WEBVTT 00:00.320 --> 00:03.180 - I'm pleased to welcome everyone to this important hearing 00:03.180 --> 00:06.220 entitled Evolution Transformation and Sustainment, 00:06.430 --> 00:09.830 a review of the fiscal year 2019 budget request 00:10.010 --> 00:12.860 for US Special Operations Forces and Command. 00:13.060 --> 00:15.270 The fiscal year 2019 budget request 00:15.270 --> 00:17.030 for US Special Operations Command 00:17.030 --> 00:19.550 totals more than $13.6 billion, 00:20.200 --> 00:22.430 an approximate 10% increase 00:22.430 --> 00:24.710 and the largest request ever submitted. 00:24.970 --> 00:28.070 It also seeks additional personnel authorizations, 00:28.070 --> 00:31.770 putting the total size of the force above 71,000, 00:31.770 --> 00:33.640 the largest ever envisioned. 00:33.930 --> 00:36.630 While I am pleased to see continued fiscal support 00:36.630 --> 00:38.700 for Special Operations forces, 00:38.750 --> 00:41.890 it is deeply troubling to see continued dependency 00:42.040 --> 00:45.120 on overseas continued operations funding. 00:45.350 --> 00:46.560 This problem is most acute 00:46.560 --> 00:48.360 in the operations and maintenance accounts 00:48.360 --> 00:51.320 where OCO is an alarming 33%. 00:51.480 --> 00:53.790 One year ago before this very committee, 00:53.790 --> 00:57.240 General Thomas wisely noted that such dependency 00:57.240 --> 00:58.620 has created a force that is 00:58.620 --> 01:01.190 quote, "largely a facade," unquote. 01:01.450 --> 01:03.250 Unfortunately, we find ourselves 01:03.250 --> 01:05.770 in the same place today, if not worse. 01:05.770 --> 01:07.300 Working together, we must commit 01:07.300 --> 01:09.510 to remedy this imbalance, and I look forward 01:09.510 --> 01:11.540 to talking about concrete ways 01:11.670 --> 01:13.090 in which this committee can help 01:13.090 --> 01:15.020 while you continue to help yourselves. 01:15.210 --> 01:17.730 This 10% budget increase also reminds us 01:17.730 --> 01:19.810 that we must work to ensure we are not 01:19.810 --> 01:22.400 choosing quantity over quality 01:22.400 --> 01:24.290 and that Special Operations forces 01:24.290 --> 01:26.770 remain balanced across the entirety 01:26.890 --> 01:29.600 of the joint operating force and the military services 01:29.630 --> 01:31.470 who are themselves experiencing 01:31.470 --> 01:33.980 near existential readiness crises. 01:34.500 --> 01:37.030 The recently released National Defense strategy 01:37.230 --> 01:39.690 indeed places Special Operations forces 01:39.760 --> 01:42.130 central to efforts across the full spectrum 01:42.130 --> 01:44.300 of non-state and state threats. 01:44.600 --> 01:46.860 Rising and asymmetric challenges 01:46.860 --> 01:48.310 posed by Russia and China 01:48.310 --> 01:49.960 and the potential for contingencies 01:49.960 --> 01:51.310 on the Korean peninsula 01:51.540 --> 01:54.100 impair our ongoing efforts in Afghanistan, 01:54.100 --> 01:56.640 Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Somalia. 01:56.810 --> 01:59.450 All this while SOF also maintains a presence 01:59.450 --> 02:01.930 in some 80 additional countries today. 02:02.170 --> 02:04.140 Now, more than ever, we run the risk 02:04.140 --> 02:06.880 of overextending our SOF forces 02:07.030 --> 02:08.980 who are central to our National Defense. 02:08.980 --> 02:12.530 Of particular concern, we see the fight in Syria changing. 02:12.650 --> 02:14.810 More and more, our forces are engaging 02:14.810 --> 02:17.810 Russian and Syrian regime proxies 02:18.060 --> 02:20.410 as most recently seen in the ingressive fighting 02:20.410 --> 02:21.550 in Deir ez-Zor. 02:21.800 --> 02:24.200 The defeat of ISIS now reveals the fingerprints 02:24.200 --> 02:27.360 of the larger geopolitical fight we are engaged in, 02:27.400 --> 02:29.270 putting at risk current authorities, 02:29.270 --> 02:31.030 frameworks, and partnerships, 02:31.030 --> 02:32.960 and not to mention the considerable risk 02:32.960 --> 02:35.330 to our forces on the ground in an already 02:35.330 --> 02:37.610 clouded and fractured battlefield. 02:37.820 --> 02:40.370 I look forward to hearing from both of our witnesses today 02:40.370 --> 02:42.820 how our special operations forces are postured 02:42.820 --> 02:45.100 to support the new National Defense strategy 02:45.270 --> 02:48.570 while also continuing forward as the main line of effort 02:48.690 --> 02:50.740 in our current effort to cross the globe. 02:50.870 --> 02:52.650 A large part of this subcommittee charge 02:52.650 --> 02:55.810 is looking far ahead to consider what's next. 02:55.940 --> 02:57.970 In doing so, I see many challenges 02:57.970 --> 03:00.740 but also great opportunities in emerging technologies 03:00.860 --> 03:04.680 such as AI, quantum computing, nanotechnology, 03:04.680 --> 03:07.270 synthetic biology, the internet of things, 03:07.270 --> 03:08.810 and many others that will provide 03:08.810 --> 03:11.050 a significant battlefield advantage 03:11.050 --> 03:12.640 for Special Operations forces 03:12.640 --> 03:14.610 and the broader joint force. 03:14.610 --> 03:17.030 We must ensure that we are doing everything we can 03:17.030 --> 03:18.810 to push the technological edge 03:18.810 --> 03:21.210 and maintain a battlefield advantage. 03:21.320 --> 03:23.670 Rest assured, our near peer adversaries 03:23.670 --> 03:27.500 are already aggressively exploring these technologies, 03:27.560 --> 03:30.510 which present both economic and national security challenges 03:30.510 --> 03:31.520 for our nation. 03:32.010 --> 03:34.160 To this end, I am somewhat disappointed 03:34.160 --> 03:36.280 that SOCOM's budget request decreases 03:36.280 --> 03:37.670 research and development funding 03:37.670 --> 03:39.300 for a second year in a row. 03:39.500 --> 03:41.600 I look forward to hearing the rationale for this 03:41.600 --> 03:43.810 and taking any necessary steps 03:43.810 --> 03:46.430 to ensure we do not lose our technological 03:46.430 --> 03:48.160 and battlefield advantages. 03:48.360 --> 03:51.160 Needless to see, there is a lot of ground to cover today. 03:51.160 --> 03:53.200 I would like to welcome both of our witnesses, 03:53.200 --> 03:56.210 Mr. Owen West, the Assistant Secretary of Defense 03:56.210 --> 03:59.000 for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict, 03:59.000 --> 04:00.590 and General Tony Thomas, 04:00.590 --> 04:03.110 Commander of US Special Operations Command. 04:03.280 --> 04:05.190 Since this is Mr. West's first appearance 04:05.190 --> 04:06.970 before the House Armed Services Committee, 04:06.970 --> 04:09.240 let me congratulate you on your confirmation 04:09.240 --> 04:12.280 as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations, 04:12.280 --> 04:14.310 and we look forward to working with you. 04:14.460 --> 04:16.920 I'd also like now to recognize my friend 04:16.920 --> 04:19.290 and the ranking member, Jim Langevin from Rhode Island, 04:19.290 --> 04:21.440 for any opening comments he'd like to make. 04:21.680 --> 04:22.660 - Thank you, Madame Chair, 04:22.660 --> 04:24.850 and thank you Secretary West. 04:24.850 --> 04:27.110 And I wanna welcome you before the committee. 04:27.110 --> 04:29.390 And General Thomas. 04:29.680 --> 04:32.240 I wanna thank you both for appearing before us today 04:32.270 --> 04:34.450 and for your service to our nation. 04:34.500 --> 04:36.090 It's great to have you back, General. 04:36.470 --> 04:38.770 Last year in my opening statement 04:38.770 --> 04:41.530 on the US Special Operations Command budget request, 04:41.780 --> 04:44.170 I highlighted the ever increasing demand 04:44.360 --> 04:46.960 for reliance on Special Operations forces 04:46.960 --> 04:48.480 by combatant commanders 04:48.480 --> 04:51.910 as the Chair has also referenced in her opening statement. 04:52.250 --> 04:55.980 Today, that demand and reliance has not decreased. 04:55.980 --> 04:58.910 In fact, under the new National Defense strategy, 04:58.910 --> 05:01.310 it will likely increase with the focus 05:01.310 --> 05:04.180 on interstate competition with gray zone conflicts 05:04.620 --> 05:07.180 below the level of on conflict. 05:07.660 --> 05:11.780 Our special operators have a myriad of critical skillsets. 05:11.910 --> 05:14.940 They can be employed across the full spectrum of conflict, 05:15.090 --> 05:18.080 yet we must be prudent about how the force is employed 05:18.360 --> 05:20.790 or we risk breaking the tip of the spear. 05:21.240 --> 05:23.910 After 17 years, the global counter terrorism fight 05:23.910 --> 05:25.520 is by no means over. 05:26.120 --> 05:27.900 At the same time, we must be prepared 05:27.900 --> 05:29.530 for future activities and conflicts 05:29.530 --> 05:33.350 in which potential adversaries have made gains 05:33.840 --> 05:36.720 in technologies like robotics and biotechnology 05:36.720 --> 05:38.830 and have new capabilities aimed 05:38.830 --> 05:40.610 at achieving information dominance. 05:40.810 --> 05:44.230 The fiscal year 2019 budget request for US SOCOM 05:44.470 --> 05:47.950 is $13.6 billion, just 2% of the overall 05:47.950 --> 05:50.100 Department of Defense request. 05:50.380 --> 05:54.140 Reflected in the request, a more of robust investments 05:54.140 --> 05:56.110 for enhancing SOF operations 05:56.110 --> 05:58.150 throughout the information environment, 05:58.340 --> 06:00.820 including enhanced cyber and network 06:01.080 --> 06:02.620 resiliency capabilities. 06:03.360 --> 06:06.340 As a result of section 1637 06:06.650 --> 06:10.560 of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2018, 06:10.740 --> 06:12.840 the Secretary of Defense has directed US SOCOM 06:12.840 --> 06:14.770 to establish a centralized capability 06:15.090 --> 06:17.530 for military information, support operations, 06:17.720 --> 06:19.940 global messaging, and counter messaging. 06:20.410 --> 06:24.610 The FY 2019 request includes $18 million to that end. 06:25.220 --> 06:27.050 This hearing provides us with an opportunity 06:27.050 --> 06:29.460 to understand how US SOCOM will fulfill 06:29.660 --> 06:32.850 its roles responsibilities under section 1637 06:33.230 --> 06:35.540 to better enable an enhanced approach 06:35.540 --> 06:39.600 to maximize effects from the tactical to strategic levels 06:39.850 --> 06:42.510 while contributing to a whole of government effort. 06:43.970 --> 06:46.240 As in years past, more to the US SOCOM 06:46.240 --> 06:47.790 funding request particularly, 06:48.170 --> 06:49.770 in the operations maintenance accounts 06:49.770 --> 06:52.980 remains part over the overseas contingency operations. 06:53.100 --> 06:56.630 However, Navy's activities and programs are enduring, 06:56.630 --> 06:58.270 which means their classification 06:58.740 --> 07:00.800 remains a serious concern for me. 07:01.850 --> 07:05.400 Baseline funding is crucial to provide US SOCOM 07:05.630 --> 07:08.820 stability for programming, and reflected properly, 07:08.820 --> 07:10.310 it will enable to us to better understand 07:10.310 --> 07:14.780 Defense spending in the current and the out years. 