistance to the Royal Thai Army in
combating drug traffic across the Burma-Thai border. Joint Interagency
Task Force West (JIATF-W) is the standing task force for all CD issues
in the theater and has the lead in training, equipment, and
organizational coordination initiatives to assist the Thais with their
CD mission. Full funding of FY02/03 Foreign Military Financing (FMF)
for Thailand is critical to our efforts to help Thailand sustain its
CD and PKO over the next 2 years.
Since 11 September, Thailand has coordinated fully with the United
States in combating terrorism by supplying access to Thai military
facilities, granting overflight permission, making formal public
statements of support, and cooperating in information sharing and in
investigation of terrorists using Thailand for a transit point and for
other support. During a December 2001 trip to Washington, D.C., Prime
Minister Thaksin offered the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Thai
security contributions to multilateral presence in Afghanistan.
Our effective military-to-military cooperation with Thailand meets the
security concerns of both our countries. Our attention to Thai
political and military priorities supports our ability to call for
access to military facilities. Thailand will continue to be our key
ally in Southeast Asia.
Singapore
The March 2001 completion of the deep-draft pier at Changi Naval Base,
constructed entirely at Singapore's expense, will support continued
U.S. presence in the region for many years to come. USS Kitty Hawk was
the first aircraft carrier to berth pierside at Changi. Though not a
formal treaty ally, Singapore is a solid security partner in the
Asia-Pacific region, a vocal proponent for U.S. access, and strong
supporter of U.S. counter-terrorist efforts. Additionally, Singapore
supports and hosts many significant multilateral activities. Last
year, it hosted Exercise PACIFIC REACH, participated in Exercise COBRA
GOLD and numerous anti-piracy regional conferences, and hosted a
Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) regional Mine Counter-Mine
exercise.
Singapore seeks greater interoperability with the U.S. armed forces.
It views high technology and advanced hardware as a deterrent and is
increasing its cooperation with the United States in several projects.
Singapore participated with Extending the Littoral Battlespace (ELB)
Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) and is active in
other developments such as the Joint Mission Force (JMF) and
Asia-Pacific Area Network (APAN).
Singapore has worked against terrorist groups in the country who were
targeting U.S. interests. Immediately following the 11 September
attacks, Singapore was unwavering in its support to Operation ENDURING
FREEDOM, allowing our aircraft to use its airfields and increasing
protection to vital shipping in the Strait of Malacca.
Singapore's arrest of 13 al-Qaida-linked terrorists in December led to
additional arrests in Malaysia and the Philippines in January.
Information sharing between these countries provided unprecedented
insights into the al-Qaida network in the Asia-Pacific region.
Singapore has rapidly matured into a solid regional partner in a
strategic location.
India
U.S. military relations with India have greatly expanded over the past
year. India offered rapid and valuable assistance to the United States
in conducting military operations in Afghanistan. USPACOM officers
have met with their Indian counterparts and agreed on programs and
exercises for the next 6-18 months. The primary areas of cooperation
focus on peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, special operations training
and naval activities.
We are closely following India's current confrontation with Pakistan.
Throughout our interaction with our Indian counterparts, we
continually stress the importance of a peaceful negotiated long-term
solution to the Kashmir issue.
India and the United States have many common interests and our growing
military cooperation will support this increasingly important security
relationship.
Indonesia
Indonesia continues to go through a complete transition toward a
modern democracy and a market economy. A key factor influencing
Indonesia's political transformation and the prospects for its
stability and unity are the Armed Forces of Indonesia, or TNI.
Military reform made some progress last year, but more remains to be
done, especially in the areas of accountability and professional
conduct. Separatist and sectarian violence in Aceh, the Moluccas,
Sulawesi, and Irian Jaya, and inadequate TNI resources and
capabilities have slowed the momentum of reform. TNI's future course
is central to Indonesia's development and important to U.S. interests
in combating terrorism, maintaining freedom of navigation on important
trade lanes, and supporting regional security.
The Indonesian government has condemned terrorism and approved
overflights of U.S. aircraft supporting the war on terrorism. It has
improved security for our citizens and the U.S. embassy in Jakarta.
However, Indonesia's very geography makes it vulnerable to terrorist
penetration. With many challenges on its plate, and diminishing
resources, Indonesia's security apparatus does not have full control
of its borders. Moreover, Indonesia has not aggressively investigated
domestic elements that are sympathetic to the aims of al-Qaida. We
need to strengthen cooperation with Indonesia on terrorism. Current
restrictions on our interaction with the TNI limit our effectiveness.
However, the newly established Regional Defense Counter-Terrorism
Fellowship Program may offer us a valuable tool to provide TNI
mid-grade officers non-lethal training focused on counter-terrorism
and combating transnational threats. We look forward to exploring this
possibility with the Congress.
USPACOM activities with TNI include inviting some officers to
multilateral conferences, subject matter information exchanges, senior
officer visits, and the annual naval Cooperation Afloat Readiness and
Training (CARAT) exercise focusing on humanitarian assistance and
anti-piracy. CARAT 2002 will now include a counter-terrorism element.
A responsible, developing Indonesia is key to the security and
development of the Southeast Asia region; it is in our interest to
help ensure the security of this important country.
East Timor
East Timor is preparing for independence in May of this year. UN
Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) support has been
successful in assisting and guiding East Timor toward independence.
USPACOM forces in U.S. Support Group East Timor (USGET) played a vital
role in supporting this monumental international effort. USGET has
provided a significant U.S. presence, vital civic actions,
humanitarian assistance, and regular ship visits. Today, East Timor is
generally secure from the militias, and ready to face the challenges
of a democracy.
After East Timor's independence, USPACOM will transition from civic
action orientation in East Timor to a more traditional military
cooperation program. This program will support an international
effort, led by Australia, to further develop the East Timor Defense
Force into a viable self-defense force.
China
Many important political, economic, and military developments occurred
in the People's Republic of China (PRC) last year, and Chinese actions
affected U.S. military relations with the People's Liberation Army
(PLA).
Last year's military exercises in the PRC showed a measurable increase
in quality, as the PLA continued to modernize its forces, with an
emphasis on integrating ground, air and naval forces into a viable
joint capability, and on creating a more professional officer and
noncommissioned officer cadre. In addition to basic maritime combat
skills, the 2001 exercises demonstrated efforts to conduct joint
amphibious operations combined with missile and air strikes against
key targets, such as airfields, naval ports and command centers.
China continued to build and exercise its force of short-range
ballistic missiles ranging Taiwan. It still seeks to develop a range
of military options to influence and intimidate Taiwan, and has not
abandoned the option of using force to resolve Taiwan's status.
