Wednesday, November 05, 2014

Travel and Culture with the US Army



The November 6, 2014, episode of American Heroes Radio features a conversation with Lieutenant Colonel Lori D. Renwick, USA.

Program Date:  November 6, 2014
Program Time: 1200 hours, PACIFIC
Topic: Travel and Culture with the US Army

About the Guest
The November 6, 2014, episode of American Heroes Radio features a conversation with Lieutenant Colonel Lori D. Renwick, USA.

After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Lieutenant Colonel D. Renwick’s first assignment was a year tour in South Korea, north of the “no smile line” with the 2nd Infantry Division.  After promotion to Captain she was deployed to Bosnia and Herzegovina in an Aviation Liaison position in Mostar.  After that deployment she attended Military Intelligence Officer Advanced Course and was subsequently deployed to Qatar.  After eight years of active duty she transferred to the New Your National Guard.  Lieutenant Colonel Renwick then volunteered for a deployment to Iraq where she was a military police battalion intelligence officer. 

Lieutenant Colonel Lori D. Renwick has earned numerous awards and certificates throughout her 17 year military career, to include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, one oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal, 2 NATO Ribbons, and the Army Aviation badge.

About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life.  Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.
           
About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years.  He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant.  He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University.  He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, law enforcement technology and leadership.  Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One.  He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in law enforcement.

Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
909.599.7530


At any moment's notice, the CRW answers the call

by Staff Sgt. Gustavo Gonzalez
621st Contingency Response Wing Public Affairs


11/5/2014 - ROBERTS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Republic of Liberia  -- The 621st Contingency Response Wing is known for being ready to deploy within a 12 hour notice. But on Sept. 16, the Air Force's requirement was much quicker.

A rapid-response team of U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army air and surface mobility specialists deployed to Liberia as a Joint Task Force-Port Opening team in support of Operation UNITIED ASSISTANCE, a comprehensive U.S. effort to work with the World Health Organization and other international partners to help the Governments of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone respond and contain the outbreak of the Ebola virus in West Africa as quickly as possible.

Capt. John Diaz, 817th Contingency Response Group commander's executive officer, was one of the first Airmen notified and deployed. His call came at approximately 3 p.m. By 6:30 p.m., he was in the air, on his way to Africa to take part in OUA with the Joint Task Force-Port Opening team as the lead logistics officer.

"This is the first time that I've ever been part of a mission where I was deployed as quickly as this," Diaz said. "I've never been rapidly mobilized in a very short time to get out here."

Diaz was part of a four Airmen advanced team that was rapidly deployed to evaluate the airfield infrastructure here.

According to Senior Airman William Doty, 817 Global Mobility Squadron aerial porter, the timeliness of the deployment took him by surprise.

"It was pretty shocking," Doty said. "I thought it was another exercise recall at first when I was called right in the middle of my lunch. Hours later, I was on a plane going to Liberia. It was very surreal."

According to Doty, this experience is a perfect example of the importance of staying ready to execute the CRW's mission.

"Training and readiness is very important because at any moment, you can be called," Doty said. "Our mission statement says we are ready to deploy within 12 hours, but you can be called upon in well less than that. So always be ready because it can happen at any time."

"This also shows that the training that I received along the way is invaluable," Diaz added. "When I'm out here, I'm alone, it's just me. So I rely on my training to get the job done while I'm out here."

Diaz expressed that he was honored to be a part of OUA.

"I love it!" Diaz said. "I love that they sent me out early and I was able to work with the U.S. Embassy in Liberia and along-side USAID to understand the big picture of this deployment. It's phenomenal."

"It's a great thing to help provide all of the support that this country needs in order to help them deal with this crisis they're up against right now," Doty added. "It's just great to be here and be a part of it."

MyMC2 app provides easy access to base events list

by Senior Airman Joshua Eikren
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs


11/5/2014 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Team Scott members can get updated information on events happening across Scott Air Force Base with a touch of a fingertip when using the MyMC2 application.

