GENERAL DEMPSEY SAYS CYBER AMONG TOP THREATS

FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT

Right:  Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, talks to about 700 attendees during a student conference on national affairs at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, Feb. 19, 2015. DoD photo by D. Myles Cullen.  

Dempsey: Russia, Terrorists, Cyber Among Top Threats
By Lisa Ferdinando
DoD News, Defense Media Activity

COLLEGE STATION, Texas, Feb. 19, 2015 – The global security environment contains a host of threats, including Russian aggression that threatens NATO allies, and the violent extremists network from western Pakistan to north Africa, said the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey spoke today at a student conference on national affairs at Texas A&M University, rounding out a two-day visit to the campus.
He outlined his "two, two, two and one" view on national security, which is comprised of two heavyweights, two middleweights, two networks and one domain.

Russia is included as a heavyweight, along with China.
Russia ‘Lit a Fire’

Russia "lit a fire of ethnicity and nationalism that actually threatens to burn out of control," he said. "And in so doing, they are threatening our NATO allies."
Dempsey said it is hard to imagine that in 2015 there would be that kind of conflict and "those kind of instincts" that are coming to the front again in Europe.
The human suffering in Ukraine is "atrocious," he said.

"It's almost unimaginable," the chairman told the audience, which included members of the Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets, other university students and members of the military.

The United States is working with its NATO allies, he said, to reassure the alliance and also try to assist Eastern Europe, including non-NATO countries, in "suppressing this effort to rekindle fires that haven’t burned in Europe" in 70 years.

China Reemerging

On the other heavyweight, China, he said that nation is reemerging on the global scene. It is a very strong economic country that is becoming militarily strong, the chairman said.

The United States will continue to work with China in managing any differences, he said.

"We'll be competitors but it doesn’t mean, I think, we'll have to be enemies," he said. "We're working hard to do that."

Middleweight Powers: Iran, North Korea

The two middleweights are Iran and North Korea.

The United States is working with its partners to try to convince Iran to seek a diplomatic resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue, he said. Western nations contend that Iran is seeking nuclear weapons, while Tehran says its nuclear ambitions are for peaceful purposes.

"We are working hard to reach a negotiated settlement on their nuclear program, but we shouldn’t forget there are other issues which cause us concern about Iran," the chairman said, noting those concerns include Iran being a state sponsor of terrorism.

Networks and Cyber Domain

The two networks Dempsey talked about in his speech are the violent extremist network from western Pakistan to northern Africa, and the transnational criminal network that runs north and south in the Western Hemisphere. The domain is cyber.

The transregional network of al-Qaida, Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, and other terrorists are competing for a radical, anti-Western ideology that is fomenting the internal challenges of Islam's Sunni and Shia, he said.

"That network is transregional,” he said. “It will take a generation or more to be defeated and it will take persistence on our part and working closely and most often through partners and hardening our allies in order to deal with it."

To combat both the extremist and transnational criminal networks, they need to be "pressed" across their entire length, not just "pinched" in a spot, the chairman said.

"You have to interdict the financing; you have to interdict the flow of foreign fighters or criminals. It takes a really broad effort with partners to deal with that," he said.

Finally, on the domain of cyber, he said, "we've got a lot of work to do. We've made some strides, some pretty significant strides, militarily in particular in terms of defending ourselves."

But the general said despite the security in military networks, 90 percent of his administration and logistics functions ride on commercial Internet providers.
"So if they're vulnerable, I'm vulnerable and I don't like being vulnerable," he said.

Action in securing this domain, he said, includes legislation that establishes a common set of standards on Internet security, and allows information sharing between the government and the private sector.

From College Station, Dempsey travels on to Kwajalein Atoll and Australia.