Across the Strait, Taiwan's armed forces continue to restructure and
modernize. They are reorganizing and modernizing command, control,
communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and
reconnaissance (C4ISR). The U.S. government last year approved the
sale of naval, ground and air equipment to maintain Taiwan's
sufficient defense in the near term. Taiwan still needs to focus on
developing and modernizing C4ISR, integrated air and sea defense, and
the ability to integrate its armed forces to conduct effective joint
operations.
The PLA is still years away from the capability to take and hold
Taiwan. Continued improvements in Taiwan's capabilities and
development of USPACOM capabilities will be necessary to maintain
sufficient defense.
The April 2001 EP-3 crisis was eventually resolved -- the crew and
airplane returned. However, the aggressive behavior of the Chinese
pilot who caused the collision and the detention of the crew for 11
days damaged China's relations with the United States.
Military-to-military relations are resuming slowly, and in accordance
with the National Defense Authorization Act. It is in the interests of
the United States to interact with the PLA to address common
interests, such as combating terrorism, peacekeeping operations,
search and rescue, counterdrug, counterpiracy, and humanitarian
assistance. These interactions should be reciprocal and transparent
and serve to reduce misunderstandings and the risk of miscalculations
on both sides.
POW-MIA EFFORTS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
Joint Task Force-Full Accounting (JTF-FA) continues progress on the
fullest possible accounting of Americans unaccounted-for as a result
of the war in Southeast Asia.
The risks of this noble mission were sadly underscored by the
helicopter crash on 7 April 2001. Seven American service members and
nine Vietnamese tragically died in Quang Binh Province, Vietnam, while
conducting advance work for the 65th Joint Field Activity (JFA). We
may never know the exact details of the accident, but a report by the
U.S. investigator indicated that deteriorating weather conditions,
poor visibility, and pilot error were factors. This tragic incident
was a deep loss for USPACOM, the task force, and the American and
Vietnamese people.
During FY01, JTF-FA conducted nine JFAs -- three in Vietnam, five in
Laos, and one in Cambodia where 211 cases were investigated and 37
sites excavated. One JFA in Vietnam was canceled due to the tragic
helicopter crash. JTF-FA continues to maintain its pace of operations
in FY02, with 10 JFAs scheduled -- 4 in Vietnam, 5 in Laos, and 1 in
Cambodia.
Last year, 44 sets of remains were identified and returned to their
loved ones. JTF-FA recovered and repatriated 27 remains still to be
identified, but believed to be Americans unaccounted-for (16 from
Vietnam, 10 from Laos, and 1 from Cambodia).
We remain committed to obtaining the fullest possible accounting of
Americans still missing in Southeast Asia and to the return of all
recoverable remains. We seek continual support for funding of this
mission.
THEATER SECURITY COOPERATION
Theater Security Cooperation Overview
Ready forces are the foundation for USPACOM's cooperation with the
Asia-Pacific region. They reassure our friends and partners, and
dissuade our potential enemies. During 2001, we maintained a strong
program of Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) designed to maintain
coalition warfighting skills for deterrence, and build regional
coalition capabilities to carry out common missions, from peacekeeping
through combating terrorism.
The three primary goals of TSC -- influence, access, and competent
coalition partners -- led to an active program that proved its worth
after 11 September. All countries in the Asia-Pacific region declared
support for the global war on terrorism, and contributed in many ways.
Seminars, simulations and multilateral exercises are inexpensive and
powerful ways to develop the capabilities to work effectively -- as
coalitions in complex contingencies (such as East Timor); as partners
in countering terrorism, illegal drug trafficking, and piracy; in
managing the consequences of chemical, biological or nuclear attacks,
natural disasters and accidents; in evacuating citizens caught in the
path of violence; in search and rescue of mariners and airmen in
distress; and in providing humanitarian assistance. TSC develops a
cadre of competent coalition partners able to contribute when called
upon.
Such a call came 11 September. Under the banner of Operation ENDURING
FREEDOM, many of our partners in enhanced regional cooperation stepped
forward to make significant contributions to the emerging OEF
coalition. We have also focused on building long-term, strategic
relationships necessary to plan and execute the protracted theater
campaigns to eradicate terrorism. Many of our efforts with key allies
and friends, such as Australia, Japan, Korea, the Philippines,
Thailand and Singapore, are expanding on strong foundations nurtured
by TSC to improve our counter-terrorism capabilities. With other
strategic nations in our theater, such as India, the events of 11
September are the catalyst for accelerating more meaningful
military-to-military contact and cooperation. Finally, many nations,
such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Burma, have offered varying levels
of support and cooperation to the global campaign against terrorism.
Their proposed contributions and offers, although perhaps not
strategically significant, forecast meaningful regional cooperation on
a threat that affects all Asia-Pacific nations.
We will continue to cultivate and maintain the necessary operational
access and coalition cooperation (diplomatic/financial/military) to
plan and execute current and future operations. For all these
purposes, USPACOM should maintain a baseline of multilateral
conferences and International Military Education and Training (IMET)
for every country.
Coalition Exercises
TEAM CHALLENGE 2002 links the multilateral COBRA GOLD exercise in
Thailand with the bilateral BALIKATAN in the Philippines to address
bilateral and multilateral training objectives, and to improve the
readiness of regional armed forces to contribute to multilateral
operations. Singapore will participate again this year alongside Thai
and U.S. forces in COBRA GOLD. Observer nations (with an eye toward
possible participation in future years) will include Japan,
Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, France, ROK, Mongolia, Russia,
China, India, Cambodia, Tonga and Sri Lanka; Vietnam has been invited.
In TEAM CHALLENGE, we will exercise elements from the full spectrum of
missions that our combined forces may be called upon to do together,
from complex contingencies to humanitarian assistance. TEAM CHALLENGE
continues to be our largest multilateral exercise in theater, while
serving as our premier Combined Joint Task Force training exercise.
International Military Education and Training (IMET)
IMET is the cornerstone of our Theater Security Cooperation Program.
It provides education opportunities for personnel from foreign armed
forces to study U.S. military doctrine and to observe U.S. commitment
to the rule of law, human rights, and democratic values. It is the
best means for promoting professionalism within foreign armed forces,
and exposing foreign armed forces to the principle of a military
responsive to civilian control. IMET is an effective tool for
assisting armed forces to develop in ways that meet their own and U.S.
objectives. Indonesia is a case in point, where officers from the
Indonesian armed forces have not attended professional U.S. military
education courses since 1992, with an attendant loss of U.S. influence
on an entire generation of Indonesian company/ field grade officers.
Regional Defense Counter-Terrorism Fellowship Program
The Regional Defense Counter-Terrorism Fellowship Program complements
the IMET program. DoD funding will be used to send foreign military
officers to U.S. military institutions and selected regional centers
for non-lethal education. This program will provide the regional CINCs
with additional flexibility in executing our security cooperation
strategies, and it will have an immediate and positive impact in
encouraging reform, professionalism, and regional cooperation in
addressing counter-terrorism and other transnational threats.
