Carter: U.S., U.K. Maintain Strong Security Ties

By Claudette Roulo

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, March 11, 2015 – The security ties between the United States and the United Kingdom are enduring and exceptional, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said today in a joint news conference with British Defense Secretary Michael C. Fallon.

For 200 years -- since the signing of the Treaty of Ghent, ending the war of 1812 -- service members from the U.S. and the U.K. have flown together, sailed together and fought together, Carter said.

“And our military collaboration in so many different areas -- from Iraq to Afghanistan -- reinforces the fact that our ‘special relationship’ is a cornerstone of both of our nations’ security,” he said.

The news conference was a first for both leaders -- it was Fallon’s first visit to the Pentagon and Carter’s first trip to the briefing room as defense secretary.

During their meeting before the news conference, the two secretaries discussed the “full scope of issues on which the United States and the United Kingdom are leading together around the world,” Carter said.

Multifaceted Partnership

The U.K. is a stalwart member of the global coalition fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, Carter said, noting British contributions in the air and on the ground.

“As we continue to support local forces, the United States is fortunate to have our British allies by our side,” he said.

From the beginning of combat operations in Afghanistan, the U.K. was steadfast in its support, Carter said, and it continues that support as the mission evolves by providing hundreds of troops to train, advise and assist Afghan security forces.

“Their efforts will be critical to making sure that our progress there sticks,” Carter said.

In the Baltics, the U.S. and U.K. are working together to reassure their transatlantic allies and deter further Russian aggression, he said.

Support to Ukraine

“The United States has been clear from the outset of the crisis in Ukraine that we support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine,” Carter said. “And we’ve been very clear that if Russia continues to flout the commitments it made in the September and February Minsk agreements, the costs to Russia will continue to rise -- including and especially through sanctions in coordination with our European allies and partners.”

The United States will continue to support Ukraine’s right to defend itself, he said. The White House announced today that it plans to provide Kiev with an additional $75 million in nonlethal security assistance and more than 200 Humvees, Carter noted.

“This brings U.S. security assistance to Ukraine to a total of nearly $200 million, with the new funds going towards unmanned aerial vehicles for improved surveillance, a variety of radios and other secure communications equipment, counter-mortar radars, military ambulances, first-aid kits and other medical supplies,” he said.

The additional assistance underscores the reassurance mission, Carter said, noting the impending arrival of troops and equipment from the U.S. Army’s 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division to train with regional allies as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve.

“And since Russia’s aggression began last year, the United Kingdom has also stepped up militarily, contributing to NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission and serving as a framework nation for NATO’s Very-high Readiness Joint Task Force,” he said.

NATO Endures

The NATO mission’s importance is demonstrated by alliance members’ commitment, agreed to last year in Wales, to invest two percent of their gross domestic product in defense, Carter said.

“Seventy years after we declared victory in Europe, our NATO allies -- and indeed the world -- still look to both [the U.S. and UK] as leaders,” he said. “And it’s clear that the threats and challenges we face -- whether they manifest through cyberattacks, ISIL’s foreign fighters, or Russian aircraft flying aggressively close to NATO’s airspace -- all of those will continue to demand our leadership.”

Leadership requires investment in innovation and modernized capabilities, in prudent reforms and in the forces necessary to meet national security obligations, Carter said.

“These are investments that both our nations -- and both our defense institutions -- must not only make, but embrace in the months and years to come,” he said.

By Claudette Roulo

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, March 11, 2015 – The security ties between the United States and the United Kingdom are enduring and exceptional, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said today in a joint news conference with British Defense Secretary Michael C. Fallon.

For 200 years -- since the signing of the Treaty of Ghent, ending the war of 1812 -- service members from the U.S. and the U.K. have flown together, sailed together and fought together, Carter said.

“And our military collaboration in so many different areas -- from Iraq to Afghanistan -- reinforces the fact that our ‘special relationship’ is a cornerstone of both of our nations’ security,” he said.

The news conference was a first for both leaders -- it was Fallon’s first visit to the Pentagon and Carter’s first trip to the briefing room as defense secretary.

During their meeting before the news conference, the two secretaries discussed the “full scope of issues on which the United States and the United Kingdom are leading together around the world,” Carter said.

Multifaceted Partnership

The U.K. is a stalwart member of the global coalition fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, Carter said, noting British contributions in the air and on the ground.