07:15.110 --> 07:18.120 In addition to a dialogue about the demands on our force, 07:18.120 --> 07:20.490 readiness for current and future contingencies 07:20.490 --> 07:23.110 and associated resource requests, 07:23.420 --> 07:25.370 there are several legislative impolicy issues 07:25.370 --> 07:26.690 at hand to discuss. 07:27.400 --> 07:30.810 This includes implementation of section 922 07:30.910 --> 07:33.600 of the NDAA regarding the role and responsibilities 07:33.790 --> 07:35.880 of your office, Secretary West, 07:36.100 --> 07:38.150 and I look forward to hearing your vision 07:39.213 --> 07:41.730 and efforts for implementing reforms 07:41.730 --> 07:43.300 intended to empower your position 07:43.300 --> 07:46.990 to effectively conduct internal oversight and advocacy. 07:47.630 --> 07:50.030 SOF are engaged in Operation Achilles globally 07:50.030 --> 07:51.230 under legislative authorities, 07:51.230 --> 07:53.500 carefully overseen by the committee. 07:53.700 --> 07:56.900 Section 1209 of the FY 2015 NDAA 07:56.900 --> 07:58.770 authorizes the Department to provide 07:58.990 --> 08:01.910 assistance to vetted Syrian opposition forces. 08:02.100 --> 08:04.120 SOF continued to advise and assist 08:04.120 --> 08:06.480 in the fight against ISIL in Syria 08:06.890 --> 08:09.250 where we have seen remarkable progress. 08:09.390 --> 08:11.720 A transition to stability operations 08:11.720 --> 08:14.670 has begun in many areas. 08:16.030 --> 08:20.590 So with 1209 set to expire on September 31, 2018, 08:20.590 --> 08:23.670 I'd like to ask our witnesses their perspective 08:24.030 --> 08:26.450 to on an extension of that authority 08:26.450 --> 08:29.310 and how would continued training and assistance 08:29.310 --> 08:32.700 be scoped if, in fact, an extension is granted. 08:33.030 --> 08:35.030 In closing, again, I wanna thank our witnesses 08:35.030 --> 08:37.950 for being here today and express my gratitude 08:38.070 --> 08:40.970 to the men and women of our armed forces around the globe. 08:40.970 --> 08:44.350 I know you have extraordinary responsibilities 08:44.350 --> 08:46.500 and burdens on your shoulders. 08:46.700 --> 08:48.580 The nation's grateful for the work that you do 08:48.580 --> 08:49.670 and for your service. 08:49.790 --> 08:51.890 And with that, Madame Chair, I yield back. 08:52.300 --> 08:53.150 - Thank you, Jim. 08:53.260 --> 08:55.260 And I wanna take this moment to remind our members 08:55.260 --> 08:57.330 that immediately following the open hearing, 08:57.330 --> 08:59.550 the committee will reconvene right next door 08:59.740 --> 09:03.200 in 2216 for closed classified round table discussion 09:03.200 --> 09:04.550 with both of our witnesses. 09:04.890 --> 09:07.340 Before we begin, I also want to remind our witnesses 09:07.340 --> 09:08.790 that you're full written statements 09:08.790 --> 09:10.290 will be submitted for the record, 09:10.290 --> 09:12.670 and we ask that you summarize those statements 09:12.670 --> 09:15.270 in five minutes or less for your opening statements. 09:15.270 --> 09:17.020 Secretary West, we'll begin with you, 09:17.020 --> 09:19.270 and I look forward to your opening statement. 09:19.330 --> 09:20.530 - Thank you, Chairwoman. 09:20.900 --> 09:23.230 Chairwoman, ranking member, and distinguished members 09:23.230 --> 09:25.530 of this committee, I'm honored to appear 09:25.530 --> 09:28.090 before you as the Assistant Secretary of Defense 09:28.090 --> 09:30.610 of Special Operations Low Intensity Conflict. 09:30.950 --> 09:32.380 In my short time on the job, 09:32.380 --> 09:34.910 I've been most impressed by the level of commitment 09:34.910 --> 09:36.350 demonstrated by my staff and their 09:36.350 --> 09:38.720 US Special Operations Command teammates. 09:39.330 --> 09:41.100 There exists a relentless but thoughtful 09:41.100 --> 09:43.690 focus on war fighting, which is unsurprising 09:43.690 --> 09:46.070 in an enterprise led by Secretary Mattis. 09:46.600 --> 09:48.110 I'm pleased to share this opportunity 09:48.110 --> 09:49.410 with one such war fighter. 09:49.730 --> 09:53.410 From 2001 to 2013, General Tony Thomas 09:53.410 --> 09:55.440 deployed every year to combat. 09:55.940 --> 09:57.820 He is a reflection of the force he leads 09:57.820 --> 10:01.000 from his deployment cycle to the intellectual creativity 10:01.020 --> 10:02.760 and competitive drive he shares 10:02.760 --> 10:04.110 with his fellow operators. 10:04.670 --> 10:06.560 I mentioned competitiveness because we have 10:06.560 --> 10:08.120 a new National Defense strategy 10:08.120 --> 10:09.980 that clarifies my priorities, 10:10.240 --> 10:12.060 none bigger than helping General Thomas 10:12.060 --> 10:14.120 steadily build competitive advantage 10:14.306 --> 10:17.010 across the vast spectrum of warfare 10:17.070 --> 10:18.810 Special Operations calls home. 10:19.860 --> 10:22.950 The NDS calls for a new era where we compete 10:22.950 --> 10:25.610 in what Secretary Mattis calls the contact lair, 10:25.760 --> 10:27.760 the daily clash of national will 10:27.760 --> 10:30.130 that occurs short of on conflict 10:30.550 --> 10:32.030 where your Special Operations forces 10:32.030 --> 10:33.750 are today building relationships 10:33.750 --> 10:35.210 and reducing the enemy. 10:35.690 --> 10:39.210 The task is to remain unpredictable but expansive, 10:39.390 --> 10:41.050 pushing the competitive boundaries 10:41.050 --> 10:43.340 in ways our enemies do not expect. 10:44.090 --> 10:45.790 To sustain this expansion, 10:45.790 --> 10:47.710 we must be fiscally hawkish, 10:48.240 --> 10:50.410 reducing a symmetry by adopting a focus 10:50.410 --> 10:51.980 on return on investment. 10:52.530 --> 10:55.400 Overhead costs increase as you move from tooth to tail. 10:55.710 --> 10:58.120 In business, we call this upstream inflation. 10:58.500 --> 11:01.580 For example, $500,000 in Washington, D.C., 11:01.580 --> 11:03.300 can buy you a think tank report, 11:03.460 --> 11:06.200 whereas $500,000 deployed in the field 11:06.410 --> 11:08.940 with a captain as a Chief Investment Officer 11:09.310 --> 11:11.698 can be leveraged into a force of highly trained 11:11.698 --> 11:13.440 indigenous allies. 11:13.950 --> 11:15.930 Secretary Mattis's business reform efforts 11:15.930 --> 11:17.650 seek to make the force more lethal 11:18.300 --> 11:20.300 and resource allocation that prioritizes 11:20.420 --> 11:23.180 the operating forces as the next logical step. 11:23.840 --> 11:26.450 The 127 ECO program is an example 11:26.450 --> 11:28.070 of best practices investing. 11:28.660 --> 11:29.870 I would like to thank Congress 11:29.870 --> 11:32.410 for continuing to support 127 E, 11:32.440 --> 11:34.300 which has grown from a pilot program 11:34.300 --> 11:37.620 to a $100 million lever that has had a direct impact 11:37.620 --> 11:40.280 in steadily clawing back territory lost to ISIS 11:40.280 --> 11:42.020 to name a single impact point. 11:42.680 --> 11:45.220 Likewise, section 1202 is an example 11:45.220 --> 11:47.110 of Congress's forward leaning investment 11:47.110 --> 11:49.120 to counter unconventional threats. 11:49.830 --> 11:52.270 I see these authorities as part of Congress's 11:52.270 --> 11:54.410 strong and continued investment in SOF. 11:54.860 --> 11:57.730 My commitment to you is to focus on returns. 11:58.260 --> 12:02.270 US SOCOM amounts to roughly 1.9% of the DOD budget, 12:02.610 --> 12:05.410 which enables a global presence in 90 countries. 12:05.760 --> 12:08.650 This capital expenditure fuels the current fight, 12:08.770 --> 12:12.810 but it must also result in long term competitive advantage. 12:13.300 --> 12:15.750 The most important capital investment is human. 12:16.250 --> 12:17.890 Everyone on this committee is well aware 12:17.890 --> 12:20.240 of the demand in elasticity for SOF. 12:20.400 --> 12:23.610 We simply lack the supply to satisfy all customers. 12:24.030 --> 12:26.240 General Thomas has already taken the first step 12:26.240 --> 12:28.680 in sustainment by addressing dwell time 12:28.680 --> 12:30.070 and a second step by conducting 12:30.070 --> 12:32.330 a comprehensive prioritization review. 12:32.830 --> 12:34.440 That leaves mission set. 12:34.890 --> 12:37.350 As Secretary Mattis indicated in late December, 12:37.570 --> 12:40.050 our conventional force is capable right now 12:40.050 --> 12:41.850 of assuming some of these missions. 12:42.570 --> 12:43.840 I say that leaves mission set 12:43.840 --> 12:46.240 because our other option is growing the force. 12:46.690 --> 12:49.210 Our 2019 budget request does include 12:49.210 --> 12:51.240 modest in strength increases for SOF 12:51.240 --> 12:52.790 across each of the services, 12:53.120 --> 12:55.840 but the growth rate has slowed precipitously. 12:56.230 --> 12:58.270 SOF cannot be quickly grown. 12:58.800 --> 13:00.480 Today, we face a natural resource 13:00.480 --> 13:03.560 that is fully tapped by traditional service recruiting. 13:03.560 --> 13:06.170 Only 30% of high schoolers are qualified 13:06.170 --> 13:07.850 for military service. 13:07.850 --> 13:10.810 We must therefore explore unconventional techniques 13:11.070 --> 13:13.160 and new pools to recruit men and women 13:13.160 --> 13:14.410 who have the right stuff. 13:14.840 --> 13:16.520 Today's battlefield has challenged 13:16.520 --> 13:18.660 the traditional definition of a combatant. 13:19.330 --> 13:21.890 Successfully operating in the global contact lair 13:22.210 --> 13:24.470 demands that we build a diverse force. 13:25.400 --> 13:27.290 The SOF entry standards are high, 13:27.430 --> 13:29.850 but America has always encouraged its pioneers. 13:30.400 --> 13:33.060 We need more candidates without military histories. 13:33.060 --> 13:34.790 We need more cultural diversity. 13:34.790 --> 13:35.860 We need more women. 13:36.670 --> 13:39.630 SOF tryouts are life altering experiences. 13:39.640 --> 13:41.660 The reward is joining an elite team 13:41.960 --> 13:43.100 where the commitment to each other 13:43.100 --> 13:45.220 is as strong as the commitment to country. 13:46.040 --> 13:48.560 That human element is the key component in SOCOM. 13:48.850 --> 13:51.710 General Thomas runs a global risk reward venture, 13:51.710 --> 13:53.800 and human failure is inevitable. 13:54.140 --> 13:57.950 When mistakes are made, one of my principal responsibilities 13:58.060 --> 14:00.930 is to ensure transparency and provide you 14:00.930 --> 14:03.140 the necessary and appropriate information. 14:03.140 --> 14:05.400 We owe it to the families, the Department, 14:05.400 --> 14:06.800 Congress, and the American people 14:06.800 --> 14:09.370 that complete investigations with thoroughness, 14:09.370 --> 14:11.380 diligence, and timeliness. 