Foreign Military Financing (FMF)
FMF for acquiring U.S. military articles, services and training
enables key friends and allies to improve their defense capabilities
and improve their potential contributions as a coalition partner. In
response to our original FY02 FMF request, three USPACOM countries
were granted FMF funds: Mongolia ($2 million), the Philippines ($19
million), and [c2] East Timor ($1 million), which gains its
independence 20 May of this year.
To prosecute the global war on terrorism, it is in the U.S. interest
to provide equipment to select countries facing threats. The
administration is reviewing potential threats and options.
Philippines FMF Maintenance Program
The Philippines FMF Maintenance Program is the foundation for
effective security assistance to the Armed Forces of the Philippines
(AFP) in their campaign against terror. We are in the first year of a
5-year, $68 million FMF plan to sustain critical AFP military
capability while promoting clear and positive actions to correct
budgetary and logistics deficiencies. We have developed courses of
action to improve AFP readiness rates for specific systems such as
C-130 aircraft, UH-1 helicopters, 2 1/2-ton trucks, and 78-foot Fast
Patrol Craft. We have also developed a statement of work to implement
contractor management assistance and ways to track improvements in
readiness rates. Full funding over the 5-year program will enable the
AFP to sustain higher readiness levels for key weapons systems. This
funding is essential for the AFP to achieve a self-sustaining
capability.
As the efforts in the Philippines evolve, possible opportunities to
maximize effectiveness of counter terrorism operations may require
additional resources. FY03 FMF funding for the Republic of the
Philippines Maintenance Program remains key to achieving one of our
long-term goals of improving AFP readiness.
Enhanced International Peacekeeping Capabilities (EIPC)
EIPC programs promote standards for peacekeeping doctrine, training,
and education at the institutional level. In FY01, five USPACOM
countries (Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Philippines and Thailand)
received a total of $2.227 million to achieve this goal. In FY02, we
hope to add Fiji, Madagascar, Tonga and India to this list. While EIPC
programs are not as visible as IMET or FMF grants, EIPC plays a key
role in developing host country self-sufficiency to train its forces
to be effective players in worldwide peacekeeping efforts.
Nonproliferation, Antiterrorism, Demining, and Related Programs (NADR)
NADR funding supports U.S. efforts to reduce threats posed by
international terrorists, landmines, and stockpiles of excess weapons,
as well as by nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons and their
associated technologies. We have received limited funds in the past,
primarily for demining activities in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, India
and Vietnam. Our war against terrorism could benefit by any expansion
of these programs. We will work closely with U.S. Country Teams to
ensure we use these limited funds wisely.
Overseas Humanitarian Disaster and Civic Aid (OHDACA)
OHDACA appropriation provides the critical ability to respond to
humanitarian needs in the Asia-Pacific region and is the primary
source of DoD financing for foreign disaster assistance, demining,
excess property donations and other humanitarian projects. While other
federal agencies also have responsibilities to respond to man-made and
natural disasters, armed forces are frequently called upon first.
Additionally, our annual assistance programs provide important access
to some countries where other means of security cooperation are
inappropriate. These non-threatening programs demonstrate the
peacetime capabilities of DoD to our Pacific neighbors without
impacting readiness. Approved FY02/03 Humanitarian Assistance
requirements for construction projects and property donations total
approximately $5.1 million.
East Timor Defense Force (ETDF)- Logistics System/East Timor Engineer
Plan
The U.S. armed forces continue to conduct operations in East Timor by
providing liaison officers, engineers and humanitarian assistance
during ship visits. FY02 engineering priorities include water plant,
electrical system, and health clinic projects. The State Department
programmed $4.8 million in FMF funds in FY01-03 to assist in
developing the East Timor Defense Forces (ETDF) logistics support
system and to conduct training to develop the skills necessary for
self-sufficiency. We will need to look at avenues to provide the ETDF
the support they need to provide for their own security. There should
be no haven for terrorism in the Asia-Pacific region, in countries
with histories old or new.
Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS)
The APCSS regional study, conference, and research center continues to
do great work. Graduates from its 3-month executive course total 764
from 41 countries, including Pakistan. I meet many of the outstanding
graduates when I travel, and all are convinced that the regional
approach works.
Asia-Pacific Regional Initiative (APRI)
The APRI program increases USPACOM access, regional readiness and U.S.
influence in the Asia-Pacific region. APRI funding supports a wide
range of exercises, programs, and training symposiums such as Exercise
TEAM CHALLENGE, the PACIFIC REACH multi-national submarine rescue
exercise, the annual multilateral Chiefs of Defense conference, and
search and rescue and humanitarian assistance/disaster relief
exercises.
Asia-Pacific Area Network (APAN)
Funded by the APRI program, APAN provides information exchange
throughout the region that directly supports Theater Security
Cooperation. It functions as an interactive Web-based network that is
attracting ever-widening attention and participation. APAN's
membership has grown from about 300 users from 17 countries in June
2000 to more than 4,000 self-registered users (by 1 January 2002) from
every country in the Pacific region except Burma and North Korea. APAN
has also attracted users from over 20 other countries outside the
region. The Web site supports regional exercises and conferences, and
provides information resources to functional areas such as
peacekeeping operations, disaster management and counter-terrorism.
More importantly, it has been a catalyst to the creation of
multinational information-based relationships and collaboration. Since
APAN's operational capabilities and information are entirely
unclassified, they are available to government agencies and
non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that are important as
participants in complex humanitarian emergencies and as partners in
any combined military effort. After 11 September, APAN began a
commercially secured Web site for Hawaii's Joint Rear Area Coordinator
(JRAC) effort, a multi-agency effort comprising 17 federal state and
local agencies in Hawaii responsible for critical infrastructure. APAN
is working with the U.S. Coast Guard to develop a similar commercially
secured operational network capability for multinational collaboration
in the Northwest Pacific and with the Department of State for similar
collaborative sites to support ASEAN Regional Forum
Confidence-Building Measures in Counter-Terrorism and possibly
Maritime Security. Part of the international experience of 11
September has been overcoming resistance to new operating methods and
information-based relationships. APAN has encouraged regional
countries and United Nations organizations and NGOs to use and
contribute to building experience in network centric operations that
will pay off in future multinational force operations.
Multinational Planning Augmentation Team (MPAT) Program
The MPAT Program, also funded through APRI, brings together expert
military planners from nations with Asia-Pacific interests that can
rapidly augment a multinational force headquarters. Using standardized
skills, they would plan and execute coalition operations in response
to small-scale contingencies in the region. Through a series of
workshops and planning exercises, MPAT members have developed a
knowledge base of the various national crisis-action-planning
procedures in the Asia-Pacific region and strong working relationships
with each other. MPAT members have also begun developing common
crisis-action planning procedures that any lead nation could use
during a crisis.