“As we continue to support local forces, the United States is fortunate to have our British allies by our side,” he said.

From the beginning of combat operations in Afghanistan, the U.K. was steadfast in its support, Carter said, and it continues that support as the mission evolves by providing hundreds of troops to train, advise and assist Afghan security forces.

“Their efforts will be critical to making sure that our progress there sticks,” Carter said.

In the Baltics, the U.S. and U.K. are working together to reassure their transatlantic allies and deter further Russian aggression, he said.

Support to Ukraine

“The United States has been clear from the outset of the crisis in Ukraine that we support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine,” Carter said. “And we’ve been very clear that if Russia continues to flout the commitments it made in the September and February Minsk agreements, the costs to Russia will continue to rise -- including and especially through sanctions in coordination with our European allies and partners.”

The United States will continue to support Ukraine’s right to defend itself, he said. The White House announced today that it plans to provide Kiev with an additional $75 million in nonlethal security assistance and more than 200 Humvees, Carter noted.

“This brings U.S. security assistance to Ukraine to a total of nearly $200 million, with the new funds going towards unmanned aerial vehicles for improved surveillance, a variety of radios and other secure communications equipment, counter-mortar radars, military ambulances, first-aid kits and other medical supplies,” he said.

The additional assistance underscores the reassurance mission, Carter said, noting the impending arrival of troops and equipment from the U.S. Army’s 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division to train with regional allies as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve.

“And since Russia’s aggression began last year, the United Kingdom has also stepped up militarily, contributing to NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission and serving as a framework nation for NATO’s Very-high Readiness Joint Task Force,” he said.

NATO Endures

The NATO mission’s importance is demonstrated by alliance members’ commitment, agreed to last year in Wales, to invest two percent of their gross domestic product in defense, Carter said.

“Seventy years after we declared victory in Europe, our NATO allies -- and indeed the world -- still look to both [the U.S. and UK] as leaders,” he said. “And it’s clear that the threats and challenges we face -- whether they manifest through cyberattacks, ISIL’s foreign fighters, or Russian aircraft flying aggressively close to NATO’s airspace -- all of those will continue to demand our leadership.”

Leadership requires investment in innovation and modernized capabilities, in prudent reforms and in the forces necessary to meet national security obligations, Carter said.

“These are investments that both our nations -- and both our defense institutions -- must not only make, but embrace in the months and years to come,” he said.

Army Chief: Readiness Degraded to Historically Low Levels

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, March 11, 2015 – Unrelenting budget constraints have degraded Army readiness and modernization to historically low levels, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno told a Senate panel here today.

Testifying before the Senate Appropriations Committee’s defense subcommittee alongside Army Secretary John M. McHugh, Odierno discussed the impact of sequestration on the Army’s readiness and modernization, and the risks of miscalculation and underinvestment.

Degraded Readiness

“This is not the time to be divesting … our military capabilities and capacities,” Odierno said. “But over the last three years we have done just that, decreasing the active component end strength by 80,000, and our National Guard and reserves by 18,000.”

“We have deactivated 13 active duty brigade combat teams,” he said, “and we are in the process of eliminating three active component combat aviation brigades.”

Citing the Aviation Restructure Initiative, Odierno said the Army is reducing its total aviation force by 800 aircraft, with almost 700 coming out of the active component.

“We have slashed our investments in modernization by 25 percent,” he said. “We’ve purged our most-needed infantry fighting vehicle modernization and scout helicopter developmental programs.

“The unrelenting budget impasse has also compelled us to degrade readiness to historically low levels,” Odierno continued. “Today, only 33 percent of our brigades are ready, when our sustained readiness rate should be closer to 70 percent.”

Compromises Equal Risk

The general said the Army’s compromises in modernization and readiness, combined with reductions to force size and capabilities, translate into strategic risk.

“We are unable to generate residual readiness to respond to unknown contingencies or to reinforce ongoing operations,” Odierno said.

“We have fewer soldiers,” he added, “the majority of whom are in units that are not ready. They are manning aging equipment at a time when a demand for Army forces is much higher than anticipated.”

Presidential Budget ‘Bare Minimum’

Odierno said President Barack Obama’s fiscal year 2016 budget proposal recognizes the Army’s challenges, but represents the “bare minimum” needed to execute the Army’s missions and meet the requirements of the national defense strategy.