It's called "My Military Communities," or MyMC2, and is the Air Force's mobile application that gives easy access to what is happening around each Air Force installation. The app was created by the 375th Communication Support Squadron Software Engineering Flight in 2012 and is a free download available through both the Android Market and Apple's App Store.

"It's an information one-stop-shop," said Master Sgt. Mark Lorenzo, 375 CSPTS Software Engineering Flight Chief. "On a daily basis, we're inundated with different information channels. Living in the digital age, this is where MyMC2 separates itself from traditional information channels. With the click of an icon, you consolidate event information from virtually every base outlet who participates. With the click of another button, members can add their bases events to their device's calendar, receive reminders and even generate a map to the event."

MyMC2 is the first mobile application in the Air Force that puts a list of events, organizations, and services at a base on a smartphone or tablet. The app pulls information from the multiple organizational Facebook pages that are officially associated with a base and consolidates them into one place.

"MyMC2 is, at the most basic level, an information aggregator and delivery system," said Tech. Sgt. Stephen Watkins, 375th CSPTS Application Development NCOIC. "It reads information posted by public affairs and other base agencies, compiles that info with appropriate meta-data, and displays it to a user based on their base selection and preferences."

In addition to events listings in the app, there are two quick-call buttons on the home page that can be programmed to whatever the installation commander feels are the most important numbers for the Airmen to have. At Scott the two numbers are for the Armed Forces Against Drunk Driving group and a suicide hotline so people have ready access to helping agencies.

"To me, the application is important to be able to provide members access to information that isn't always readily available when a member first arrives at a base, or is looking for other new things to do," said Staff Sgt. Aaron Braswell, 375th CSPTS Application Development Flight Supervisor. "I think the quick dial phone number feature is the most important feature in the application. Having that information readily available to prevent a member (or family member) from committing suicide or driving drunk is priceless."

Since its release MyMC2 has expanded to 50 Air Force bases and one Army installation with a potential reach of 1.7 million military, civilian, contractors and dependents. This app is important to its developers in not only maintaining and growing, but improving, too.

"Recently we've released updates for compatibility with iOS 8 and an update to the calendar to make it more readable," said Braswell. "We will also gladly look at the requested features and possibly add them to the next major update for MyMC2."

The app continues striving to increase awareness, from sharing input with the Scott AFB website calendar to reaching out to support new bases.

"The primary goal of the App is to increase Comprehensive Airman Fitness," said Watkins. "By providing members with information about workshops, base events, and contact information for most, if not all, of their base agencies, we're hoping to give Airmen a tool to get the information they need to strengthen any of the four pillars that they feel may need it. Our personal goal with the App is to have it available for as many bases and DOD personnel as we can."

To download the app you may open your smartphone's app store and search "My Military Communities" Or "MyMC2." You may also download the app from your iPhone and your Android device.

The MyMC2 Facebook page is where people can ask questions and provide feedback about MyMC2 at www.facebook.com/MyMC2support.

If you are with public affairs and would like to request the application for your base please contact Staff Sgt. Aaron Baswell or Tech. Sgt. Stephen Watkins at DSN 576-9410.

For Scott organizations that do not qualify for a Facebook page but would like to advertise their event on the app, please contact public affairs at 256-2600.

Airman from Iraq gains citizenship through service

by Senior Airman Sarah Hall-Kirchner
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs


11/5/2014 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Theo Shakir grew up in a very different landscape compared to the life he wakes up to now. He hasn't always been an Air Force biomedical equipment technician and he hasn't always been a citizen of the United States.

His life changed dramatically in 2005, when he and his family took leave from their unravelling native country.

"I am originally from Baghdad, Iraq," said Airman 1st Class Shakir, 375th Medical Support Squadron Biomedical Equipment Technician. "My first language is Arabic."

His family worked for the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, and when his uncle was assassinated, his family left the same week. They took only luggage and left their cars and home behind. He also had to say goodbye to his grandfather, who refused to leave the country and wouldn't let the family stay.

"The worst part was having my family separate at that moment in time, because I lost two people within a week," said Shakir.