We have successfully completed three MPAT workshops each involving
over 25 countries, co-hosted by the Philippines, Thailand, and Korea
respectively. We have also completed six concept and standard
operating procedures (SOP) workshops. The strength of the MPAT program
lies in its ability to foster the development of a consensus on
multinational responses to crises in a region with only a strong
bilateral tradition.
The Center of Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian
Assistance (COE)
COE plays an important role in our pursuit of key strategic objectives
in USPACOM. COE engages countries in the Asia-Pacific region, builds
burden-sharing relationships among our friends and allies, and
prepares U.S. forces to perform effectively in complex contingencies.
COE's mission in disaster management, humanitarian assistance, and
peace operations offers a low profile tool to engage civilian and
military communities throughout the theater that might otherwise be
hesitant to work with us. COE's support of our peace operations
capacity building efforts in the Asia-Pacific region have helped
improve capabilities in the Philippines, Thailand, Bangladesh, Nepal,
and Malaysia. Finally, by promoting broader collaboration among
non-traditional partners, COE contributes to the creation of an
environment less hospitable to terrorism.
READINESS AND RESOURCES
Personnel
The war on terrorism along with ongoing commitments throughout the
Asia-Pacific region place heavy pressures on our troops and their
families. It is especially important today, that our young men and
women in uniform feel the support of our country. The quality of life
(QoL) initiatives included in the FY02 National Defense Authorization
Act are welcome and let our people know their elected representatives
value their hard work and sacrifices.
Thank you for supporting the Administration's request for the largest
pay raise in two decades. Competitive pay is essential to attract and
retain the highly skilled personnel critical to our national defense.
There are areas where compensation has failed to keep up with the
times. For example, most American families today own two cars for
parents' jobs, school, and children's extracurricular activities. This
is a necessity, not a luxury. At present, our military families are
only allowed to transport one vehicle when transferred to and from
overseas duty stations in the United States. Developing programs to
meet the needs of today's military families will go a long way toward
improving retention.
Another much-needed improvement is reducing Permanent Change of
Station (PCS) out of pocket expenses. We calculate the average
military family pays $1700 above reimbursements when moving to Hawaii.
Legislation like that in the FY02 Defense Authorization Act, to
increase partial reimbursement of mandatory pet quarantine fees
incurred by members transferred to various overseas locations within
and outside the United States, helps reduce this financial burden. The
removal of entitlement limits that previously excluded junior
personnel from receiving proper reimbursement for expenses incurred
during their first PCS move is also a standout. Even a seemingly small
gesture, like helping our volunteer Reserve or Guard members deal with
excess accrued leave as they move from hot spot to hot spot, sends a
message that we care.
In past conflicts, Reserve Component (RC) personnel have mobilized to
serve in and around combat zones. For the war on terrorism, we have
mobilized thousands of reservists and guardsmen to protect our
military bases and civilian facilities like airports. The President
has clearly stated that the war on terrorism will continue for years.
RC support will be a vital part of the war effort. In USPACOM, our
reservists have done a magnificent job. The flexibility and support of
their employers has been a key element of this successful
mobilization.
We need to reexamine RC polices and programs to sustain the war on
terrorism over the long term. Cold War-era regulations and public laws
still sometimes prevent RCs from providing the responsive and flexible
capability they are so eager to deliver.
I applaud the efforts of the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD)
and Joint Staff to push for improvements to law, policy, and
regulations. I support ways not only to increase funding but also to
modernize the rules that govern RC support. To do this, we need more
full-time support to perform tasks like managing manning documents,
pre-screening medical records before recall, and providing support at
the locations where the RC personnel are frequently mobilized.
While we are fortunate to have many eager and talented volunteers
willing to make sacrifices to serve their country in times of crisis,
I am concerned about the long-term impact of reliance on recalled
reserve augmentation forces. Given the nature of our protracted war on
terrorism, we need to take a hard look at active duty force levels
required in the next 5-10 years to combat terrorism, because now is
the time to make recruitment and force authorization adjustments.
State of Housing, Family Support
Military family housing remains one of our top QOL priorities. We are
working to replace or renovate substandard military family housing by
2007. Pacific Fleet (PACFLT), Marine Forces Pacific (MARFORPAC),
Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), and U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC) will meet
this goal with their current master plans and programs. We must
continue to restore and increase funding to ensure that our military
family housing is safe, modern, and secure. Congressional efforts last
year resulted in a welcome and much needed increase in attention to
overseas MILCON in USPACOM. I applaud your efforts to fix the grossly
inadequate housing in Korea and other deficiencies throughout the AOR.
There is still so much to do.
People are our most important resource. Recognition, adequate
compensation, and housing are the foundation of a decent quality of
life for our people and their families.
Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Funding
The second important component of readiness is sufficient operations
and maintenance funding for training and maintaining equipment.
Last year I testified that with regard to our funding for Operations
and Maintenance (O&M) "news is not positive" and, "accordingly the
readiness of our component commands is not expected to reflect any
significant increase this fiscal year." I am happy to report this
year, due to supplemental funding, our readiness picture is more
optimistic.
Funding for training and maintenance across Service components has
been adequate to keep units trained and their equipment in good
repair. This readiness was proved in combat as USPACOM carrier
battlegroups (CVBGs), amphibious ready groups (ARGs), and marine
expeditionary units (MEUs) deployed on short notice to Afghanistan and
were effective in combat immediately.
Let me highlight my current readiness concerns.
Precision Guided Munitions (PGMs)
Ongoing support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF) has significantly
reduced the already limited worldwide stocks of precision munitions
across all services, especially the Joint Direct Attack Munition
(JDAM). The President's FY03 budget request contains aggressive
programs to restore inventories to adequate levels. Sustained funding
to restore/increase PGMs stockage levels to support the spectrum of
military operations -- counter-terrorism (CT) operations, small-scale
contingencies (SSCs), major theater wars (MTWs), training/testing
expenditures, theater positioning and combat-sustainment requirements
-- must remain a priority.
Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Aircraft
Our AOR requires more ISR aircraft coverage to meet operational
demand. While I cannot provide exact numbers in this forum, our
collection rates of required intelligence information is dangerously
low. Recent funding of ISR aircraft as part of the counter-terrorism
(CT) supplemental will help, but this projected increase must be
realized in increased surveillance units in this theater. New aircraft
must also be developed to replace aging ISR assets. The projected
retirement of aircraft over the out years puts at risk Service
commitments to maintain a minimum number of operational ISR aircraft.