14:11.860 --> 14:13.400 We will take all steps necessary 14:13.400 --> 14:15.020 to protect our greatest asset, 14:15.160 --> 14:17.880 those men and women who volunteered several times over 14:18.020 --> 14:19.870 to earn the title of Special Operators. 14:19.870 --> 14:21.590 Their fervent defense of our beloved nation 14:21.590 --> 14:22.760 makes us all proud. 14:22.870 --> 14:24.470 I will never lose sight of that. 14:25.010 --> 14:26.840 I want to end on section 922. 14:27.420 --> 14:29.400 I view Congress as a natural partner. 14:29.550 --> 14:31.100 During my confirmation hearing, 14:31.210 --> 14:32.900 I promise to remain close to Congress 14:32.900 --> 14:34.550 because of that natural partnership. 14:34.550 --> 14:36.300 There should be no surprises. 14:36.920 --> 14:39.720 The Department is reviewing the implementation of 922. 14:39.940 --> 14:42.510 General Thomas and I are partners in this effort. 14:42.840 --> 14:44.740 We will move together to implement it. 14:44.970 --> 14:47.792 Our goal is to make SOCOM a more efficient enterprise 14:47.792 --> 14:49.820 that supports the National Defense strategy 14:49.820 --> 14:51.250 and the Secretary of Defense. 14:51.250 --> 14:53.530 Thank you, and I look forward to your questions. 14:53.530 --> 14:54.540 - Thank you, Secretary West. 14:54.540 --> 14:55.580 General Thomas. 14:57.140 --> 14:59.580 - Chairwoman Stefanik, Representative Langevin, 14:59.740 --> 15:01.660 the distinguished members of the committee, 15:01.660 --> 15:02.950 I'm honored to appear before you 15:02.950 --> 15:04.720 to provide an update on the posture 15:04.920 --> 15:07.010 of the United States Special Operations Command 15:07.010 --> 15:09.610 and our superb Special Operations forces. 15:10.020 --> 15:11.260 I'm pleased to share the table 15:11.260 --> 15:12.570 with our new Assistant Secretary 15:12.570 --> 15:14.380 for Special Operations, Owen West. 15:14.860 --> 15:16.840 Working closely with Secretary West, 15:16.920 --> 15:20.250 we are embracing section 922 as the natural evolution 15:20.250 --> 15:22.440 of SOCOM service like responsibilities 15:22.640 --> 15:24.470 that Congress envisioned when you created us 15:24.470 --> 15:25.540 31 years ago. 15:26.130 --> 15:27.850 Let me summarize the posture of SOCOM 15:27.850 --> 15:29.600 and your Special Operations forces. 15:29.780 --> 15:31.730 We continue to have out sized effects 15:31.730 --> 15:34.180 around the globe defeating our enemies, 15:34.330 --> 15:37.190 training, equipping, and enabling our friends and allies, 15:37.430 --> 15:39.620 rapidly transforming the organization 15:39.620 --> 15:41.730 to be prepared for all future threats, 15:41.890 --> 15:44.200 and caring for our fallen, wounded, and ill 15:44.340 --> 15:45.300 and their families. 15:45.700 --> 15:47.110 Your Special Operations forces 15:47.110 --> 15:48.450 are doing phenomenal work. 15:49.100 --> 15:51.120 Since I last appeared before this committee, 15:51.120 --> 15:52.880 SOCOM's primary focus has continued 15:52.880 --> 15:55.490 to be on the defeat of ISIS an Al-Qaeda 15:55.490 --> 15:56.540 and their affiliates. 15:56.810 --> 15:59.400 Special Operations forces played an integral role 15:59.460 --> 16:02.690 as part of the joint force in the destruction of ISIS's 16:02.690 --> 16:04.780 physical caliphate in Syria and Iraq. 16:05.400 --> 16:07.890 In coordination with allied and host nation partners, 16:07.890 --> 16:09.680 Special Operations forces continue 16:09.680 --> 16:11.080 to confront ISIS and Al-Qaeda 16:11.080 --> 16:12.520 wherever they saw sanctuary. 16:13.110 --> 16:16.520 In Afghanistan, Yemen, Libya, Somalia, 16:16.520 --> 16:19.810 the Trans Sahel, Lake Chad Basin, the Maghreb, 16:19.920 --> 16:21.870 and even as far off as the Philippines. 16:22.420 --> 16:23.900 In addition to our historic efforts 16:23.900 --> 16:25.470 to confront violent extremism, 16:25.760 --> 16:27.520 SOCOM continues to enhance our role 16:27.520 --> 16:30.290 as part of the joint force in assuring allies 16:30.290 --> 16:31.890 and improving their capabilities 16:31.940 --> 16:34.730 in the face of aggressive regional hegemans, 16:35.190 --> 16:37.360 reinforcing host nation and law enforcement efforts 16:37.360 --> 16:39.100 in the Western hemisphere in defense 16:39.100 --> 16:41.120 of our national boundaries, and preparing 16:41.120 --> 16:42.620 for contingency operations. 16:43.200 --> 16:45.410 Our successes are directly attributable 16:45.410 --> 16:48.380 to recruiting and training amazing Americans. 16:48.690 --> 16:50.190 Outfitting them with the best equipment 16:50.190 --> 16:52.210 and training in the world and empowering them 16:52.210 --> 16:54.890 with a requisite authorities to defeat our adversaries. 16:54.890 --> 16:57.810 Our people continue to be the decisive advantage. 16:58.480 --> 17:00.740 Congress's support continues to be key in our efforts 17:00.740 --> 17:04.210 in the form of necessary resources and specific authorities. 17:05.060 --> 17:08.080 With title 10 section 127 ECO, 17:08.240 --> 17:10.400 Congress allowed Special Operations forces 17:10.580 --> 17:15.260 to support vetted foreign forces against terrorist groups. 17:15.730 --> 17:18.270 It is a powerful authority directly responsible 17:18.270 --> 17:21.160 for neutralizing hundreds of enemy leaders and fighters. 17:21.720 --> 17:25.180 Section 1209 of the 2015 NDAA allowed 17:25.180 --> 17:27.540 Special Operations forces to train and equip 17:27.680 --> 17:30.490 a 50,000 plus person force 17:30.490 --> 17:32.900 of vetted Kurdish and Arab Syrians 17:33.060 --> 17:35.990 to remove ISIS from 98% of the territory 17:35.990 --> 17:37.250 they once held in Syria. 17:37.510 --> 17:40.700 1209 played a decisive role in the military defeat 17:40.700 --> 17:42.380 of ISIS's physical caliphate. 17:42.890 --> 17:46.500 In this year's NDAA, you provided us section 1202, 17:46.810 --> 17:48.520 and authority Special Operations forces 17:48.520 --> 17:50.080 will employ to support friends 17:50.180 --> 17:53.010 and to sway aggression by strategic competitors. 17:53.270 --> 17:56.180 We think it'll provide us a distinct operational advantage 17:56.380 --> 17:57.720 and thank you for this important 17:57.720 --> 17:59.160 irregular warfare authority. 17:59.660 --> 18:01.170 Congress has continued to provide us 18:01.170 --> 18:03.380 with all the resourcing we need to do our job. 18:03.380 --> 18:04.820 As you two mentioned in your preamble 18:04.820 --> 18:06.780 and Secretary West mentioned in his, 18:06.830 --> 18:10.440 in fiscal year 2017, our budget was $11.8 billion. 18:11.170 --> 18:13.670 Our projected budget for fiscal year 2018 18:13.800 --> 18:16.360 is $12.3 billion and fiscal year 19 18:16.360 --> 18:19.020 is projected to be $13.6 billion. 18:19.240 --> 18:21.910 At one point, 9% of the total DOD budget 18:22.100 --> 18:25.100 with roughly matching sister service contributions, 18:25.290 --> 18:27.500 Special Operations forces provide unique 18:27.500 --> 18:29.740 and highly effective capabilities 18:29.880 --> 18:31.950 and extraordinary return on investment 18:32.140 --> 18:34.120 across the full spectrum of conflict. 18:34.660 --> 18:37.070 Defeating our enemies, defending the homeland, 18:37.250 --> 18:39.800 deterring adversaries, supporting allies, 18:39.800 --> 18:41.250 and fostering innovation, 18:41.370 --> 18:44.410 SOCOM operates at a fast but manageable pace. 18:44.760 --> 18:47.600 Since I last appeared, SOCOM service components 18:47.600 --> 18:49.910 effectively reduced the deployment tempo 18:49.960 --> 18:52.380 of our personnel with a majority 18:52.400 --> 18:53.620 under the Secretary of Defense 18:53.620 --> 18:56.530 directed employment to dwell ratio of one to two. 18:57.000 --> 18:58.730 Our people and our formations are better 18:58.730 --> 18:59.880 than they've ever been, 19:00.090 --> 19:03.080 thriving under pressure, executing the toughest missions, 19:03.080 --> 19:04.420 and achieving success. 19:05.020 --> 19:07.270 Success, however, has carried a high price. 19:07.880 --> 19:09.640 In the past 10 months, we suffered the loss 19:09.640 --> 19:11.580 of 20 Special Operations personnel 19:11.680 --> 19:13.180 from our formation in combat 19:13.410 --> 19:15.610 with 144 wounded and injured. 19:16.280 --> 19:17.640 I'll close recounting the words 19:17.640 --> 19:19.190 of one of our gold star mothers 19:19.830 --> 19:22.290 at the funeral of her son, Green Beret Staff Sergeant 19:22.290 --> 19:25.850 Aaron Rhett Butler from the 19th Special Forces group, 19:26.080 --> 19:27.830 a National Guard noncommissioned officer 19:27.830 --> 19:29.820 killed in Afghanistan this past August. 19:30.380 --> 19:33.630 Aaron was a four time Utah state wrestling champion 19:33.630 --> 19:36.400 in high school and the seventh of eight children. 19:37.190 --> 19:39.370 In the midst of her grief, Mrs. Butler 19:39.500 --> 19:41.280 looked me straight in the eye and said, 19:41.280 --> 19:42.630 "Stay on this. 19:42.630 --> 19:43.550 "Finish it." 19:44.210 --> 19:46.550 Her resolve resinated with me and reflects 19:46.550 --> 19:48.120 the extraordinary support we enjoy 19:48.120 --> 19:49.770 from our service member families. 19:49.990 --> 19:52.390 I know it resinates with this committee as well. 19:52.570 --> 19:54.420 SOCOM and our Special Operations forces 19:54.420 --> 19:56.090 are relentlessly focused on winning 19:56.090 --> 19:59.410 our current fights and preparing for all future threats 19:59.410 --> 20:00.470 facing our nation. 20:00.900 --> 20:02.510 Again, thank you for your trust and support 20:02.510 --> 20:05.070 for this command and our Special Operations forces. 20:06.380 --> 20:07.980 - Thank you, General Thomas. 20:08.470 --> 20:10.050 My first question, I wanna relate it 20:10.050 --> 20:11.580 back to my opening statement. 20:11.580 --> 20:13.840 This subcommittee is charged with looking 20:13.970 --> 20:16.040 five, 10, 20 years ahead, 20:16.210 --> 20:19.420 and I'm concerned that we must have 20:19.620 --> 20:23.810 a sustainable CT and countering violent extremism strategy. 20:24.250 --> 20:26.570 We have made significant tactical gains 20:26.570 --> 20:30.770 such as recent advances in Syria, Libya, and even Somalia 20:31.090 --> 20:34.710 but only, in some cases, to see those hard earned gains 20:34.710 --> 20:38.020 rolled back because we lack a larger strategy 20:38.120 --> 20:40.670 and diplomatic approach that could realize 20:40.670 --> 20:42.180 the tactical gains. 20:42.650 --> 20:46.620 How do you think we ensure that we have a strategy 20:46.620 --> 20:50.610 to build in the long term upon tactical successes? 20:51.015 --> 20:53.520 And both of you, that question's for both of you. 20:55.250 --> 20:57.430 - Why don't I talk about the strategic aspects? 