Shakir joined the Air Force in January 2013 to gain experience and discipline. He also happened to gain his citizenship through his service.

Shakir started his process of becoming a citizen of the U.S. three years ago and, despite some difficulties, he obtained his citizenship on Oct. 17, 2014.

"It was a pretty straight forward process," he said. "The only trouble I had was starting the process over three times. The first time I started I was a civilian and the second time I was in technical training for my job and I was not allowed to complete the process. The third time was the time that actually worked."

When his citizenship went through, Shakir took part in a citizenship ceremony. Most of his co-workers came to the ceremony.

"The most rewarding part of obtaining my citizenship was being welcomed and supported by my shop and leadership," said Shakir.

His entire shop has been behind him in obtaining his citizenship. His supervisor expressed how proud he is of his Airman's accomplishment.

"We are very proud of him for getting his citizenship," said Tech. Sgt. Joshua Smith, 375th MDSS Medical Maintenance NCO in-charge. "Going to the citizenship ceremony was eye opening. None of us had ever seen a citizenship ceremony before. There were a lot of people there that were so grateful to obtain their citizenship, something we take for granted."

Shakir's favorite thing about his citizenship is that he has a place to now call home.

"My favorite thing about obtaining my citizenship has been the security that comes with it," he said. "Where I am from, the lack of security is why we move around. Now I don't have to move around anymore. I also love the idea of this country, a place where you can make your own name, no one is above the law, and everyone has the same fair shot at life. All are equal."

SecAF presents first Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medals

by Kate Blais
Air Force Global Strike Command


11/5/2014 - BOSSIER CITY, La. -- Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James presented the Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal for the first time ever to 25 Airmen during Air Force Global Strike Command's 2014 Global Strike Challenge, Nov. 5.

James approved the NDOSM in May with the intent of recognizing Airmen for their contributions to the nation's strategic objectives in nuclear deterrence. She presented the medals after her speech during day two of the symposium, held at the Bossier Civic Center, Bossier City, Louisiana.

During her speech, James said she has visited 49 bases around the world in her first 10 months as Secretary of the Air Force, but there are a few specific locations that stick with her.

"I've had a special place in my heart - and in my travel plans - for our Air Force Global Strike bases since almost my first day on the job," James said. "This week's challenge demonstrates your dedication, skill, and passion for the mission...the same passion and skill I saw when I visited your bases earlier this year. There is no mission more important to our nation's security than the nuclear mission."

Addressing a crowd of 800 GSC competitors, Airmen and symposium attendees, James talked about perseverance and facing adversity. Like in any endeavor, success doesn't come easy--it's what comes after that's important, she said.

"The example you've set over the last year shows Airmen across the service - in the Combat Air Forces, the Mobility Air Forces, in Space and Cyberspace - that overcoming adversity really is a step on the path to success," James continued.

In recognition of AFGSC Airmen and their exceptional contributions to national defense, 25 NDOSMs were awarded, with the remainder to follow in the spring.

"I am very honored and feel privileged to receive this award because I really love being in missiles," said Staff Sgt. Amber Moore, a missile chef in the 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom AFB, Montana. "It's been nothing but an honor serving with maintenance teams, missileers and the cops as well. This is a huge deal for me."

In the mind of one Airman, the new medal is one part of a larger effort to affect change within the nuclear enterprise culture.

"It's exciting. It's one of the steps in creating a new culture among missileers and anyone associated with missiles, reinvigorating our mission and what we do for America," said 1st Lt. Carolyn Hockaday, a missile combat crew commander, 490th Missile Squadron, also at Malmstrom AFB. "Without us and the rest of the triad, America wouldn't be as safe."

Medal recipients represented a variety of career fields eligible to receive the decoration.