Aircraft Readiness
Mission Capable (MC) rates for Pacific Fleet (PACFLT)/ Marine Forces
Pacific (MARFORPAC) aircraft and cannibalization of Pacific Air Forces
(PACAF) aircraft continue to be major readiness concerns in USPACOM.
Availability of repair parts is a significant contributor to aircraft
readiness shortfalls. Although funding for repair parts for Navy,
Marine Corps, and Air Force aircraft has improved in the past two
years, shortages still exist, causing cannibalizations on PACAF
aircraft and crossdecking/temporary equipment loans in PACFLT. Of
PACAF aircraft tracked from January to December 2001, 80 percent did
not meet the aircraft standard for cannibalization rates.
Infrastructure, Logistics Inventories, and Related Support
The final component of readiness is infrastructure, logistics
inventories, and related support. This component still requires
attention.
Facilities: Sustainment, Restoration and Modernization (SRM)
The combined effects of aging facilities and years of under funding
have produced an enormous backlog of restoration and replacement
projects. The current recapitalization backlog was caused by a
combination of factors. Funding intended for facilities sustainment
has often been diverted. When bases closed in the Philippines, Guam,
and Hawaii, SRM funds were not redistributed for remaining facilities
but were reduced as part of the "peace dividend." Rising utility costs
and higher costs to accomplish base-operating support by contract
further reduced funds available for SRM. As a result of inadequate
funding, bases, camps, posts and stations across the Asia-Pacific
region are shabby and deteriorating to a point we can no longer
ignore. Our people deserve much better than this; they deserve to live
and work in a quality environment.
At current Future Years Defense Plan (FYDP) funding levels, the $5.3
billion USPACOM recapitalization backlog will nearly double over the
FYDP. USPACOM requires an additional $8.4 billion over the FYDP to
eliminate the backlog and prevent future backlog growth through proper
sustainment.
SRM funding shortfalls not only affect quality of life, but also
impact readiness, operation plan (OPLAN) execution, retention, and
force protection. Unfunded backlog projects affect OPLAN execution in
Korea, Guam and Wake Island. Without additional funding,
recapitalization backlogs will continue to grow if we do not realign
or close any installations or facilities, and will further
deteriorate, jeopardizing critical functions throughout USPACOM's Area
of Responsibility (AOR).
New Pacific Command Headquarters
Construction on the Nimitz-MacArthur Pacific Command Center at Camp
Smith is underway and going vertical. Completion is scheduled for
December 2003. We appreciate the restoration of $3 million included in
the FY02 MILCON Appropriations Act to fund critical design elements,
including antiterrorism force protection (ATFP) and information
security requirements. Unfortunately, this funding was reduced by over
$400,000 due to an across-the-board reduction of all FY02 MILCON
funding, creating an unexpected shortfall just as critical ATFP and
information technology security requirements are being addressed.
Pacific Security Analysis Complex (PSAC) MILCON04
USPACOM needs a single shared intelligence complex on Oahu, Hawaii,
that optimizes the missions and operations of both Kunia Regional
Security Operations Center (KRSOC) and the Joint Intelligence Center
Pacific (JICPAC). The current KRSOC is obsolete. The facility was
built in 1945, and the last major renovation occurred in 1979. Current
estimates for necessary renovations to ensure a 30-year continued use
exceed $185 million, with annual operating costs of approximately $8
million. Construction costs for a new KRSOC facility, incorporating
Naval Security Group Activity (NSGA) Pearl Harbor and NCPAC, are
currently estimated at $220 million, with annual operating costs of $6
million. Additional savings in renovation costs to NSGA Pearl Harbor
and NCPAC are estimated at $9 million. Thus, it would be less costly
in the long term to build the new facility.
The JICPAC theater intelligence production facility has force
protection vulnerabilities due to its location on a main civilian
thoroughfare. Co-locating with KRSOC would lead to savings of roughly
$30 million over 4 years in JICPAC operating costs, and enhance fusion
of all-source intelligence. The PSAC presents an unprecedented
opportunity for immediate in-depth collaboration between the premier
signals intelligence and production centers.
USPACOM Simulation Center MILCON04
Increasing exercise activity, training complexities, and command,
control, communications, computers, intelligence (C4I) modernization
have outgrown USPACOM's exercise simulation infrastructure and support
capabilities. This deficiency significantly reduces the ability to
train USCINCPAC and Joint Task Force (JTF) commanders in crisis action
readiness procedures; degrades the ability to improve combined
interoperability with friends in the region; and contributes to
increased operating tempo (OPTEMPO), training time and associated
costs for USPACOM forces before responding to contingencies. The
current facility does not support future technologies or meet
force-protection requirements. The planned state-of-the-art simulation
center will link with simulation centers throughout the Asia-Pacific
region to train joint integrated forces, rehearse mission
requirements, provide commanders with quick-reaction combat analyses,
and exploit information from open sources. It will transform USPACOM
through the use of advanced simulations, collaborative tools, and C4I
systems in joint experiments.
Wake Island Airfield Funding
Wake Island remains critical for support of strategic deployment of
forces for major theater wars (MTWs). The funding in the Air Force
program is the first year of a multi-year program that must be
maintained to ensure availability of this critical asset to meet
wartime contingency requirements.
Mobility Infrastructure and Strategic Lift (C-17/C-5) Reliability
Enhancement and Re-engine Program
USPACOM depends on continued funding of the programmed C-17 aircraft
buy and the C-5 aircraft Reliability Enhancement and Re-engine Program
and Avionics Modernization Program. Equally important are our efforts
to exploit advanced sealift technology to reduce our dependency on
premium airlift. Over the past year, III Marine Expeditionary Force
(MEF) has been testing and evaluating off-island deployments using a
leased High Speed Vessel (HSV). Initial analysis of the HSV suggests
considerable cost savings while significantly reducing in-transit
deployment time for Marine forces. Based on these encouraging initial
returns, we are pursuing the HSV as a theater-lift asset in USPACOM.
Real world operations in other theaters are impacting USPACOM's
exercise program. We are beginning to face regular shortages of
airlift and aerial tankage. This, in turn, makes it more difficult to
train soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines that we are depending on
to execute ongoing operations. For example, to send the 3rd Wing to
Red Flag to prepare them for deployment to Operation Southern Watch,
we will need to contract civilian airlift at a cost of approximately
$1.1 million. The original budget was $250,000 using KC-10. Overall,
the PACAF exercise program has been cut $734,000 and the JCS exercise
program was cut $1.2 million. Successful achievement of combat
readiness training will hinge largely on sufficient funding for
exercises.
Intelligence
The events of 11 September have introduced additional requirements on
our already heavily tasked national and tactical intelligence systems.