“In order for this budget to work,” he said, “all of our proposed reforms in pay and compensation must be approved. All of our force structure reforms must be supported -- to include the Aviation Restructure Initiative.”

The Army must be allowed to eliminate $500 billion per year of excess infrastructure capacity, Odierno added.

“We can undertake the proposed reforms or we can accept increased risk,” he said. “If not approved, this equates to a potential $12 billion shortfall in our budget -- comprised of $6 billion in reforms and $6 billion in costs that are masked in [overseas contingency operations] funding that must ultimately transfer into our base budget.”

Further Reductions with Sequestration

During his testimony, Odierno emphasized that the return of sequestration would render the Army unable to meet the national defense strategy.

“Sequestration would compel us to reduce, even further, the Army end strength -- forcing out another 70,000 from the active component, 35,000 from the National Guard, and 10,000 from the Army Reserves,” he said.

“We would cut out 10 to 12 additional combat brigades,” Odierno added. “Modernization would come to a standstill, training would go unfunded, and readiness rates -- both unit and individual -- would fall to very low levels.”

Anything below the president’s budget, he said, will compromise strategic flexibility, because it would inadequately fund readiness.

“[Sequestration] further degrades an already underfunded modernization program,” Odierno said. “It impacts our ability to conduct simultaneous operations and shape regional security environments.”

Sequestration also puts into question the Army’s capacity to deter multiple adversaries,” he added.

Still Seeking Efficiencies

Despite confronting a fragile budget and looming Budget Control Act caps, Odierno said, the Army continues to seek efficiencies while adapting to an unstable world.

This is being done, he said, by taking advantage of the Army’s reset program to reduce depot maintenance by $3.2 billion dollars; a reduction in contractor logistics support for cost savings of nearly $2 billion; and identifying and avoiding costs in excess of $12 billion through the Aviation Restructure Initiative.

Odierno also said the Army has eliminated 12,000 positions by reducing all two-star level and above headquarters staffs by 25 percent, and reorganizing brigade combat teams to eliminate overhead and maximize combat capacity.

The Army continues to achieve individual and collective training efficiency as it moves forward, he said.

Inspired by Service

Odierno praised the Army’s men and women and said he was inspired by their “unparalleled experience and professionalism.”

The Army’s soldiers “demonstrate unwavering dedication and commitment to the mission, to the Army and to the nation,” he said.

Odierno said the Army has units engaged in Afghanistan, Iraq, Jordan, Kosovo and across the African continent.

“We [also] have rotational forces in Europe, Kuwait, and throughout the Pacific, to include Korea,” he added.

Odierno said the Army owes its soldiers “the right equipment, the best training, and the appropriate family programs, health care and compensation packages, commensurate with their sacrifices.”

The decisions the Army makes today and in the near future “will impact our soldiers, our Army, and our nation for the next 10 years,” Odierno said.

The general told legislators he is looking forward to working with them to solve these “difficult problems.”

America's New Greatest Generation

Commentary by Army Col. Michael J. Forsyth
Alaskan Command

3/11/2015 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- I hear it often stated that today's generation is nothing but slackers only concerned about gratifying themselves. I remember as a younger man that my parent's generation said the same thing about my generation and I suspect that my grandparents made similar statements about my parents. My grandparents sprang from the so-called 'Greatest Generation' whose moniker was popularized by Tom Brokaw's book chronicling the sacrifices made during World War II. While I hold the 'Greatest Generation' in high esteem - which includes multiple relatives who served overseas in World War II - the latest generation is proving that it deserves respect and recognition for enormous sacrifices in current conflicts.  Today's service members I believe represent America's New Greatest Generation.

Since 9/11, more than thirteen years ago, well over one million young Americans have volunteered to serve their country in a time of war. When the war began in October 2001 resulting in the toppling of the Taliban, there were over two million personnel serving in all components of the armed forces. A large number of these subsequently served and sacrificed in harm's way at some point over the last thirteen years, which is very commendable. However, all of those who have volunteered to serve since 9/11 have done so with the knowledge that they will most likely deploy into combat to Iraq, Afghanistan, or both. With this level of volunteerism in a volatile world, is it justifiable to say that this generation of Americans is any less deserving of esteem than previous generations?