20:57.430 --> 20:59.270 And Tony, you can talk operations. 21:00.350 --> 21:02.040 Chairwoman, I think you have teased out 21:02.040 --> 21:05.180 the basic question that resides in the NDS, 21:05.180 --> 21:07.280 and that is as we shift focus, 21:07.280 --> 21:09.060 how do we sustain other efforts? 21:09.060 --> 21:12.110 Especially if we have to become more astir 21:12.410 --> 21:15.550 in certain buckets while maintaining in my judgment 21:15.550 --> 21:19.170 what is a best in class competitive advantage 21:19.410 --> 21:21.140 that General Thomas's team has built 21:21.140 --> 21:22.190 in counter terror. 21:23.078 --> 21:25.030 When I look across the military missions, 21:25.030 --> 21:27.010 I'm not sure if there's a bigger gap. 21:27.800 --> 21:29.210 Coming from the private sector, 21:29.210 --> 21:32.340 I think what is needed is a resource allocation model. 21:32.340 --> 21:34.810 That is underway at the Department. 21:34.810 --> 21:37.030 Secretary Mattis has begun to task people 21:37.030 --> 21:40.150 to look at an investment philosophy. 21:40.500 --> 21:42.010 Some of the things that have worked, for instance, 21:42.010 --> 21:43.330 have been partner forces. 21:43.330 --> 21:45.360 So, some basic questions would be 21:45.360 --> 21:47.300 what are the chances of success? 21:47.720 --> 21:49.030 The size of the spend? 21:49.030 --> 21:50.930 Can we turn it over to GP? 21:51.020 --> 21:52.740 And then to your much larger question, 21:52.740 --> 21:55.610 how do we build an overall thesis 21:55.610 --> 21:57.150 to get us to where we wanna be 21:57.160 --> 21:59.340 ahead five or 10 years from now? 22:00.240 --> 22:01.240 - General Thomas. 22:02.650 --> 22:05.820 - Chairwoman, I think I speak comfortably for the Secretary 22:05.820 --> 22:08.370 when he would agree with your analysis 22:08.370 --> 22:10.910 that "tactics without strategy," to quote Sun Tzu, 22:10.910 --> 22:12.680 "is the noise before defeat." 22:13.220 --> 22:15.760 I think you emphasize, and I believe again 22:15.760 --> 22:19.250 the Secretary and I would both reinforce your point, 22:19.540 --> 22:21.490 that concomitant diplomatic efforts 22:21.800 --> 22:23.970 with our operational endeavors 22:23.970 --> 22:26.110 are critical to finishing any one of these fights. 22:26.110 --> 22:27.760 And I specifically point right now 22:27.760 --> 22:30.508 to both Afghanistan where we are surging assets 22:30.508 --> 22:33.890 to enable the discussions for reconciliation 22:33.890 --> 22:37.640 which must happen to have, you know, 22:38.170 --> 22:40.190 final and sustainable security there. 22:40.260 --> 22:42.780 Obviously needs a very fervent diplomatic effort. 22:42.860 --> 22:43.990 And in Syria right now. 22:43.990 --> 22:46.120 You mentioned earlier we're in a phase 22:46.266 --> 22:51.266 in the moment of the physical defeat of the caliphate 22:52.210 --> 22:54.046 that we're endeavoring to provide stability 22:54.046 --> 22:57.180 to those ungoverned spaces and to those people 22:57.710 --> 22:59.660 where we've conducted operations, 22:59.660 --> 23:02.210 and that's a critical role that has to come through 23:02.210 --> 23:04.410 in conjunction with our military operations. 23:05.330 --> 23:07.770 - My next question also relates to my opening statement. 23:07.770 --> 23:10.270 General Thomas, what can this committee do 23:10.270 --> 23:13.040 to reduce your dependency on OCO? 23:14.580 --> 23:19.120 - Chairwoman, luckily, the current funding bill as it stands 23:20.320 --> 23:22.790 makes the OCO point moot for these next two years 23:22.790 --> 23:23.820 as I understand it. 23:23.930 --> 23:26.550 It's only a respite, though, and so I'm glad 23:26.550 --> 23:28.740 that you're emphasizing that currently, 23:28.740 --> 23:31.760 if we were to highlight the current dependency on OCO, 23:31.760 --> 23:33.080 it's 1/3 of our budget. 23:33.260 --> 23:34.700 You know, a huge dependency. 23:34.820 --> 23:36.540 And I'm hopeful that in the out years 23:36.540 --> 23:38.880 that we're able to recognize that these are 23:39.020 --> 23:40.950 lasting capabilities in SOCOM 23:40.950 --> 23:43.340 and your SOCOM that you all want to maintain 23:43.540 --> 23:45.900 and therefore drive it from OCO into base. 23:45.900 --> 23:48.980 So, I'm hoping for that consideration in the out years. 23:49.010 --> 23:50.397 Luckily, again, I think the current budget 23:50.397 --> 23:51.560 addresses that. 23:52.110 --> 23:53.540 - Secretary West, did you want to add 23:53.540 --> 23:54.840 given your oversight role? 23:56.290 --> 23:58.810 - Chairwoman, I would just say coming in, again, 23:58.810 --> 24:02.200 from the private sector, I think OCO it seems to me, 24:02.200 --> 24:04.130 I'm not an expert, but it has a potential 24:04.130 --> 24:07.140 to build some very bad habits in terms of planning. 24:07.380 --> 24:08.490 I need to dig into it more. 24:08.490 --> 24:11.690 I'd be happy to get back to you with an assessment, 24:11.740 --> 24:14.000 and I think it'll take me about three months. 24:14.260 --> 24:16.850 But the potential is there to really hem 24:17.170 --> 24:20.330 what you talked about, which is beginning to transform 24:20.330 --> 24:22.350 the force out five or 10 years. 24:23.110 --> 24:25.160 - And then my last question for the first round 24:25.160 --> 24:27.250 is we've seen the recent incident 24:27.250 --> 24:30.640 of overseas fitness trackers that telegraph 24:30.640 --> 24:33.030 the positions and data of our service men and women, 24:33.030 --> 24:34.660 and that reminds us, of course, 24:34.660 --> 24:37.610 of the internet of things continues to change the game. 24:38.300 --> 24:40.560 Can you talk about how this is impacting 24:40.560 --> 24:42.560 your approach to force protection, 24:42.640 --> 24:44.890 what did we learn from the most recent incident, 24:44.890 --> 24:46.370 and what changes have been made? 24:46.370 --> 24:50.010 And in a broader sense, how concerned are you in general 24:50.010 --> 24:52.740 about the proliferation of more than 50 billion 24:53.060 --> 24:56.620 inter-connected censors in devices, General Thomas? 24:57.730 --> 25:00.510 - Chairwoman, I think we all had that duh, 25:00.510 --> 25:03.090 kind of epiphany moment that the vulnerability 25:03.090 --> 25:05.640 that available vet databases like that 25:06.180 --> 25:07.130 can present to the force. 25:07.130 --> 25:09.840 So, clearly, there was immediate vulnerability 25:09.840 --> 25:11.091 that the Department was aware of 25:11.091 --> 25:13.140 and that we were scrambling to make sure 25:13.140 --> 25:15.620 we have the right sort of policy in place. 25:15.620 --> 25:17.580 I think it also highlights the other aspect, though. 25:17.580 --> 25:19.410 The ability to manipulate and leverage data 25:19.410 --> 25:23.820 that we're also interested in becoming 25:23.820 --> 25:24.810 much better in the future. 25:24.810 --> 25:27.910 So, this was an eye-opening exposure 25:27.910 --> 25:29.780 and a vulnerability to the Department 25:29.780 --> 25:31.680 for new and developmental technology. 25:32.020 --> 25:34.690 But we're endeavoring to one, protect what we need to 25:34.690 --> 25:36.110 in terms of available data, 25:36.110 --> 25:38.960 but also to be able to leverage it operationally as well. 25:40.690 --> 25:42.300 - I now recognize Mr. Langevin. 25:44.570 --> 25:45.870 - Thank you, Madame Chair. 25:47.170 --> 25:49.160 Again, thanks to both of our witnesses 25:49.160 --> 25:50.110 for your testimony. 25:51.560 --> 25:54.360 General Thomas, as I mentioned in my opening statement, 25:54.360 --> 25:56.050 there continues to be a high demand 25:56.050 --> 25:59.530 for a reliance, increasing reliance, 25:59.530 --> 26:02.560 on Special Operations forces by combatant commanders. 26:02.560 --> 26:06.070 And I believe that, as I know you do as well, 26:06.070 --> 26:08.780 they have to be prudent in employment of the force 26:09.000 --> 26:11.780 to maintain readiness for current and future missions 26:11.780 --> 26:15.220 as well as preserve strategic operations for our nation. 26:15.680 --> 26:19.340 So, I know that this issue has also been 26:19.340 --> 26:21.740 on the forefront of your mind as we've discussed 26:21.970 --> 26:25.990 in our one on one meetings, and you've been vocal 26:25.990 --> 26:28.560 that SOF cannot be disillusioned to every problem. 26:28.900 --> 26:30.570 So, can you please describe your efforts 26:30.570 --> 26:32.440 to ensure the force is employed 26:32.440 --> 26:34.140 to meet combatant command requirements 26:34.140 --> 26:37.090 while also addressing what I would call 26:37.090 --> 26:38.770 over reliance on SOF? 26:39.180 --> 26:44.180 And some concrete examples for the committee to demonstrate 26:45.550 --> 26:47.060 how you've pushed back in cases 26:47.060 --> 26:51.130 where that it wouldn't be appropriate for SOF 26:51.130 --> 26:55.650 and regular forces could take over the mission 26:55.650 --> 26:56.580 would be helpful. 26:57.410 --> 27:00.490 In addition to resource requirements, 27:00.800 --> 27:03.400 how can Congress be helpful on this run as well? 27:04.940 --> 27:06.410 - Congressman, thanks for the question 27:06.410 --> 27:09.160 and thanks for the time yesterday to catch up with you. 27:09.460 --> 27:12.450 As you implied and certainly as we have looked back 27:12.450 --> 27:15.970 over the years, SOF has arguably been applied 27:15.970 --> 27:19.950 very liberally with a dearth of strategy, 27:20.100 --> 27:23.120 with a dearth of a real vision towards instate. 27:23.120 --> 27:26.070 And so, while we're out in many locations, 27:26.150 --> 27:27.840 the reality is it's hard to measure 27:27.840 --> 27:30.630 what does the instate, what does sustainable security 27:30.630 --> 27:31.463 look like? 27:31.660 --> 27:34.210 There is significant oversight from the Department, 27:34.210 --> 27:36.240 specifically from my boss and certainly 27:36.240 --> 27:37.690 with the Assistant Secretary, 27:37.810 --> 27:39.940 to ensure that we are prioritizing 27:39.940 --> 27:43.050 in terms of our placement, in our operations 27:43.050 --> 27:45.592 now and into the future, and I would tell you 27:45.592 --> 27:47.842 that the strategic context is coming together 27:47.870 --> 27:50.010 more coherently every day under the leadership 27:50.010 --> 27:50.880 of Secretary Mattis. 