The demand for precise and timely intelligence has never been greater,
including in-depth understanding of long-term potential adversaries,
regional hotspots, and transnational threats -- terrorism and the
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Signals Intelligence (SIGINT)
National and tactical SIGINT systems must be modernized to meet the
advances in global telecommunications technology. National Security
Agency (NSA) and Service SIGINT capabilities are key to our daily
operations and the execution of OPLANs and contingencies in the
USPACOM AOR. They must be funded to continue modernizing tactical
SIGINT collection capabilities against both modernized militaries and
terrorists. Funding is also needed to replace the Kunia Regional
Security Operations Center (KRSOC) and accompanying land-based
collection architecture.
Our support to Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) has exacerbated our
peacetime shortage of intelligence collection aircraft. While
additional aircraft are in the pipeline, we still need more in the
inventory to help us reach and maintain our longstanding minimum
theater requirements, and we need them soon. We encourage development
of a follow-on to current manned aircraft and await availability of
high altitude, long dwell, unmanned aerial vehicles. We must also
upgrade the collection equipment on the aircraft. This is especially
true for SIGINT, where existing collection equipment is ineffective
against modern communication technology. Similar land and maritime
collection capabilities also need upgrades. USPACOM fully supports
integrated, joint development of the next generation signals
collection tools, along with further consolidation of funding to
hasten this event. Extra aircraft and new collection tools are
meaningless, though, if we lack trained personnel to exploit the
information. The existing shortage of linguists has worsened due to
the war on terrorism. We now face regional languages and dialects
never considered important before 11 September.
Imagery Analysis
Requirements for imagery continue to grow. New platforms are producing
an increasing flow of data, but our ability to exploit this data has
not kept pace. We are doing well on the Tasking portion of the
Tasking, Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination (TPED) of
imagery, but insufficient communications and lack of imagery analysts
hamper the remaining aspects of the process. Additional funding is
needed to realize the full potential of this intelligence source.
USPACOM still requires a robust theater-level intelligence gathering
capability against the entire threat spectrum.
Command, Control, Communications, and Computer Systems (C4)
Capabilities
Information technology (IT) continues to influence warfare at every
turn. C4 is the unsung workhorse of any operation, requiring 24 hours
a day/7 days a week reliable, timely and uncorrupted service. As
evidenced by the world's recent response to terrorist events, the need
for information sharing between service, joint, and coalition
partners, as well as local, state, and federal organizations, has
increased exponentially. This requirement places a strain on an
already antiquated and stressed communications network. Since C4
encompasses a wide spectrum, I will focus on three primary areas of
continued need: 1) an end-to-end communications infrastructure, 2)
information assurance, and 3) interoperability.
First, the end-to-end communications enterprise provides the
foundation to electronically link garrison and forward-deployed forces
to commanders at all levels. USPACOM's vast AOR, mostly separated by
ocean and encompassing countries with under-developed C4
infrastructures, requires forces to rely heavily on satellite
communications (SATCOM). We continue to make great strides in many of
the SATCOM programs and I thank you for your continued support.
However, aging equipment and specifically, limited Ultra High
Frequency (UHF) SATCOM capacity over this AOR, is fast becoming a
factor in my ability to command and control forces. With the recent
terrorist attacks and our ongoing efforts to root out terrorism as a
whole, SATCOM connectivity to our highly specialized forces is more
critical than ever before. The new challenge is to ensure that
critical SATCOM upgrades, the fielding of new satellite programs, and
the launching of new satellites remain on track to replace the aging
fleets currently orbiting the earth in support of warfighters.
As an inseparable partner with the space segment, we must inject
similar technology advances into the base, post, camp, and station
infrastructures. In the Pacific Theater, we still operate on cables
and wiring installed as far back as the 1960s. These cables are no
longer dependable. Coupling this condition with the ever-increasing
user requirements for more and more information, we must quickly
modernize to support the growing bandwidth and increased speed
requirements of our intelligence gatherers, planners and warfighters.
Information is truly a force multiplier.
Our second focus area is information assurance (IA). How we protect
our sensitive information from potential adversaries while providing
access to, and sharing it with, our coalition partners is probably the
toughest challenge we face in today's C4 environment.
Although we have made significant strides to improve IA in USPACOM, we
are far from 100 percent protected. Cyber warfare never rests. Our
USPACOM networks continue to receive daily cyber probes and
potentially dangerous virus and hacker attacks. They can occur at any
time and any place in the theater and the consequences can be severe,
if we are not on guard around the clock. The payback for IA is not
always as easily recognizable as with the production of new airplanes,
ships, or tanks. You cannot touch and feel information protection, but
a loss of critical or time-sensitive information, or a denial of
service, can be far more detrimental to national security than any
single weapon system. An example of the heavy IA investment needed for
additional hardware is the protection afforded by current
cryptographic equipment to secure networks for command and control of
daily operations. Replacement parts for this aging equipment are
difficult to obtain -- a limiting factor as technology increases the
speed, connectivity, and capacity of our networks. Cryptographic
modernization programs are essential to improve the effectiveness of
the U.S. Government cryptographic inventory. For example, airline
flight schedules and blueprints of our embassies are simply tidbits of
information. But, that information in the wrong hands may improve the
enemies' chances of producing devastating results as evidenced by
recent terrorist incidents.
Ongoing IA improvements will require a continued heavy investment in
equipment, training and technically skilled people. I ask for your
support as we strive to implement a "defense in depth" posture into
our daily information operations.
The third C4 area is interoperability. The events of 11 September have
caused us to concentrate hard on interoperability, especially with
civilian and coalition partners in support of global counter-terrorism
efforts. We must reassess our processes in these areas.
I firmly believe we must revamp our acquisition system, especially in
the area of IT. Long-term replacement programs are detached at an
early stage from the dynamic reality of operations and warfare. They
emerge decades later with new systems that are better than what they
replace, but not as good as what they could or should be in meeting
the needs of the warfighter.
Our system does not put engineers together with the operators to fix
real operational problems, deal with real war plan deficiencies and
emerging threats, or take advantage of real opportunities. The current
system, which drives the actions of the detached bureaucracy of
requirements writers, contracting officers and program managers, is
only tenuously connected to what our forces need to operate and fight
better.
We must integrate the engineers with the operators in a spiral
development approach in which we build a little, test a little, and
then build a little more. Let them see firsthand the interoperability
problems that exist between civilian, joint and coalition
organizations. For example, our Joint Task Force (JTF) commanders use
service variants of our Global Command and Control System (GCCS),
because the joint version is not as capable as the service variant and
is not fully fielded across the theater. As another example, the land
mobile radio systems that our police and fire departments use are not
interoperable with our military systems. These incompatibilities
prevent key personnel from sharing critical information in a timely
fashion, and could easily lead to catastrophic results.