The plight of today's service member is better than that of one from the 1940s.  In World War II there were no Gortex jackets for warmth, air conditioned barracks, or text messaging to stay in contact with family. Further, once inducted into service a young person from that generation would probably not see their family for years in many cases. But, today's generation has its own unique set of challenges to overcome. These include: a cycle of multiple one-year deployments; hard training between each deployment; and combat in extreme environments in Asia. The young people who volunteer to do this are certainly special because they do so with the knowledge that such hardships are part of their immediate future.

Most of today's volunteers are under the age of 29 and they come from every demographic of American society. They come from all 50 states and our territories and at home were either former high school athletes or couch potatoes playing video games. But, regardless of where they came from or what they did at home, they volunteered to serve in a time of war. The motivation behind volunteering might have been to have an adventure, earn college money, see the world, or to do something above satisfying self. Whatever the case, they came forward when the nation needed them and have offered themselves as a potential sacrifice to meet those needs.  Volunteering in today's armed services is an act deserving the highest order of respect.

One of these fine young people served in my battalion in Afghanistan in 2009.  Sergeant Elijah J. Rao volunteered to serve in the Army in 2004. His mother told me that he did this to ensure that the events of 9/11 would never again occur on American soil. Sergeant Rao became a field artillery meteorological crew member in a field artillery battalion and served a 15-month tour of duty in Iraq after enlisting.  In 2008 our battalion began preparations for a deployment to Afghanistan only weeks after the unit returned from Iraq. This training took Sergeant Rao away from his wife and child for weeks at a time as we readied for the Afghan battlefield.  The training included turning communicators, cooks, artillerymen, and meteorological crewmen into infantrymen. The battalion deployed in June 2009 and within the first several weeks was engaged in firefights on multiple occasions with the Taliban. On the 5th of December 2009 Sergeant Rao made the ultimate sacrifice in keeping our nation safe when he was killed by an improvised explosive device while patrolling with his platoon in western Nuristan Province, Afghanistan. This sacrifice is worthy of the greatest honor and it has been replayed over 6,000 times during the course of this conflict. Thus, Sergeant Rao is representative of the New Greatest Generation.

Today's generation is a reflection of our society and services from generations past. I remember in the 1980s having many Vietnam veterans who trained and mentored me as I began my service to the nation. These men were in turn trained by the heroes of World War II and Korea and they inculcated a sense of duty in the next generation who wanted to emulate the liberators of Europe and the Pacific. But, the 'Greatest Generation' also had mentors who sprang from a generation of doughboys that burst on the scene in Europe to end the tragedy of the Great War. Before them was a generation of Civil War veterans who saved the Union in the mid-19th century. This thread of tradition, service, and sacrifice traces all the way back to the roots of our nation during the American Revolution. Here a ragtag band of young people with a desire for freedom came together to inaugurate a new nation. With their sacrifices began a long line of future generations that answered the call in war and performed with dignity and honor. Today's generation is their legacy and that legacy has passed through each succeeding generation to maintain service traditions and preserve our great nation. Thus, today's service member is a reflection from a distant mirror of great Americans.

This generation of American service members will pass on the precious legacy they received to yet another new generation. That generation, I am quite sure, will have ill words spoken of it denigrating their values, work ethic, and dedication just as each previous generation.  Nevertheless, from today's service members and that future generation will come tomorrow's teachers, civic leaders, youth coaches, entrepreneurs, and statesmen. Inculcated with the values passed on from previous generations they will ensure that America remains the greatest nation on earth because it is a place of freedom with responsibility. Our charter as the 'older' generation is to pass on the values and traditions - i.e. the legacy - of our forebears so that they can carry America forward.

Today's young people are probably about the same as all previous generations;  they are immature and full of energy channeled in various directions as we would expect all young people to be. Volunteering for service to the nation is a crucible by which this and every other generation proves its mettle. Today's service members have proven that they are worthy of praise as much as any from the past. They will take the mantle of leadership and become the standard bearers of tomorrow. We must mentor them to reach their full potential for a bright future rather than berating them for any shortcomings. If we do, then based on the example of service today's young men and women have demonstrated, they will earn the sobriquet of America's New Greatest Generation.