The following Airmen, who represent the active duty, Air National Guard and Reserve forces, received the first medals:

From Minot AFB, North Dakota

· From Jacksonville, Florida, 1st Lt. Victoria Fort, instructor combat crew, representing nuclear and missile operations, 91st Missile Wing

· From Woodland, California, Staff Sgt. Brett Jordan, B-52 dedicated crew chief, representing bomber crew chiefs, 5th Bomb Wing

· Airman 1st Class Robert Cook, maps technician, representing missile and space system maintenance, 91st Missile Wing

· From Eva Beach, Hawaii, Staff Sgt. Kamuela Kalilikane, facility maintenance team training instructor, representing missile and space facilities, 91st Missile Wing

· From Parker's Prairie, Minnesota, Tech. Sgt. Matthew Westad, group facility maintenance instructor, representing facility managers, 91st Missile Wing

· From Springfield, Georgia, Capt. Clyde Vickery, chief of standardization and evaluation, representing rescue pilots, 91st Missile Wing

From F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming

· From Lone Oak, Texas, Capt. Dan Cook, ICBM combat crew commander, nuclear and missile operations, 90th  Missile Wing

· From Colorado Springs, Colorado, Capt. David Skelly, aircraft commander, representing rescue pilots, 90th Missile Wing

· From Mililani, Hawaii, Airman Riley Borges, response force member, representing security forces, 90th Missile Wing

· From Cincinnati, Ohio, Airman 1st Class Joseph Tucker, maps technician, representing missile and space system maintenance, 90th Missile Wing

From Malmstrom AFB, Montana

· From Lubbock, Texas, 1st Lt. Carolyn Hockaday, OSS instructor, representing nuclear and missile operations, 341st Missile Wing

· From Hopkinsville, Kentucky, Tech. Sgt. Christopher Zachary, EMT quality assurance evaluator, representing missile and space systems electronic maintenance, 341st Missile Wing

· From Philadelphia, Pennsylvannia, Staff Sgt. Amber Moore, representing missile chefs, 341st Missile Wing

· From Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Airman 1st Class Andrew Matthews, nuclear weapons technician, representing nuclear weapons career field, 341st Missile Wing

· From Philadelphia, Pennsylvannia, Staff Sgt. Bob Kohlenberg, instructor flight engineer/scheduling non-commissioned officer, representing special mission aviation, 341st Missile Wing

From Whiteman AFB, Missouri

· From Columbus, Ohio, Airman 1st Class Jeremiah Neer, weapons maintenance team member, representing nuclear weapons career field, 509th Bomb Wing

· From Knob Noster, Missouri, Staff Sgt. Cole Miller, command post controller, representing command post controllers, 131st Bomb Wing, Air National Guard

From Barksdale AFB, Louisiana

· From Dracut, Massachusetts, Capt. Mehul Brahmbhatt, executive officer, representing bomber navigators, 2nd Bomb Wing

· Clymer, New York, Tech. Sgt. Erin Bernik, squadron lead crew member, 2 man, representing aircraft armament, 307th Bomb Wing, Air Force Reserves

· From Shippensburg, Pennsylvannia, Staff Sgt. Nicole Cowles, PRP medical records technician, representing medical support staff, 2nd Bomb Wing

· From Pascagoula, Mississippi, Tech. Sgt. Jessica Chebaro, strategic logistics planner, representing logistic planners, 608th Strategic Operations Squadron, Eighth Air Force

· From Mabank, Texas, Master Sgt. Janie Rodriguez, Non-Commissioned Officer In-Charge, security forces training and stan eval, representing security forces, Air Force Global Strike Command

· From Cottondale, Florida, Tech. Sgt. Crystal Velez-Greenhill, quality assurance manager, representing financial management and comptroller, Air Force Global Strike Command

· From Homerville, Georgia, Staff Sgt. Giavonia Fields, Non-Commissioned Officer In-Charge, headquarters Air Force Global Strike Command commander support staff, representing personnel

· From San Antonio, Texas, Maj. Raymundo Vann, nuclear and missile operations lead, representing nuclear and missile operations, Air Force Global Strike Command

This medal is awarded in recognition of the special trust and responsibility placed upon AFGSC Airmen as they perform nuclear deterrence operations, providing safe, secure and effective deterrence for our nation, with the most powerful weapons in our nation's arsenal.

