DoD Outlines Strategies to Counter Chinese Aggression

By Terri Moon Cronk

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, May 14, 2015 – While China’s land reclamation and maritime disputes in the South China Sea are troubling, they are nothing new, the assistant secretary of defense for Asian and Pacific security affairs told a Senate panel yesterday.

David B. Shear told Senate Foreign Relations Committee members that China’s acts of aggression are “decades old,” and he outlined ongoing Defense Department actions to safeguard American interests in the South China Sea.

Although several nations and territories in the Asia-Pacific region also have set up outposts, “China’s 2,000-acre reclamation since 2014 dwarfs the other claimants,” and suggests new and troubling changes in the regional status quo, Shear said.

China’s actions could pose a range of military implications, he said, such as developing long-range radars and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft to berthing deeper-draft ships and developing a diversion airfield for carrier-based aircraft.

Protecting U.S. Interests

The United States has made its views on China’s activities “crystal clear” on multiple occasions at the senior–most levels, Shear told panel members.

U.S. interests, he added, include “peaceful resolution of disputes, freedom of navigation and overflight, unimpeded lawful commerce, respect for international law, and the maintenance of peace and stability.”

Shear said DoD is ensuring that U.S. interests in the South China Sea are adequately protected by assessing the military implications of land reclamation and “taking effective and appropriate action” using four approaches:

First is modernizing important alliances with Japan, the Philippines and Australia, he said. Shear noted the new defense cooperation guidelines between the U.S. and Japan, in addition to enhanced cooperation with the Philippines and the force posture agreement with Australia that each allow rotational U.S. forces to be stationed on allied ground.

Greater Regional Visibility

Second, DoD is adopting a “more geographically distributed, operationally resilient and politically sustainable defense posture throughout the region,” Shear said.

Rotational deployments of littoral combat ships to Singapore is the Navy’s first sustained presence in Southeast Asia since the U.S. Navy Base at Subic Bay closed in the early 1990s, he pointed out.

DoD also has enhanced in-theater assets for greater visibility in the region by conducting port calls in the South China Sea, flying regular regional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, performing exercises with allies and the ongoing U.S. ship presence in the region.

Third, DoD helps regional governments improve their maritime security capacities and domain awareness, such as helping with the Philippines’ national coastal watch system, he said.

Last, DoD is trying to “reduce the risk of miscalculation and unintentional conflict with China through healthy but prudent military-to-military engagement,” Shear said.

While the assistant secretary said he shares the committee’s concerns, he added, “In addition to building our own capabilities, we’re building closer, more effective partnerships with our allies and partners in the region to promote peace and stability.”

Carter, Saudi Leader Discuss Defense Relationship

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, May 14, 2015 – Defense Secretary Ash Carter met yesterday with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Defense Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss the U.S.-Saudi bilateral defense relationship, according to a Defense Department news release.

The meeting was held ahead of Prince Mohammed's scheduled visit to Camp David today, as part of the U.S.-Gulf Cooperation Council summit, the release said.

Carter emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Saudi strategic partnership and reiterated both countries shared commitment to ensuring a stable and secure Middle East, the release said. He also pointed out the importance of working together through bilateral security cooperation to confront the most pressing security challenges in the region.

According to the release, the meeting ended with a discussion of regional issues, including the GCC-led air campaign in Yemen, the coalition countering the Islamic State in the Levant and ongoing regional negotiations. It was the first face-to-face meeting of the two defense leaders, and at its conclusion, the secretary and the deputy crown prince committed to continuing close consultation on Middle East security issues, the release said.

Task Force Continues Humanitarian Aid, Missing Helo Search in Nepal

From a Joint Task Force 505 News Release

KATHMANDU, Nepal, May 14, 2015 – Joint Task Force 505 is continuing efforts to find a missing U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Huey helicopter, as well as to provide humanitarian aid and disaster relief for the country of Nepal.