RAF Mildenhall firefighter aims high at USMC SNCO academy

by Karen Abeyasekere
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

3/9/2015 - RAF MILDENHALL, England  -- A 100th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter has been selected to attend the U.S. Marine Corps Staff NCO Academy March 2 to April 18, 2015, in Quantico, Virginia.

Due to attend the senior NCO academy, Master Sgt. Kenneth Wobse, 100th Air Refueling Wing superintendent of wing plans and programs from St. Paul, Minnesota, wanted to take the challenge a step further, and applied to be part of the Marines' course for senior NCOs instead.

"I've been deployed before with other branches of service and I like working with them - they have a different take on things," explained Wobse. "I was really interested in working with them and learning how they handle certain challenges they face as senior NCOs."

After going through a vetting process, 100th ARW leadership submitted a package to U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Force Africa. The USAFE-AFAFRICA command chief then selected Wobse and eight other Airmen from the major command to compete at Air Force level. The final selection was made by Chief Master Sgt. James A. Cody, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, for those Airmen to represent the Air Force throughout the upcoming months amongst a large group of elite senior enlisted Marines at the equivalent of the U.S. Air Force Senior NCO Academy.

The firefighter is one of six Airmen attending the current class, focusing on building leadership qualities alongside 22 Marines. The other Airmen will attend the Marine academy later this year.

"I want to make sure that they get a good representation of the Air Force, and show them that we put a lot of value in our senior NCOs as well," he said.

While Wobse understands the academy will have its share of challenges, he's looking forward to the opportunities he faces while there.

"Networking with the sister service means I'll meet other people," Wobse added. "My career field of fire protection is small, and our school is a joint one between all branches of service, so we work with Marines in fire protection. Also, I'm looking forward to having the chance to perform alongside Marines and having the chance to undergo their physical fitness program - everyone I've spoken with says it's very rigorous, and I'm excited about that!"

Wobse said he'd looked at the Marines' fitness standards before leaving for the class. They have a 3-mile run rather than a 1.5-mile run, and include pull-ups in their physical fitness, along with sit-ups.

There are two different types of physical fitness test; in addition to the PFT, there is the combat fitness test.

The PFT is mandatory to graduate the course with a passing score, while the CFT has additional fitness tasks, just to go above and beyond the regular standard.

Wobse already has personal goals in mind for his time at the academy.

"They have three categories of fitness and I'd like to break into 'first class' - their top tier of fitness," he said. "Of course, I want to finish toward the top of my class; I read the Marine Corps requirements for when they go to sister service academies, and it said something to the effect of, 'As a Marine, you are expected to finish at the top of your class.' I'd like to hold myself to that same standard, and finish toward the top."

Being one of just six Airmen in the sister service's senior NCO class means the master sergeant has a chance to bring something extra to the forefront.

"I'm looking forward to representing my service," he said. "I want to show them we have a lot of things we can share with other branches of the service, even though we're relatively young."

Wobse is looking forward to having the experience of the U.S. Marine Corps Staff NCO Academy under his belt.

"Senior NCO academy is like a rite of passage for every master sergeant that hopes to be promoted to senior master sergeant," he said. "I think this will give me a different perspective than the majority of my peers will have, and I think that will make me more beneficial in a joint environment."

The firefighter proved he'd earned his place at the challenging academy. He was named 2014 Fire Officer of the Year for USAFE-AFAFRICA, and promotion results released March 5 announced Wobse has earned the rank of senior master sergeant.

"I've never found out that I've been selected for promotion while I was at home station," he said before the results were announced. "I've always either been on leave or TDY, so the timing works out well for me, being superstitious as I am. I'm hoping third time's a charm!"

Wobse's leadership has complete confidence in him, and said he's one of the 100th CES's sharpest NCOs.

"He's the perfect example to represent the 100th ARW and the Air Force at the USMC Staff NCO Academy," said Lt. Col. Kevin Parker, 100th CES commander. "I've had several opportunities to observe Ken's leadership skills, and he always stands out. While serving in my squadron at a deployed location, he ran fire department operations at a base with several thousand personnel from joint services on a daily basis.

"It was no surprise to me that he volunteered for the challenge of attending joint professional military education with the Marine Corps, and it will be no surprise to me when he performs well there. I know the Marines attending and instructing the school will get a good idea of what the Air Force's sharpest SNCOs are like when they interact with Master Sgt. Wobse," he said.