We can address many of these interoperability issues by using this
spiral development approach, and putting engineers in the field during
joint exercises, training maneuvers and technology demonstrations.
Initially, this approach comes with an increased cost until we can
identify capabilities in programs that we do not need. But the timely
and increased operational capabilities provided to the warfighter as
result of it more than justify the initial expense.
Maintaining our leading edge in C4 technology, assuring our critical
information and improving interoperability with our coalition partners
are essential to protecting American security interests in the 21st
century. Our command is working hard to mitigate these limitations;
however, we need increased C4 funding to maintain the operational edge
over our adversaries.
Multiple Theater War Sustainment Issues (Harvest Eagle, APS-4)
Refurbishment and reconstitution of Air Force Harvest Eagle bare base
assets are key to both current operations plans (OPLANs) and USPACOM
operations in support of the global war on terrorism. Harvest Eagle's
tent-based housing modules allow forward-deployed or reinforcing units
to establish airfield operations where local infrastructure is austere
or lacking. Degraded before their use in current operations, our
deployable bare-base assets capacity will continue to be a limiting
factor to executing OPLANs and contingencies without fully funding
refurbishment and reconstitution.
Shortfalls in pre-positioned equipment and supplies to support combat
operations in the Korean Theater of Operations are also of major
concern. The Army maintains a strategic inventory of sustainment
supplies as part of Army Pre-positioned Stocks (APS). These stocks
sustain forward-deployed and initial follow-on ground forces, and
include major end items such as engines, repair parts, medical
supplies, packaged petroleum products, barrier/construction materials,
operations rations, and clothing required to sustain combat
operations.
Additionally, we have significant shortfalls in Army APS-4 Sustainment
Stocks designated to replace projected combat losses, especially
critical during the early stages of a major theater war (MTW) on the
Korean Peninsula. Within these sustainment stocks, Class VII (Major
End Items) and Class IX (Repair Parts) have the most serious
shortfalls. Finally, less than 30 percent of Joint Service Lightweight
Integrated Suit Technology chemical protection suits (to support
operations in a nuclear, chemical, biological environment) are
available in sustainment stocks. The combination of these shortfalls
degrades our ability to conduct sustained combat operations on the
Korean Peninsula.
USPACOM FORCE TRANSFORMATION
Our enemies and potential enemies are working hard to develop ways to
defeat the U.S. Armed Forces. We cannot allow our current military
dominance to lead to complacency and future defeat. Force
transformation is a priority at USPACOM. We have made rapid progress
over the past year in developing Joint Mission Force capabilities, in
our Advanced Concept Technology Demonstrations (ACTDs) and in aligning
force transformation with our Joint Training and Theater Security
Cooperation (TSC) plans. Experimenting as we exercise and operate is
becoming routine. Individual commanders are also making advances
through their own initiatives, with service and USPACOM support.
Examples include the High Speed Vessel (HSV) that Marine forces on
Okinawa have leased to make movement within the theater faster at less
expense and the development of numerous networking and decision
support capabilities. We continue to work closely with U.S. Joint
Forces Command (USJFCOM), the executive agent for joint force
experimentation, and are increasing the involvement of allies and
coalition partners to enhance interoperability and combined force
capabilities as we transform U.S. forces.
Joint Mission Force (JMF) Objectives
The objectives of USPACOM's JMF concept are to enhance the speed of
action, precision, and mission effectiveness of Theater Joint Task
Forces (JTFs). Our vision is to create a seamless Joint/Combined
Pacific Theater response force capable of accomplishing the full
spectrum of missions, from a complex contingency through humanitarian
assistance (HA), and serving as the leading edge during a major war.
This transformation effort has moved from its concept development in
war games to implementation in exercises that enhance our ability to
rapidly form and deploy a JTF.
Through the JMF concept, Battle Staff Rosters supported by service
components now provide tailored on-call augmentation for key billets
at USPACOM's designated JTF headquarters. These staffs are trained to
provide the performance of a Standing JTF Headquarters, without
incurring the overhead of a separate organization. Command
relationships for designated JTF and component commands are already
established and rehearsed to enable rapid activation and deployment.
Command, control, communications, computers, intelligence (C4I)
baseline requirements have also been established and are routinely
tested in our command and control exercise program to ensure our
ability to establish a common operating picture and theater network
for collaborative planning. Our JTFs now use newly published CD-ROM
based and Web-accessible standard operating procedures (SOPs)
internally linked with checklists and templates. Information
management serves as the foundation for the SOP, and is supported by a
standardized JTF Web site that facilitates Web-centric information
pull. Our primary JTFs now train to assigned missions with packaged,
mission-oriented training standards, including new tasks designed to
examine draft doctrine linked to technology, for integrated and
synchronized fires and maneuver.
The current focus for transforming JTF capabilities are in the areas
of joint fire and maneuver, battle space situational awareness and the
common operational and tactical pictures, coalition force integration,
force protection, and rapid JTF formation.
Based on 3 years of development, the JMF concept is our prototype
standing JTF Headquarters. JMF provides greater flexibility for
multiple crises, capitalizes on component core competencies, requires
no additional manpower, and allows for normal service rotations and
deployments.
During Exercise KERNEL BLITZ (EXPERIMENTAL) in June 2001, we
demonstrated Wide Area Relay Network (WARNET) technologies in the
Extending the Littoral Battlespace (ELB) ACTD. Our follow-on JTF
WARNET initiative will provide our JTFs with organic, wireless, and
secure connectivity for planning and execution at the tactical level.
The JTF WARNET communications network, associated applications, and
interfaces support joint forces across a widely distributed
battlespace to provide real-time and near real-time command and
control (C2), collaboration, common tactical picture and joint fires
across service boundaries. Under the technical leadership of the
Office of Naval Research with substantial funding support from OSD,
JTF WARNET development continues for prototype deployment with
operational forces in 2004.
Coalition Involvement in Joint Mission Force (JMF) Efforts
Our JMF concept is an essential part of Theater Security Cooperation
(TSC). To improve regional readiness for coalition operations, we are
developing a Multinational Force (MNF) SOP tailored from the JTF SOP
we built last year. This more generic document will include broad
operational considerations that our multinational partners can readily
implement when one acts as the lead nation with the United States
serving in a support role. The Multinational Planning Augmentation
Team (MPAT) serves as the instrument for MNF SOP development. The MPAT
conducts collaborative development of the document over the
Asia-Pacific Area Network (APAN) and at workshops in the region. Joint
Experimentation with coalition partners is coordinated in bilateral
venues such as the Annual Staff Talks with Singapore and Australia.
This spring, USPACOM will fully involve coalition partners by hosting
a Coalition Transformation Workshop as part of our annual ACTD
conference.