27:50.880 --> 27:52.970 So, I'm somewhat confident that we're getting 27:52.970 --> 27:55.670 that external pressure while we prioritize internally 27:55.670 --> 27:57.310 to the limited assets we have. 27:57.630 --> 28:01.050 If you were to ask me are we able to satisfy 28:01.250 --> 28:03.630 all the geographic combatant commanders requirements, 28:03.630 --> 28:04.720 I would tell you no. 28:04.720 --> 28:07.540 We routinely tell geographic combatant commanders 28:07.540 --> 28:09.800 that we have no more to hand out at this time. 28:09.800 --> 28:11.040 In priority, we've given them out 28:11.040 --> 28:14.050 to the respect of the six geographic combatant commanders, 28:14.060 --> 28:16.300 and it forces consideration for other forces, 28:16.300 --> 28:18.340 whether they're international partners, 28:18.560 --> 28:21.230 conventional forces, or other capabilities 28:21.230 --> 28:22.130 that should be brought to bear. 28:22.130 --> 28:24.560 So, it's a good, vibrant, professional discussion 28:24.560 --> 28:27.210 that I think is getting more in balance all the time. 28:27.600 --> 28:28.433 - Thank you. 28:29.300 --> 28:32.680 So, the Army's first security force assistance brigade 28:32.880 --> 28:36.230 is gonna deploy to Afghanistan this spring. 28:36.480 --> 28:39.070 Can you tell us how will that deployment 28:39.500 --> 28:43.350 to Afghanistan alleviate some of the burden on SOF, 28:43.520 --> 28:45.240 and what is your understanding of how 28:45.240 --> 28:47.840 future security force assistance brigade deployments 28:48.110 --> 28:50.170 will contribute to alleviating some 28:50.170 --> 28:51.400 of the burden on SOF? 28:52.200 --> 28:53.150 - Yes, Congressman. 28:53.180 --> 28:56.300 Specifically, the security force assistance brigades 28:56.300 --> 28:59.200 that the Army has stood up in very rapid order, 28:59.200 --> 29:01.750 I give them a lot of credit for creating capability 29:01.750 --> 29:04.680 in little to no time, are specifically focused 29:04.680 --> 29:07.700 on the conventional Afghan Kandaks, 29:07.700 --> 29:09.190 their conventional units in the field, 29:09.190 --> 29:10.840 which right now are not partnered 29:10.960 --> 29:14.650 unlike our Afghan Special Operations force partners 29:14.650 --> 29:18.590 who do have US Special Forces and other allied forces 29:18.590 --> 29:21.220 aligned with them and have been historically with them. 29:21.220 --> 29:22.580 So, there are specific purposes 29:22.580 --> 29:23.850 for the conventional side. 29:23.850 --> 29:25.810 However, we are deriving some benefit 29:25.810 --> 29:29.110 from the creation of the SFAB as well. 29:29.160 --> 29:31.560 In fact, I talked to our commander on the ground 29:31.770 --> 29:33.190 as recently as two days ago, 29:33.300 --> 29:35.200 we specifically will get a few of these teams 29:35.200 --> 29:36.750 that will thicken our formation 29:36.850 --> 29:39.180 at the training base as well as a company, 29:39.180 --> 29:40.300 some of our new partnered force, 29:40.300 --> 29:42.250 some of the mobile forces to allow us 29:42.250 --> 29:43.590 to be more effective in the field. 29:43.590 --> 29:47.510 So, we're anxious for them to get to Afghanistan 29:47.510 --> 29:50.070 and looking forward to the benefit they'll provide to us. 29:50.070 --> 29:53.630 - And I'm sure that it achieves the goal that we intend. 29:54.920 --> 29:57.790 So, as a result of section 1637 29:57.790 --> 30:00.960 of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 18, 30:01.240 --> 30:04.400 the Secretary of Defense directed your SOCOM 30:04.400 --> 30:06.990 to establish a centralized capability 30:06.990 --> 30:10.250 for military information, support operations, 30:10.250 --> 30:12.300 global messaging, and counter messaging. 30:12.970 --> 30:17.970 The FY 2019 request includes $18 million to that end. 30:19.960 --> 30:22.240 So, how will... 30:22.520 --> 30:23.880 Well, we touched on this. 30:24.840 --> 30:27.360 How will your SOCOM field's roles and responsibilities 30:27.360 --> 30:30.750 in this capacity to better in hand enable 30:30.750 --> 30:32.850 and enhance Department of Defense approach 30:33.250 --> 30:35.110 for maximum effects from the tacticals 30:35.110 --> 30:36.200 of the strategic? 30:36.200 --> 30:38.070 And, General Thomas, how will your SOCOM 30:38.070 --> 30:41.410 contribute to a whole of government effort in this space, 30:41.410 --> 30:44.740 and what agencies will you coordinate with? 30:44.840 --> 30:47.580 And lastly, Secretary West, have you received 30:47.580 --> 30:50.030 any guidance or participated in efforts 30:50.220 --> 30:54.950 related to section 1637 of the FY 18 NDAA 30:54.950 --> 30:56.600 that provides for the integration 30:56.900 --> 30:58.360 of strategic information operations 30:58.360 --> 31:00.610 and cyber enabled information operations? 31:01.740 --> 31:03.030 - Congressman, very quickly, and I'll turn 31:03.030 --> 31:04.380 to the Assistant Secretary. 31:04.520 --> 31:06.453 The timing on this initiative from Congress 31:06.453 --> 31:07.740 couldn't be any better. 31:08.270 --> 31:10.920 Internally, the SOCOM, we were already endeavoring 31:11.370 --> 31:13.630 to try and establish a better capability 31:13.630 --> 31:16.940 at the headquarters level in addition to our proponent. 31:17.030 --> 31:18.790 We are the proponent for military information 31:18.790 --> 31:21.140 support operations, so we produce 31:21.140 --> 31:24.240 and provide to the field great capability in that regard, 31:24.240 --> 31:27.050 but we really did not have the requisite operational 31:27.600 --> 31:29.920 and potentially a national level capability. 31:29.920 --> 31:33.090 So, we're intent on providing that. 31:33.150 --> 31:34.333 I would offer to you, you know, 31:34.333 --> 31:36.320 form follows function, and so, right now, 31:36.320 --> 31:38.360 we're in discussions with the Department 31:38.360 --> 31:40.470 in terms of what functions they endeavor 31:40.470 --> 31:42.230 or they see as fulfilling. 31:42.310 --> 31:44.670 Our form, our structure will follow from that. 31:44.920 --> 31:46.960 But again, we're appreciative of the resourcing 31:46.960 --> 31:47.810 that's involved. 31:47.810 --> 31:50.370 We are already very, very well integrated 31:50.370 --> 31:51.900 with the Global Engagement Centers. 31:51.900 --> 31:53.270 You talked about other partners 31:53.270 --> 31:56.610 that's the lead for the country in the State Department. 31:56.712 --> 31:58.450 We're well integrated with them, 31:58.450 --> 32:01.200 and we're hoping to enhance that relationship with them 32:01.430 --> 32:03.440 going forward among other agencies. 32:03.770 --> 32:04.603 - [Congressman Langevin] Thank you. 32:04.870 --> 32:06.860 - Sir, the SOLIC office is tasked 32:06.860 --> 32:10.270 with helping to designate a senior DOD official. 32:10.270 --> 32:12.220 We're in the process of making recommendations 32:12.220 --> 32:13.870 right now to the Secretary, I'd say, 32:13.870 --> 32:15.490 from the strategic level. 32:16.470 --> 32:18.871 You asked what other agencies are involved. 32:18.871 --> 32:22.270 What is very important is that we get the message right, 32:22.920 --> 32:25.330 that it's a culturally attuned message 32:25.330 --> 32:27.430 so that no matter we may gen up 32:27.430 --> 32:30.520 in United States DOD, I think we need 32:30.520 --> 32:31.800 some country expertise. 32:31.800 --> 32:33.670 And then looking broadly at the formula 32:33.670 --> 32:35.390 of these types of operations, 32:35.700 --> 32:40.170 we need a partner force that begins to translate this 32:40.650 --> 32:44.520 with whom we have the same political end goals. 32:45.630 --> 32:46.530 - Thank you, both. 32:46.550 --> 32:47.383 I yield back. 32:47.383 --> 32:48.216 - Mr. Wilson. 32:49.780 --> 32:52.290 - Thank you, Madame Chair, and I'd like to thank 32:52.290 --> 32:53.820 both members of the panel for being here. 32:53.820 --> 32:58.260 And it's really reassuring on behalf of American families, 32:58.260 --> 33:00.090 your capabilities and competence 33:01.030 --> 33:03.230 and in particular to know that you're facing 33:03.640 --> 33:07.070 challenges from North Africa to the Philippines. 33:08.630 --> 33:12.040 It's just encouraging to see your dedication and service. 33:12.400 --> 33:14.030 And General Thomas, the top priority 33:14.030 --> 33:16.490 is supporting the counter propaganda mission 33:16.740 --> 33:18.770 and ensuring that the appropriate infrastructure's 33:18.770 --> 33:20.670 in place to guarantee success. 33:20.920 --> 33:25.410 In the FY 17 NDAA, Congress expanded the mission 33:25.410 --> 33:26.960 of the Global Engagement Center 33:26.960 --> 33:29.360 to include counter safe propaganda 33:29.360 --> 33:32.230 and disinformation efforts. 33:32.350 --> 33:34.340 What is the level of the collaboration 33:34.340 --> 33:37.200 between SOCOM and the Global Engagement Center? 33:37.740 --> 33:39.780 Do you believe there are sufficient opportunities 33:39.780 --> 33:43.360 for the corporation in each of best practices? 33:43.440 --> 33:45.460 Is there anything Congress can do 33:45.640 --> 33:47.440 to further support this mission? 33:48.380 --> 33:50.680 - Thanks, Congressman, and thanks for the time 33:50.760 --> 33:52.160 to link up with you earlier. 33:52.560 --> 33:55.810 As I mentioned earlier and kind of to reinforce the point 33:55.810 --> 33:57.960 that we all know that relationships matter, 33:58.340 --> 34:01.600 we've had and enjoyed a very good pre-existing relationship 34:01.600 --> 34:03.330 with the Global Engagement Center, 34:03.400 --> 34:06.780 primarily with a counter terrorism focus. 34:06.890 --> 34:08.590 As their charter has expanded, 34:08.910 --> 34:10.720 we're intent on being integrated 34:10.720 --> 34:13.490 with all their additional efforts 34:13.490 --> 34:15.380 and additional focus going forward. 34:15.970 --> 34:18.270 The Assistant Secretary talked about the NDS 34:18.270 --> 34:20.780 and the intent to compete short of conflict 34:20.900 --> 34:24.340 in both a contact force and a blunt force construct 34:24.340 --> 34:26.220 as it's played out in the NDS. 34:26.350 --> 34:29.130 I think there are extraordinary opportunities. 34:29.640 --> 34:30.870 You mentioned propaganda. 34:30.870 --> 34:33.060 I don't know that I would term it as propaganda 34:33.060 --> 34:35.640 as much as competing in the information space 34:35.640 --> 34:38.680 against the extraordinary amount of disinformation, 34:38.710 --> 34:41.820 especially on the regional, kind of hegemonic level 34:41.820 --> 34:44.780 that we do need to counter in some way, shape, or form. 34:44.780 --> 34:46.750 And again, I think we'll have the opportunity 34:46.750 --> 34:48.620 to do that going forward, and we look forward to it. 34:48.620 --> 34:51.320 - Sir, let me just add that now that we have a budget, 34:51.430 --> 34:53.160 we have agreed with the State Department 34:53.160 --> 34:55.970 to launch a $15 million pilot program 34:55.970 --> 34:57.310 alongside the GEC. 34:57.825 --> 35:02.580 And the basic goal between DOD and the State 35:02.580 --> 35:04.300 is to align to the NDS. 35:04.880 --> 35:06.830 - And as an indication on how important 35:06.920 --> 35:08.460 what you're doing, we have the chairman 35:08.460 --> 35:10.170 of the Armed Services Committee here with us, 35:10.170 --> 35:15.170 Mac Thornberry, and so whatever we can do in Congress, 35:16.160 --> 35:19.270 the leadership certainly is very attentive. 