So far, two UH-1Y Hueys, two MV-22 Ospreys, one Indian Mi-17 and three Nepalese helicopters have searched for the Huey that went missing May 12 near Charikot, Nepal, while conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. Augmenting the aerial search are Nepalese troops -- a special forces platoon and a battalion-sized element.

U.S. Marine Huey and Osprey aircraft delivered 174,706 pounds of emergency relief supplies since Operation Sahayogi Haat began. The supplies included plastic sheeting, shelter kits, blankets, food, water and medical materials. In addition to delivering aid, task force-assigned aircraft have conducted 459 personnel transports and 52 casualty evacuations.

JTF 505 will replace the two Hueys operating in Nepal to allow for routine maintenance. One Huey assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469 is scheduled to arrive in Nepal Friday, May 15. Also, one Huey assigned to HMLA-269 will arrive in Nepal Saturday, May 16. Both aircraft will be transported using U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft assigned to the 535th Airlift Squadron on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. All aircraft are operating in support of relief efforts.

Police Week: Holloman Special Response Team

by Airman 1st Class Emily A. Kenney
49th Wing Public Affairs

5/13/2015 - HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- "Police week is very important to me, especially now with the current challenges today's law enforcement officers face," said Staff Sgt. Anthony Harmon, 49th Security Forces Squadron Special Response Team, entry team leader. "It's a time to reflect on the good and bad. In our career field, we have lost many brothers and sisters in combat, performing law enforcement duties, accidents, diseases and even the battle against Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. During Police Week, I reflect on how to make positive change for those who are following in my foot steps by providing leadership and mentorship that I have been given over the years."

Harmon, a Maryland native, is among an elite few members of Security Forces known as the Special Reaction Team.

"SRT is a force multiplier for the wing and is a last resort solution," said Harmon. "Not every Security Forces member is trained in hostage or barricaded subject tactics and procedures, but the SRT is."

SRT is primarily used for high risk operations such as drug raids, surveillance and protective service details, and they have high standards to join their team.

"We maintain the same standards provided by the U.S. Army SRT," said Harmon. "Members must be physically fit, excellent marksmen, and mentally prepared. When an individual wishes to try out, they must complete a physical fitness test, obstacle course, and fire the FBI SWAT marksmanship qualification. We have many people try out, and many don't make it. People can always try out again, but being on the team is not for everybody."

SRT is critical to not only managing and deescalating situations, but also protecting all those involved.

"Not only is saving victims' lives important, but if we can get a subject out safely without shots being fired then it's a win-win situation."

Harmon has been part of the SRT at Holloman since 2014, and said his favorite part of his job is training with various state and federal agencies.

"I really enjoy the joint-training scenarios we conduct with other agencies," Harmon said. "The bonds we build with other state and federal teams have really helped us with our training. By July, we will have every member certified either through the U.S. Army SRT School, or the Las Cruces Basic SWAT course, and that's a first ever for Holloman."

Harmon said one of his favorite memories is when his team competed in the Elite Tactical Challenge last September.

During the day-long competition, Holloman's SRT competed against the U.S. Border Patrol Tactical Unit, U.S. Army Special Forces, U.S. Army Rangers, U.S. Marshalls and the El Paso police in team movements, obstacle courses and marksmanship up to 800 meters.

"The best part of the competition was when our marksman observer had the opportunity to fire from an airborne platform," Harmon said. "He had the opportunity to give our team bonus points by firing at eight targets from the helicopter, while moving. Being part of a group that loves to exceed the standard, and where every member pushes themselves to the limits is my favorite part of being on the SRT."

Although SRT is unique in their mission, Harmon said they are all Security Forces members at their core.

"My team has a unique capability, I still look at us as a squad of Security Forces members," Harmon said. "Security Forces not only has the law enforcement mission, but we also have air base defense, security and even nuclear security missions. We have to become experts in all field to become proficient. Through my experiences, I feel that I can provide a better picture to the younger airmen in the squadron. No matter what specific unit we are with, we have to learn to adapt and always complete the mission."