Nonprofit helps deploying servicemembers with dogs

by Airman 1st Class Kiana Brothers
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs


11/5/2014 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill.  -- When a military member receives a deployment checklist, circumstances surrounding pets are not on the list. Many members have a hard time finding a place for their pet during these situations, and the Dogs on Deployment organization can be a big help.

Senior Airman Jakia Chang and her husband were both due for a deployment and needed a home near Scott to board their dog Bonsai, a German Sheppard-Corgi mix.

"You can put your animal in for overnight boarding, but it is extremely pricey and they do not get one-on-one care," Chang said. "The families that are a part of Dogs on Deployment watch your pet for free. The only expenses are normal items you would purchase while you were home [like] food, groomers and treats."

Dogs on Deployment is a program founded by a military couple that realized that dogs needed a place to go while their owners are deployed. The couple experienced times when they needed a home for their dog and decided they wanted to assist others.

Laura Turner, local Dogs on Deployment member, and her family took care of Bonsai for Chang and her husband.

"I like fostering pets because [military members] have a lot of things to worry about when it comes to deploying and they shouldn't have to worry about their pet," said Turner.

Chang said her mother's co-worker saw a talk show segment for Dogs on Deployment and Chang began to research it.

"We took Bonsai on a few home interviews and shortly before we deployed Laura reached out to us," Chang said. "We knew Laura and her family was the best fit for our boy, he fit right in."

Turner has two sons, ages 10 and 12 years, who fall on the autism spectrum. She did not know how her sons would react to having a dog around. She saw the Dog on Deployment program was an opportunity for the family to do a trial run.

She said that during the first encounter with Bonsai, the kids had a meltdown.

"They were saying 'I don't want a dog, I don't like dogs,'" Turner said.

The Turner family lost their cat of 13 years last December and hasn't had a pet until May when Bonsai came to stay for six months. The kids were only familiar with cats, but Bonsai changed their perspective.

"My older son now says 'I miss Bonsai, he was my favorite dog,'" Turner said. "My younger son never engaged with pets before, but he would actually play rope with Bonsai."

She said with autism, it is small victories like that which really makes them glad to have fostered Bonsai.

Chang said Laura took him to the groomers, the park, swimming, and on walks.

"She cared for him just as well as we would and we felt so at ease while we were gone," Chang said. "It was a huge stress reliever; words cannot describe how thankful we are for her and her family."

The program allows pet owners and foster parents to decide whether the pet is a fit for the home. Contracts can be made for both parties and expenses can be discussed.

In addition, the Turner family got to experience the responsibilities of owning a dog.

"It's completely voluntary and we've had a wonderful pet for six months," Turner said. "I would highly recommend the program to others."

Airmen represent Team McChord with honor

by Airman 1st Class Keoni Chavarria
62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs


10/31/2014 - JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- Six Airmen stand in position as a hearse rolls to a stop just past them. They open the back door revealing a casket with the U.S. flag draped over it. They carefully carry out the casket before placing it on the lowering device, its final resting place. They methodically remove the flag from the casket. In a ceremony representative of the member's military service, the team completes the flag fold and presents the flag to the family member. The "They" are members of McChord Field's Honor Guard.

"This image is very important as an honor guardsman," said Tech. Sgt. Justin Gebhardt, 627th Force Support Squadron NCO in charge of McChord Field Honor Guard. "This could possibly be the first time someone's ever interacted with a military member, or the last time. If it's the last time, whatever image we portray is what they're going to think of the Air Force as."

While working details such as funerals are the main duty of a McChord Field Honor Guard member, they are also busy accomplishing additional duties such as scheduling and training.

This is where schedulers reserve the vehicles that will be used, lodging if they have to stay the night, and the amount of Airmen that are needed to accomplish the details. If there are multiple details in a relatively close distance in a good time frame, one team will go out and complete all of them.

Some days involve more than four details to be completed by a single team in a set time.