35:19.420 --> 35:21.900 And Secretary West and General Thomas, 35:21.900 --> 35:25.230 another significant concern is the high operational tempo 35:25.480 --> 35:26.940 that's been placed on SOCOM 35:26.940 --> 35:28.920 for a significant period of time. 35:29.370 --> 35:31.540 Could you describe the impact of programs 35:31.540 --> 35:33.650 like the Preservation of the Force and Family 35:33.650 --> 35:37.170 have had on the morale of soldiers and their families 35:37.420 --> 35:39.440 and also describe efforts to focus 35:39.440 --> 35:41.470 on mental health services being made available 35:41.470 --> 35:42.420 to service members? 35:44.250 --> 35:45.560 - Congressman, first and foremost, 35:45.560 --> 35:48.370 I'm very grateful that several of my predecessors 35:48.610 --> 35:50.280 had the vision to see that this was gonna be 35:50.280 --> 35:52.842 a protracted effort, both the current CT fight 35:52.842 --> 35:55.550 and really the other threats that have loomed 35:55.550 --> 35:56.410 for the country. 35:56.540 --> 35:59.420 And in seeing with that longer vision, 35:59.810 --> 36:01.550 they realized that we did not have 36:01.550 --> 36:03.890 the organic capability to sustain the force 36:03.910 --> 36:05.560 at the kind of tempo that we've been carrying 36:05.560 --> 36:07.160 for now for a decade and a half. 36:07.220 --> 36:09.250 And so, in coordination with Congress, 36:09.330 --> 36:11.390 they endeavor to get the necessary funding 36:11.390 --> 36:13.790 to provide the Preservation of the Force and Family 36:13.790 --> 36:17.510 capabilities, which I would offer is most importantly 36:17.510 --> 36:18.850 the people that are involved. 36:18.850 --> 36:21.550 You know, the physical therapists, the social workers, 36:21.550 --> 36:24.100 the religious support folks, the psychiatrists 36:24.100 --> 36:25.250 that, you know, psychologists rather. 36:25.250 --> 36:28.110 Those are really the difference that's being made 36:28.110 --> 36:30.470 at the local level and our ability to sustain it. 36:30.470 --> 36:32.270 So, again, thanks for my predecessors 36:32.270 --> 36:33.550 for setting that in motion. 36:33.550 --> 36:34.890 It's paying huge rewards for us 36:34.890 --> 36:35.780 in terms of sustaining the force. 36:37.700 --> 36:40.450 - And has there been an impact on recruitment 36:40.660 --> 36:43.530 with the emphasis on these programs? 36:44.060 --> 36:45.920 - I'd offer more on sustainment. 36:46.010 --> 36:48.140 So, recruitment, they may not know it ahead of time, 36:48.140 --> 36:51.070 but when service members and their families 36:51.070 --> 36:52.090 become part of our force, 36:52.090 --> 36:53.700 and it's probably most palpable 36:53.700 --> 36:55.250 every time I go to Walter Reed, 36:55.260 --> 36:57.140 and I'm able to talk to service members 36:57.140 --> 36:58.890 and their families on the backside 36:58.960 --> 37:00.810 in terms of the care coalition aspects 37:00.810 --> 37:02.290 that we're able to provide for them, 37:02.290 --> 37:04.760 that they realize there's a distinct difference. 37:04.760 --> 37:07.150 One, we're encouraging service members 37:07.150 --> 37:09.240 regardless of their injury, their illness 37:09.240 --> 37:10.940 to stay in the force, and if they want to, 37:10.940 --> 37:12.220 we find ways to do that. 37:12.350 --> 37:14.440 And we're also to sustain their families 37:14.790 --> 37:17.550 so they can, you know, work with us for the long haul. 37:17.550 --> 37:20.290 And again, it's almost indescribably powerful 37:20.290 --> 37:21.190 for our formation. 37:21.890 --> 37:26.040 - And I know that the facilities that you've developed 37:26.590 --> 37:31.590 have to if a young person sees the world class facilities 37:31.730 --> 37:34.070 that are being provided, it's just got to encourage 37:34.070 --> 37:37.390 people to remain in the service but also recruiting. 37:37.600 --> 37:39.650 And so, it's just so meaningful, 37:39.650 --> 37:42.240 and I just again, thank both of you 37:42.240 --> 37:43.990 for your service, and I yield back. 37:44.450 --> 37:45.283 - Mrs. Murphy. 37:47.650 --> 37:49.410 - Mr. West, General Thomas, thank you so much 37:49.410 --> 37:50.560 for being here today, and thank you, 37:50.560 --> 37:51.990 General Thomas, for taking a little time 37:51.990 --> 37:54.240 out of your schedule this morning to connect. 37:54.360 --> 37:56.470 In a prior life, I had the real honor 37:56.470 --> 38:01.060 to work for ASD SOLIC and the SSET Directorate. 38:01.350 --> 38:02.610 And I have a deep appreciation 38:02.610 --> 38:05.030 for the capabilities that SOF brings 38:05.030 --> 38:08.010 to our national security, so thank you for all that you do. 38:08.440 --> 38:10.340 Given the, and you talked a little bit about this 38:10.340 --> 38:13.200 in your opening remarks, but just given 38:13.200 --> 38:15.520 the new National Defense strategy 38:15.520 --> 38:18.180 refocuses on great power conflict, 38:18.300 --> 38:20.270 will SOCOM seek to transition away 38:20.270 --> 38:24.660 from CVE and to other roles that more directly counter 38:24.710 --> 38:26.930 the military capabilities of pure competitors? 38:26.930 --> 38:28.730 And if so, what does that look like? 38:30.050 --> 38:32.250 - Well, from one rookie to a veteran (chuckles), 38:32.250 --> 38:35.070 I would say, as I said in the opening, 38:35.070 --> 38:36.560 that is a key question. 38:36.850 --> 38:38.420 I think first of all what's important 38:38.420 --> 38:41.300 is sustaining the advantage that SOCOM has built up 38:41.300 --> 38:43.680 in countering VEO, but then along 38:43.680 --> 38:45.780 with many other programs and missions, 38:45.780 --> 38:48.180 we do have to become more astir. 38:48.360 --> 38:50.360 And so, hard decisions have to be made 38:50.360 --> 38:52.640 in terms of when you begin to look from 38:53.230 --> 38:56.230 essentially move from, I'll use a startup as an example, 38:56.580 --> 38:59.302 and you really begin to ask or assess 38:59.302 --> 39:01.290 what our diminishing returns, 39:01.290 --> 39:03.800 which are inevitable, against your spend. 39:04.360 --> 39:06.240 So, I think one of my basic tasks 39:06.240 --> 39:08.820 will be to work alongside General Thomas 39:08.820 --> 39:12.260 on the business, administrative aspect of SOCOM, 39:12.260 --> 39:16.260 and part of that is just how he allocates his dollars 39:16.260 --> 39:18.090 and his mission prioritization. 39:19.320 --> 39:20.170 - General Thomas. 39:20.784 --> 39:22.010 - Congresswoman, I'd like to think 39:22.010 --> 39:24.390 we anticipated the NDS a little bit 39:24.695 --> 39:28.650 in regards to one specific peer competitor, 39:28.650 --> 39:31.870 and that was at the invitation of our European allies, 39:31.870 --> 39:34.160 folks who we'd work with in Afghanistan or Iraq, 39:34.160 --> 39:36.010 were invited several years ago to join them 39:36.010 --> 39:38.540 and enhancing their capabilities in Eastern Europe. 39:38.540 --> 39:41.500 And so, we've had a multi year effort there, rather, 39:41.500 --> 39:44.870 that's already born some pretty serious dividends. 39:44.870 --> 39:47.130 So, I think we've already flexed in that regard. 39:47.130 --> 39:49.290 It opened our eyes to some capabilities 39:49.430 --> 39:50.690 that we were probably deficient in 39:50.690 --> 39:53.000 that we needed to enhance above and beyond 39:53.090 --> 39:55.010 the great capabilities that we had developed 39:55.010 --> 39:56.660 for countering violent extremism. 39:56.670 --> 39:59.820 But we're an organization in transformation constantly, 40:00.040 --> 40:01.350 and I like to think that we'll keep in pace 40:01.350 --> 40:03.050 with where the NDS wants us to go. 40:03.180 --> 40:05.030 - Great, and I look forward to continuing 40:05.030 --> 40:07.780 the conversations as you make that transition. 40:08.140 --> 40:10.220 You know, I've had the pleasure 40:10.220 --> 40:12.820 of touring the SOFWERX a few times, 40:12.820 --> 40:14.110 and I'm so impressed by it. 40:14.110 --> 40:15.390 I even brought colleagues down 40:15.390 --> 40:17.840 to take a peek at what you've got going on there. 40:18.680 --> 40:21.060 It's your business and technology incubator 40:21.060 --> 40:22.730 in downtown Tampa. 40:23.810 --> 40:26.100 I'm just so very impressed every time I visit 40:26.100 --> 40:29.420 at how SOCOM uses flexible alternative contracting 40:29.420 --> 40:32.190 instruments like OTAs to such great effect. 40:32.530 --> 40:35.280 And I think when we think about some of the challenges 40:35.280 --> 40:36.780 that we're looking to address, 40:37.400 --> 40:39.690 having an ability to sort of hot wire 40:39.690 --> 40:42.810 the system a little bit and get into 40:43.230 --> 40:46.000 more rapid acquisitions is really important, 40:46.000 --> 40:48.990 and I've been impressed with your ability to do that. 40:49.360 --> 40:52.060 When I visited SOCOM headquarters late last year, 40:52.060 --> 40:54.680 I heard that you're acting Acquisition Officer 40:54.680 --> 40:57.120 was detailed to Cyber COM to help stand up 40:57.120 --> 40:59.000 their acquisition authority. 40:59.090 --> 41:00.790 Can you talk a little bit about SOCOM 41:00.790 --> 41:03.640 and Cyber COM's relationship, particularly as it relates 41:03.640 --> 41:05.790 to sharing best practices and acquisitions? 41:09.400 --> 41:11.110 - Congressman, first of all, thanks for your interest 41:11.110 --> 41:13.670 in SOFWERX, and if I could actually go back 41:13.670 --> 41:15.620 to a question that the chairwoman asked 41:15.620 --> 41:17.660 about RDTNE because truthfully, 41:17.870 --> 41:19.850 there was an internal tension in our command 41:19.850 --> 41:22.550 on are we putting sufficient money there? 41:23.010 --> 41:24.580 So, it's very prominent. 41:25.200 --> 41:27.320 But I would offer platforms like SOFWERX, 41:27.320 --> 41:30.390 other peoples' money, our ability to leverage academia, 41:30.390 --> 41:32.840 and then truthfully, as we're working with the Department, 41:32.840 --> 41:34.840 with Ellen Lordown recently, 41:34.930 --> 41:38.300 and it struck me as she talks about $5 trillion worth 41:38.480 --> 41:41.040 of programs over the FYDP that SOCOM 41:41.040 --> 41:42.830 needs to do a better job of leveraging, 41:42.830 --> 41:44.298 you know, the heft of the Department 41:44.298 --> 41:47.390 as it's swinging larger RDTNE dollars. 41:47.390 --> 41:48.750 So, we are focused on it, 41:48.750 --> 41:50.800 but there's a couple different platforms. 41:50.880 --> 41:53.210 SOFWERX is unique as you described, 41:53.660 --> 41:55.540 and we've been able to parlay it. 41:55.620 --> 41:57.030 It originally I don't think was seen 41:57.030 --> 41:59.530 as something that was either scalable or exportable, 41:59.530 --> 42:01.070 and it's become both. 42:01.070 --> 42:04.650 Scalable in terms of how it's assisting other services. 