Joint Task Force (JTF) Joint Experimentation Program (JEP)
Our JTFJEP focuses on transforming JTF operations and is fully
coordinated with the JEP of USJFCOM. Our JTFJEP includes technology
insertion experiments during exercises to advance our practice of JTF
operations, both in the U.S. and coalition venues.
This year we have planned two major experiments. The first experiment
will occur as part of our command and control exercise (C2X) series
where we train for rapid formation of a JTF. Our C2Xs over the past
year made significant advances in sharing common procedures and a
common operational picture (COP) among JTF subordinate commanders, and
in collaborative planning. We will experiment next with advanced
capabilities to manage and control information flow on the JTF
networks, and incorporate advanced fires management capabilities. Our
second experiment will be in a coalition environment during Exercise
COBRA GOLD with Thailand, Australia, Singapore, and Malaysia. By
experimenting as we exercise, we provide a continuous series of
field-tested warfighting improvements in joint and combined operations
before we make key procurement decisions.
Advanced Technology Development
I am a strong supporter of USPACOM's Advanced Concept Technology
Demonstrations (ACTDs). They provide important near-term joint and
combined warfighting capabilities. Since I last spoke with you,
USPACOM has been awarded six new ACTDs, bringing the number of ACTDs
involving USPACOM to 18, more than any other major command. Almost all
our service Component Commanders, designated JTF Commanders,
Subordinate Unified Commanders, and each of my Staff Directors have
responsibility for executing one or more ACTDs. USPACOM forces are
involved in transformation across the theater.
Our six new ACTDs will provide new operational and tactical
capabilities.
- The Micro Air Vehicle ACTD will provide small units enhanced
situational awareness using miniaturized sensors on a man-portable
unmanned air vehicle.
- The Language and Speech Exploitation Resources ACTD will reduce
language barriers and improve coalition operations by providing a tool
to automatically translate languages.
- The Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal -- Knowledge Technology
Operations Demonstration ACTD will provide Explosive Ordnance Disposal
(EOD) teams in the field with a portable, rapidly updateable,
computerized database for safely disarming explosive devices in the
field.
- The SPARTAN ACTD will provide enhanced battlespace awareness and
increased force protection for surface and subsurface operations, by
demonstrating the capabilities of unmanned surface vessels with
modular sensor packages. SPARTAN is also the leading candidate for an
improved TSC initiative involving co-development of advanced
capabilities with coalition partners. The Singapore Armed Forces are
interested in co-developing this system with us.
- The Thermobaric Weapon ACTD provides a standoff weapon for attacking
tunnels and underground facilities. This program potentially provides
two to three times the lethality over currently fielded penetrating
weapons.
- The Signals Intelligence Processing ACTD provides improved
capabilities to collect and process signals.
Coalition Theater Logistics
In parallel with transforming our forces, we must also bring along
coalition partners. Last year, I testified that, thanks to your strong
support, we were starting work on our Coalition Theater Logistics
ACTD.
This is an important initiative, co-sponsored by Australia, to
demonstrate how coalition logistics information can be exchanged at
the national, operational and tactical levels. Over the last year,
we've finalized operational requirements; signed a project arrangement
with Australia that leverages technology from both countries, and
embarked on a technical development program that puts us on the brink
of providing a coalition force with a breakthrough capability -- plan
and execute coalition force deployment through selective information
exchange between existing national logistics information systems.
Continued support will ensure that we achieve all our objectives.
We have also partnered with Thailand and are beginning discussions
with Singapore, Korea, and Japan to partner with them during future
phases of ACTD development. In parallel with transforming our forces,
we must also bring along coalition partners.
Joint Warrior Interoperability Demonstration (JWID)
USPACOM is the designated-host Commander in Chief for the FY02 and
FY03 execution of the Joint Staff J6I-sponsored JWID. Despite numerous
other interoperability and transformation initiatives in progress,
JWID has exceptional potential to address the real and near-term
command, control, communications, computers, intelligence,
surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) interoperability challenges
facing joint and coalition operations. Working with the U.S. Marine
Corps, this year's lead service, USPACOM has broadened the scope of
challenges being investigated, focused the operational environment
underpinning JWID to simulate demands of current military operations,
expanded the list of countries participating to include Pacific Rim
countries for the first time, and introduced warfighter rigor in
executing the demonstration period and assessment of proposed
technology solutions.
U.S. industry and government activities have responded to the call for
interoperability solutions that span the C2 spectrum from strategic to
tactical and that embrace new approaches to challenges in the
situational awareness, common operating picture, decision support,
collaboration, logistics, multi-lingual, joint and coalition fires,
multi-level security, and medical arenas. For the first time, there
will be incipient focus on support for humanitarian assistance and
disaster-relief enablers. Due to success in our JMF program, USPACOM
has introduced a Combined Task Force Web-portal interface for
organizing, visualizing, and transferring the products produced by
various JWID demonstrations and interoperability trials.
We have also made a concerted effort to enhance the understanding and
participation by other Commanders in Chief to ensure that the results
from JWID will deliver solutions to the C4ISR challenges that each of
them confront in routine and contingency operations.
Multi-Domain Dissemination System (MDDS)
An unresolved challenge of furthering coalition readiness in the
Pacific is the problem of multi-level security. Our
intelligence-sharing relationships with our theater partners vary from
country to country. Therefore, completely separate structures for
passing classified information are required to interoperate with each
individual country. To meet this requirement, developing and
accrediting multi-level security technology, such as the MDDS, remain
a high-interest item in USPACOM. Such technology and capability is
imperative toward fully realizing our engagement strategy for any
Pacific coalition force.
SUMMARY STATEMENT
In summary, the forward deployed and forward-stationed forces of the
U.S. Pacific Command are making a difference in promoting American
interests in security and peaceful development in the Asia-Pacific
region. We are relentlessly pursuing terrorists that threaten American
citizens and interests. With a sustained effort and support of
regional partners, we will succeed in rooting them out. U.S. Pacific
Command's priorities remain readiness, regional (theater) security
cooperation, and transforming U.S. forces to achieve a revolution in
military affairs. The men and women of the U.S. Pacific Command
appreciate this opportunity to tell their story and the support that
you give them.
[c1]OSD/ISA/AP (LTC Kim, 703-695-1190) change/deletion. Rationale:
""All three countries consider support for OEF to be a sensitive issue
that should not be discussed openly."
[c2]OSD/ISA/AP (LTC Kim, 703-695-1190) deletion. Rationale:
"Mentioning Thailand's FMF in this sentence as a response to FY02 FMF
request gives false impression that State Dept. approved the request.
FMF was restored after CINCPAC made a direct appeal to the SAC. This
statement may not be well received by State Dept. In addition, it is
ISA/AP's understanding that the actual amount was $2.3M, not $1.3M."
(end text)
      








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