McChord Field Honor Guard has the fifth largest area of responsibility in the Air Force that is covered by its 70 members. The honor guard covers a total of 70,000 miles that starts at the Washington-Canadian border down to the last county in Oregon.

Another large aspect of being a member of the honor guard is the training. They work to gain the image they want to portray. Either training physically, or mentally, perfecting their steps and movements is critical. Members have a physical training schedule where they exercise and practice their movements five days a week.

Being in the honor guard also gives members a new view of things along with a feeling of pride and honor.

"It gives them a different perspective on the big picture of the Air Force," said Gebhardt. "It exposes them to an environment with civilians such as handing out flags."

"I think when you're out there and you're in charge of a detail, it definitely makes you have a little more perspective on how much the Air Force really cares for its fallen veterans and retirees," said Airman 1st Class Lucas Dwornick, 627th FSS honor guard scheduler.

"It's a whole new way to give back to all these families that are in the utmost grief because they've lost someone that they love," said Airman 1st Class Seth Gabrielse, 627th FSS honor guard trainer, speaking of the funeral honors the McChord Honor Guard performs.

As the sound of the trumpets play, three members of the McChord Field Honor Guard fire a shot from their rifles. They recharge the rifle before firing two more shots, as a sign of honor for the deceased veteran.

The ceremony concludes with the McChord Field Honor Guard gracefully exiting the site. The ceremony is over and the team has left a lasting impression of the U.S. Air Force on this family.

Between the numerous details, the training and the additional duties performed, the McChord Field Honor Guardsmen are kept busy almost seven days a week, making sure to provide a lasting impression of the Air Force, Air Mobility Command and Team McChord.

For more information on the McChord Field Honor Guard, contact Tech. Sgt. Justin Gebhardt at (253) 982-3775.

Joint exercise highlights medical capabilities

by Senior Airman Mary O'Dell
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs


11/5/2014 - FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash.- -- Members of the 141st Medical Group participated in a joint exercise with soldiers in the 168th Aviation Regiment here Oct. 31.

Working on a five-man team, the 141st MDG members simulated deploying into a combat environment where patients with surgical needs were waiting. Each patient was assessed and treated as necessary, with wounds ranging from serious internal injuries to a leg amputation.

The 168th Aviation Regiment provided their UH-72 Lakota helicopters for the team to simulate being dropped into the zone where patient care was needed. The 141st MDG also worked with the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape school to utilize their urban evasion lab for a more realistic training environment.

Russia Pushing Limits of International Order, Dempsey Says



By Lisa Ferdinando
DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 2014 – Russia is "pushing on the limits of international order," the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia in general are pushing the limits because they don’t believe the international order was crafted in a way that met their national interests, Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey said during a question-and-answer session at an event on hiring veterans in New York.

Putin and Russia express a sense of victimization following the collapse of the Soviet Empire, the chairman said. Noting that the Russian president recently delivered a speech on that narrative, Dempsey characterized it as “an anti-Western soliloquy that literally lasted for about three hours."

NATO Commitment is Principal Responsibility

"Our principal responsibility here, of course, is our NATO commitment, notably the Article 5 responsibility, which says an attack on one is an attack on all," he said. "Twenty-eight nations of NATO are committed to living up to that."

Dempsey said the difficulty is in Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine -- the nations located between NATO allies and Russian aggressiveness. To help in meeting that challenge, he said, the U.S. military needs to do different things with rotational presence.

"We probably need to do some things in every domain -- air, sea and ground,” he said. “It's going to, I think, require us to put forces back into Europe that we had taken out.”

The chairman said he doesn’t expect the American forces in the region to be "dramatically big," but he added that "they'll be substantial enough to allow us to deter Russian aggression against our NATO allies."

Russia is creating an unstable situation, Dempsey said, and it has also "kind of lit a fire of nationalism."

"Once you light that fire, it's not controllable," the general said. "I am worried about Europe."

For about 20 years, Dempsey said, Europe has been complacent with its security. "I don't think they can afford to be complacent any longer," he added.