42:04.720 --> 42:06.380 The Army has used it to look at 42:06.380 --> 42:08.860 ground mobility vehicles, weapons, things like that 42:08.860 --> 42:11.220 on our RDTNE back, 42:11.220 --> 42:13.470 which again, it's a great cooperative effort. 42:13.860 --> 42:16.470 Exportable in terms of you mentioned Cyber COM. 42:16.510 --> 42:18.290 It's also exportable to our foreign partners. 42:18.290 --> 42:20.150 We were able to share, you know, 42:20.150 --> 42:21.750 much more extensively right now. 42:22.050 --> 42:24.950 On your specific point of the relationship with Cyber COM, 42:26.040 --> 42:27.550 Mike Rogers and I have had kind of 42:27.550 --> 42:30.120 a historic relationship, a very positive one, 42:30.190 --> 42:31.440 from growing up together. 42:31.860 --> 42:34.120 But he encouraged us as Special Operations 42:34.470 --> 42:36.930 to leverage cyber in everything we're doing. 42:36.930 --> 42:39.440 He knows that SOCOM has an attractiveness 42:39.440 --> 42:42.450 in terms of an operational approach 42:42.450 --> 42:44.070 that is not irresistible, 42:44.070 --> 42:46.640 but it certainly forces consideration. 42:46.640 --> 42:49.750 So, cyber operations is integral to everything we do, 42:50.240 --> 42:53.100 and we continue to enhance the relationship with them, 42:53.100 --> 42:54.610 most recently in trying to help them 42:54.610 --> 42:56.160 with their acquisition process. 42:56.270 --> 42:57.120 - Time's expired. 42:57.126 --> 42:58.600 And Mr. Hice. 43:00.840 --> 43:02.140 - Thank you, Madame Chair. 43:02.230 --> 43:04.240 General Thomas, you mentioned a while ago 43:04.240 --> 43:06.730 the Preservation Force and Family. 43:07.020 --> 43:08.600 Very much interested in that. 43:09.880 --> 43:11.770 Of course, there is so much stress 43:11.840 --> 43:16.050 on our warriors and their families. 43:16.280 --> 43:17.680 And I think this is a great program 43:17.680 --> 43:20.140 that now is five years old you mentioned 43:20.740 --> 43:22.140 as dealing with physical, mental, 43:22.140 --> 43:24.110 social, and spiritual wellbeing. 43:25.480 --> 43:27.630 That program expires this year, 43:27.630 --> 43:31.540 although a request for proposal has just come out this week. 43:32.860 --> 43:35.740 To begin, after five years now, 43:35.760 --> 43:38.240 what have you learned from this program, 43:38.500 --> 43:40.650 and does the new request, 43:40.710 --> 43:43.150 what kind of changes are being proposed? 43:43.820 --> 43:47.730 - Congressman, I think as a learning organization, 43:48.057 --> 43:50.220 with the establishment of the Preservation 43:50.220 --> 43:52.100 of the Force and Family Program, 43:52.100 --> 43:54.070 we really hinged it on four pillars. 43:54.200 --> 43:56.210 Psychological, spiritual, social, 43:56.210 --> 43:58.180 and human performance aspects. 43:58.290 --> 44:00.690 And so, we've been able to refine that over time 44:01.210 --> 44:02.620 as much driven by our operators 44:02.620 --> 44:05.390 as most of our successes are 44:05.390 --> 44:10.250 where they're able to refine both the requirements 44:10.250 --> 44:13.680 but also the ability to sustain the force over time. 44:13.680 --> 44:16.810 So, again, it builds in resilience on the front end 44:16.810 --> 44:19.230 and as we employ this force, 44:19.230 --> 44:21.640 and then parallel to that is our care coalition, 44:21.640 --> 44:25.370 which enables us to conduct an incredibly thorough 44:25.550 --> 44:28.360 war care program for those who unfortunately become 44:28.360 --> 44:29.610 wounded, ill, or injured. 44:29.720 --> 44:32.980 So, in parallel, both those programs are keys 44:32.980 --> 44:34.630 to our sustainment going forward. 44:34.790 --> 44:36.300 We're continuing to looking to how 44:36.300 --> 44:38.430 we can enhance that program, so I probably 44:38.430 --> 44:39.900 can come back to you with some more specifics. 44:39.900 --> 44:43.170 But it's an integral program inside what we've been doing 44:43.170 --> 44:44.730 very capably for the last couple years. 44:44.730 --> 44:48.090 - So, are you aware of any significant changes 44:48.270 --> 44:50.820 from what's being proposed now from five years ago? 44:51.000 --> 44:52.410 - I don't think significant changes. 44:52.410 --> 44:55.260 I think probably a point that I should bring out to you is, 44:55.260 --> 44:57.630 again, imitation being the finest form of flattery. 44:57.630 --> 44:59.060 The other services are going to school 44:59.060 --> 45:01.720 on what we're doing and trying to implement it, 45:01.720 --> 45:02.553 and we're trying to share that 45:02.553 --> 45:03.930 as aggressively as possible. 45:04.240 --> 45:07.770 So, I think we're onto something that is positive 45:07.770 --> 45:10.420 for not only our force but for the larger Department. 45:10.460 --> 45:11.950 And I'll get back to you on some specifics 45:11.950 --> 45:14.115 that were overturned. - I think Secretary West. 45:14.115 --> 45:16.210 - I was just gonna say, sir, that not to be 45:16.210 --> 45:18.330 a force of negativity, but part of my job 45:18.840 --> 45:22.340 will be and is to scrutinize P 11 programs 45:22.340 --> 45:24.520 or SOF peculiar programs like this 45:24.520 --> 45:28.470 where the services has something that looks like it 45:28.470 --> 45:29.510 but not quite. 45:29.800 --> 45:32.040 I usually dive into the statistics, 45:32.640 --> 45:35.700 and the statistics I've seen so far are really good. 45:36.180 --> 45:38.210 I'm sure we'll get into the results 45:38.210 --> 45:40.670 of the cultural survey that was commissioned 45:40.670 --> 45:43.110 about three months ago here. 45:43.110 --> 45:46.290 But my initial cut at the data 45:46.290 --> 45:48.120 says that something's working well, 45:48.120 --> 45:50.620 and I'd have to point to this program is 45:51.230 --> 45:53.740 among say of the Flagship programs 45:53.740 --> 45:55.470 that I would think has a big impact. 45:55.470 --> 45:58.000 - That is really encouraging to hear. 45:58.070 --> 45:59.870 Would you say while you're up here 45:59.870 --> 46:01.320 that between the four pillars 46:01.320 --> 46:03.230 that they're fairly well balanced, 46:03.230 --> 46:05.580 or is there an imbalance and emphasis 46:05.580 --> 46:07.190 in one area over the other? 46:08.200 --> 46:09.200 - I don't know, sir. 46:09.570 --> 46:10.403 I don't know, sir. 46:10.403 --> 46:11.236 - General, would you... 46:11.310 --> 46:12.841 - Congressman, I think it's pretty balanced. 46:12.841 --> 46:15.740 We're, I think, endeavoring to develop 46:16.700 --> 46:19.600 because we're learning is in the human performance domain. 46:19.850 --> 46:22.470 I think there's a lot of uncharted ground there. 46:22.540 --> 46:25.670 We have sports teams going to school, professional teams 46:25.980 --> 46:27.120 going to school on what we're learning, 46:27.120 --> 46:29.590 so I think it's indicative of an environment 46:29.590 --> 46:31.560 where there's some real opportunities 46:31.560 --> 46:33.530 but we haven't developed them yet. 46:34.020 --> 46:35.390 - I think it's really encouraging 46:35.390 --> 46:37.870 that this program is even here. 46:39.380 --> 46:44.250 The importance of taking care of these warriors 46:44.250 --> 46:45.880 and their families is just huge. 46:46.600 --> 46:49.873 Hats off to you for taking this seriously 46:49.873 --> 46:51.120 and for doing a good job. 46:51.120 --> 46:53.450 And the fact that statistically, 46:53.450 --> 46:58.260 there are evidence to back up that this is succeeding 46:58.290 --> 47:00.310 in what its mission and purpose is. 47:00.310 --> 47:04.110 It is very encouraging, so I thank you very much for that. 47:04.410 --> 47:05.760 And I yield back. 47:06.970 --> 47:07.803 - Thank you, Mr. Hice. 47:07.803 --> 47:10.390 We will now go to the second round of questions. 47:10.740 --> 47:12.530 General Thomas, you touched upon this 47:12.530 --> 47:15.270 in response to Mrs. Murphy's question, 47:15.520 --> 47:17.580 but as I mentioned in my opening statement, 47:17.580 --> 47:20.120 we know that our near peer adversaries 47:20.120 --> 47:22.230 are investing in the development 47:22.230 --> 47:26.800 of AI, synthetic biology, quantum computing. 47:28.669 --> 47:30.920 Again, we're the Emerging Threat Subcommittee, 47:30.920 --> 47:32.660 so we're looking to the future 47:32.660 --> 47:35.220 to ensure that we maintain the edge 47:35.220 --> 47:37.410 when it comes to these technological tools. 47:37.720 --> 47:40.300 With that said, can you describe, 47:40.300 --> 47:44.010 and you said there was back and forth within SOCOM, 47:44.060 --> 47:46.350 why the budget request decreases 47:46.350 --> 47:48.800 our RND investments for the second year in a row? 47:49.910 --> 47:52.120 - Chairwoman, I probably didn't address that accurately 47:52.120 --> 47:53.451 and that while there's tension 47:53.451 --> 47:57.820 for where and how we're spending our money, 47:57.840 --> 48:01.460 I'm comfortable that we are sufficiently emersed 48:01.460 --> 48:04.900 in RND efforts with both our allotted money, 48:05.010 --> 48:06.790 other people's money, and other platforms. 48:06.790 --> 48:08.878 So, I can probably give you a more comprehensive lay down 48:08.878 --> 48:11.010 where I guess the proof of the point 48:11.010 --> 48:13.750 is I can tell you an area that I think we're lacking 48:13.750 --> 48:18.740 in terms of spending authority to pursue RDTNE. 48:18.810 --> 48:20.340 On the specifics of machine learning, 48:20.340 --> 48:21.950 that's a great example because there's probably 48:21.950 --> 48:24.040 nothing I'm more passionate about right now 48:24.040 --> 48:26.480 than the opportunities that SOCOM has 48:27.000 --> 48:30.300 to leverage machine learning to an extraordinary level. 48:30.300 --> 48:32.450 We had the Innovation Group come to us 48:33.510 --> 48:35.210 and came about a year and a half ago. 48:35.210 --> 48:37.510 And some senior folks from Google and Alphabet 48:37.790 --> 48:39.490 gave us rave remarks for our people, 48:39.490 --> 48:40.820 our ability to prototype, 48:40.930 --> 48:43.350 and then gave us less than satisfactory marks 48:43.350 --> 48:44.620 for machine learning, 48:44.620 --> 48:47.200 and we took it as a tasker. 48:47.200 --> 48:49.850 And since that time, we have poured a lot of energy, 48:49.850 --> 48:51.450 a lot of focus, more importantly, 48:51.450 --> 48:54.110 practical applications into everything we're doing. 48:54.410 --> 48:57.060 I devoured a book, Machine Platform Crowd, 48:57.060 --> 49:01.790 not too long ago by McAfee from up at MIT. 49:01.850 --> 49:05.210 The challenge is corporations, but appropo to us, 49:05.320 --> 49:06.690 at every level and every mark, 49:06.690 --> 49:09.140 why you aren't embracing machine learning. 49:09.140 --> 49:10.340 And I can tell you that's the ethos 49:10.340 --> 49:12.230 of our command right now as we're going forward. 49:12.230 --> 49:14.740 So, I really hope that we not only will improve 49:14.740 --> 49:17.240 our own capabilities but that it will be scalable 49:17.240 --> 49:19.040 to the Department as kind of an exemplar 49:19.040 --> 49:19.990 for what we can do. 49:20.060 --> 49:23.420 - So, are we leveraging DARPA and service RND efforts? 49:23.530 --> 49:25.730 In what areas are they helping you the most? 49:26.340 --> 49:27.870 - Ma'am, I'd probably be hard pressed right now 49:27.870 --> 49:30.250 to tell you the specifics, but the answer is yes. 49:30.250 --> 49:34.630 Anybody and everybody who couches free money 49:34.630 --> 49:38.240 that's not meant to be kind of a majoritive. 49:38.240 --> 49:40.640 It's folks that are doing similar lines of work 49:40.640 --> 49:43.080 or similar interested areas we're investing in. 49:43.080 --> 49:44.520 I think that the beauty of it, 49:44.520 --> 49:47.840 and we're placed to maybe us not having the RDTNE, 49:47.880 --> 49:49.410 is we provide the platform. 49:49.410 --> 49:52.670 We provide the form for applications 49:52.670 --> 49:55.216 of a lot of these, you know, prototypical efforts 49:55.216 --> 49:59.430 that I think creates just kind of a symbiotic marriage 49:59.430 --> 50:01.100 of opportunity there. 50:01.950 --> 50:03.810 - And General Thomas, in terms of countering 50:03.810 --> 50:05.610 unconventional warfare threats, 50:05.730 --> 50:09.090 are we closer to linking all of our tools and capability 50:09.090 --> 50:11.260 such as conventional, unconventional, 50:11.260 --> 50:13.350 economic, cyber, intel, and IO 50:14.210 --> 50:16.390 in an effort to counter adversarial threats 50:16.390 --> 50:17.440 such as Russia? 50:17.890 --> 50:20.360 - Chairwoman, I'd like to actually give you a few examples 50:20.360 --> 50:21.690 in the close session afterwards, 50:21.690 --> 50:23.590 but the bottom line is yes. 50:23.660 --> 50:27.215 I think that the unique approach of our joint task force, 50:27.215 --> 50:31.090 our inherent nature of who we are 50:31.330 --> 50:34.940 allows us to bring all those elements to bear 50:35.290 --> 50:37.840 in a coherent fashion. 50:37.840 --> 50:40.560 So, again, I'll provide at least one 50:40.560 --> 50:42.680 very powerful vignette in the close session, 50:42.680 --> 50:46.929 but we see and we leverage all those tools 50:46.929 --> 50:48.700 as part of what we do. 50:49.040 --> 50:50.190 - Thank you for that, General Thomas, 50:50.190 --> 50:51.540 and before I recognize Mr. Langevin, 50:51.540 --> 50:54.100 I just wanted to follow up on Secretary West's 50:54.320 --> 50:56.980 comments regarding irregular warfare authority. 50:57.070 --> 50:59.795 Regarding section 1202 and the new 50:59.795 --> 51:01.780 unconventional warfare authority, 51:01.900 --> 51:04.050 I was pleased to see you commit the delivery 51:04.050 --> 51:06.560 of the UW strategy in the opening statement, 51:06.630 --> 51:08.920 but I do want to emphasize for the record 51:08.920 --> 51:12.870 that without that strategy, there is no UW authority, 51:12.870 --> 51:16.930 which is why he have the 15 day notice and wait as well. 51:17.000 --> 51:19.400 So, we look forward to talking about the strategy first 51:19.400 --> 51:21.170 before we move forward with the authority. 51:21.170 --> 51:24.000 And with that, I recognize Mr. Langevin. 51:25.010 --> 51:26.530 - Thank you, Madame Chair. 51:27.270 --> 51:32.090 Secretary West, section 922 of the FY 17 NDAA 51:33.250 --> 51:35.770 focused on solidifying and strengthening 51:35.770 --> 51:37.690 the roles and responsibilities 51:38.000 --> 51:40.050 of the Assistant Secretary of Defense 51:40.050 --> 51:43.050 for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict 51:43.160 --> 51:45.510 to effective reconduct internal oversight 51:45.510 --> 51:48.480 of advocacy on behalf on SOCOM. 51:48.902 --> 51:51.200 I know you're new, just days on the job, 51:51.200 --> 51:54.870 but from your standpoint right now and initially, 51:54.980 --> 51:58.180 what's the status of implementation of 922, 51:58.350 --> 52:00.610 and what's the status of the report 52:00.610 --> 52:04.830 on implementation of 922 required by section 1074 52:04.830 --> 52:09.830 of FY 2018, the 2018 bill? 52:10.120 --> 52:12.830 And as you know, Congress has expressed concern 52:12.830 --> 52:16.210 about inadequate resources being provided 52:16.690 --> 52:20.440 to ASD SOLIC and to fulfill roles and responsibilities. 52:20.500 --> 52:23.400 What efforts are underway to define and resource SOLIC? 52:25.290 --> 52:28.010 - Congressman, let me take your second question first. 52:28.010 --> 52:30.790 We will turn in that report on time. 52:31.300 --> 52:33.120 Another report was just mentioned, 52:33.120 --> 52:36.130 so I like to meet deadlines. 52:36.280 --> 52:39.220 To your first question, the first thing I did 52:39.220 --> 52:40.230 was study the history. 52:40.230 --> 52:42.400 I think pathfinding requires you know 52:42.400 --> 52:45.210 where you're coming from to figure out where you're going. 52:45.210 --> 52:49.050 It's clear this was almost a 30 year accommodating point, 52:49.540 --> 52:52.580 922 specifically, and I think it's very timely 52:52.580 --> 52:54.560 in the backdrop of Secretary Mattis 52:54.560 --> 52:57.960 calling for business reform as one of his three pillars. 52:58.250 --> 53:01.410 I think this reinvigoration is long overdue. 53:01.660 --> 53:03.780 General Thomas has a really unique role 53:03.780 --> 53:07.180 in that he is a very busy COCOM commander 53:07.560 --> 53:11.550 with three separate global synchronization hats. 53:11.650 --> 53:16.650 And then now at $13.6 billion, he and we now 53:16.940 --> 53:20.240 are heading a fortune 500 enterprise. 53:20.330 --> 53:22.650 So, on the business leadership front, 53:22.650 --> 53:25.800 I think the basic task is to institutionalize 53:26.350 --> 53:28.830 what SOCOM does very well and preserve 53:28.830 --> 53:30.210 its unique attributes. 53:30.210 --> 53:33.240 Chairwoman mentioned, for instance, DARPA. 53:33.320 --> 53:36.240 I think there are four or five other areas of DOD 53:36.240 --> 53:37.820 that look very much like DARPA. 53:38.070 --> 53:40.420 So, one of our tasks will be, within the building, 53:40.420 --> 53:42.460 to connect this thriving enterprise 53:42.460 --> 53:44.910 in Tampa Bay to the federation. 53:47.690 --> 53:49.850 - General Thomas and both Secretary West, 53:50.550 --> 53:53.020 can you describe how 922 has shaped the relationship 53:53.020 --> 53:54.040 between SOCOM and SOLIC? 53:54.040 --> 53:56.020 Any further comments on that? 53:56.500 --> 53:58.980 General Thomas, do you wanna comment? 53:59.375 --> 54:01.625 - Congressman, as I mentioned in my preamble, 54:01.950 --> 54:04.760 we're embracing the 922 language 54:04.760 --> 54:06.680 as the natural evolution of the relationship 54:06.680 --> 54:08.670 between us and ASD SOLIC. 54:08.670 --> 54:10.770 I've been interested in the specific language 54:10.770 --> 54:13.570 that places Assistant Secretary Defense West 54:13.730 --> 54:16.490 in our chain of command to the Secretary 54:16.820 --> 54:18.630 for the Man Train Equip Portfolio 54:19.411 --> 54:21.211 and am looking forward to developing 54:21.930 --> 54:24.650 the specific functions and interrelations there. 54:24.650 --> 54:26.840 But I think that'll help us be better integrated 54:26.840 --> 54:28.730 with the Department going forward. 54:29.470 --> 54:30.303 - Thank you. 54:31.620 --> 54:33.000 General Thomas, in December, you were quoted 54:33.000 --> 54:36.690 on the devastating effects Task Force Ares delivered 54:37.280 --> 54:38.610 when synchronized with other military 54:38.610 --> 54:39.910 and intelligence partners. 54:40.060 --> 54:42.070 Now, despite these types of operations, 54:42.070 --> 54:46.390 you mentioned that we are not fully where you'd like to be 54:46.670 --> 54:48.190 with these capabilities. 54:48.340 --> 54:51.430 Can you please describe your cyber requirements, 54:51.430 --> 54:55.460 how is your SOCOM synchronizing 54:55.790 --> 54:58.440 and coordinating with your Cyber Command, 54:58.570 --> 55:00.780 and do you find you have more policy 55:00.780 --> 55:03.380 and authority challenges or commanders 55:03.380 --> 55:04.800 who have difficulty integrating 55:04.800 --> 55:07.520 the capability in the cyber realm? 55:08.320 --> 55:12.320 - Congressman, again, we enjoy an extraordinary 55:12.320 --> 55:14.690 and historic relationship with Cyber COM. 55:15.220 --> 55:19.050 The level of support is almost indescribably powerful. 55:19.590 --> 55:21.940 When I mentioned and contrasted 55:22.410 --> 55:24.030 very successful operations there 55:24.030 --> 55:26.760 relative to areas that I think we can improve, 55:26.820 --> 55:29.530 it's really emphasizing that in the counter violent 55:29.530 --> 55:32.706 extremist mission set, we've been able to break ground 55:32.706 --> 55:36.000 and really be a pathfinder for new 55:36.000 --> 55:38.210 and developmental capabilities that I think need 55:38.210 --> 55:40.450 to be carried over to other mission sets, 55:40.550 --> 55:43.070 you know, to other operational domains. 55:43.410 --> 55:45.020 I think Mike Rogers would agree, 55:46.266 --> 55:48.366 we need some iterations, we need some reps 55:48.530 --> 55:50.290 in those environments, which we've had 55:50.290 --> 55:52.560 a good number in countering violent extremism, 55:52.560 --> 55:54.337 but I think they could be passed across, 55:54.337 --> 55:56.665 and we're trying to do that. 55:56.665 --> 55:58.582 - Very good, thank you. 55:59.601 --> 56:01.610 And General Thomas, what's the situation 56:01.610 --> 56:04.130 with North Korea, 56:05.448 --> 56:06.570 how has that impacted the force, 56:06.572 --> 56:08.240 and has SOF prepared to respond 56:08.240 --> 56:10.130 to a crisis on the peninsula? 56:11.810 --> 56:14.070 - Congressman, as part of the joint force, 56:14.140 --> 56:15.750 we're always endeavoring to be prepared 56:15.750 --> 56:17.430 for any and all contingencies, 56:17.430 --> 56:22.080 so suffice to say, we are training as we always have 56:22.080 --> 56:24.540 to be prepared for, you know, for that contingency 56:25.103 --> 56:25.936 among others. 56:26.340 --> 56:27.910 - And I'll probably have some followup 56:27.910 --> 56:29.000 in the close session on that, 56:29.000 --> 56:30.380 but with that, I yield back. 56:30.380 --> 56:31.213 - Mr. Hice. 56:33.570 --> 56:34.430 - Thank you, Madame Chair. 56:34.430 --> 56:36.420 At this time, I have no further questions. 56:36.420 --> 56:37.253 - Mrs. Murphy. 56:38.700 --> 56:41.370 - Madame Chair, I'll also reserve for the close session. 56:41.650 --> 56:42.730 - Thank you very much. 56:42.730 --> 56:44.570 We will now move into close session. 56:44.793 --> 56:47.376 (slams gavel)