PRESIDENT'S STATEMENT ON END OF COMBAT MISSION IN AFGHANISTAN

FROM:  THE WHITE HOUSE PRESIDENT 
December 28, 2014
Statement by the President on the End of the Combat Mission in Afghanistan

Today's ceremony in Kabul marks a milestone for our country. For more than 13 years, ever since nearly 3,000 innocent lives were taken from us on 9/11, our nation has been at war in Afghanistan. Now, thanks to the extraordinary sacrifices of our men and women in uniform, our combat mission in Afghanistan is ending, and the longest war in American history is coming to a responsible conclusion.

On this day we give thanks to our troops and intelligence personnel who have been relentless against the terrorists responsible for 9/11--devastating the core al Qaeda leadership, delivering justice to Osama bin Laden, disrupting terrorist plots and saving countless American lives. We are safer, and our nation is more secure, because of their service. At the same time, our courageous military and diplomatic personnel in Afghanistan--along with our NATO allies and coalition partners--have helped the Afghan people reclaim their communities, take the lead for their own security, hold historic elections and complete the first democratic transfer of power in their country's history.

We honor the profound sacrifices that have made this progress possible. We salute every American--military and civilian, including our dedicated diplomats and development workers--who have served in Afghanistan, many on multiple tours, just as their families have sacrificed at home. We pledge to give our many wounded warriors, with wounds seen and unseen, the world-class care and treatment they have earned. Most of all, we remember the more than 2,200 American patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan, and we pledge to stand with their Gold Star families who need the everlasting love and support of a grateful nation.

Afghanistan remains a dangerous place, and the Afghan people and their security forces continue to make tremendous sacrifices in defense of their country. At the invitation of the Afghan government, and to preserve the gains we have made together, the United States--along with our allies and partners--will maintain a limited military presence in Afghanistan to train, advise and assist Afghan forces and to conduct counterterrorism operations against the remnants of al Qaeda. Our personnel will continue to face risks, but this reflects the enduring commitment of the United States to the Afghan people and to a united, secure and sovereign Afghanistan that is never again used as a source of attacks against our nation.

These past 13 years have tested our nation and our military. But compared to the nearly 180,000 American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan when I took office, we now have fewer than 15,000 in those countries. Some 90 percent of our troops are home. Our military remains the finest in the world, and we will remain vigilant against terrorist attacks and in defense of the freedoms and values we hold dear. And with growing prosperity here at home, we enter a new year with new confidence, indebted to our fellow Americans in uniform who keep us safe and free.

U.S. EXTENDS WARM WISHES TO PEOPLE OF POLAND ON THEIR CONSTITUTION DAY

FROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT 
On the Occasion of Poland's Constitution Day
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
May 1, 2014

On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I extend warm wishes to the people of Poland on the 223rd anniversary of your constitution on May 3.

I had the privilege of traveling to Poland as Secretary of State in November. I’ll never forget standing at the gravesite of former Prime Minister Mazowiecki. It was deeply moving to lay a wreath on behalf of the people of the United States in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the cause of freedom and human rights.

The United States and Poland share a remarkable history. It’s been well over two centuries since George Washington and Casimir Pulaski stood side by side as America was struggling for freedom. And it’s safe to say that our two countries have stood side by side ever since.

Today, Poland is a model of successful democratic transition for many nations and a powerful reminder that investment in democratic institutions creates the conditions for prosperity. We especially appreciate Poland’s support for the people of Ukraine as they move forward on constitutional reform and elections.

As NATO Allies, the U.S.-Poland security partnership is stronger than ever. U.S. and Polish forces train together in Poland and our troops fight together in Afghanistan. As I said during my visit to Poland last year, our strategic partnership remains strong and the U.S. supports Poland’s defense modernization.

As you celebrate Constitution Day, we offer the people of Poland our warmest wishes and look forward to strengthening the Polish-American relationship in the years to come.

U.S. CONGRATULATES POLAND ON THEIR CONSTITUTIION DAY

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

On the Occasion of Poland's Constitution Day
Press Statement
John Kerry
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
May 1, 2013
　

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to send best wishes to the people of Poland as you celebrate the 222nd anniversary of your constitution this May 3.

Poland continues to inspire advocates of freedom around the world and set an example of steadfast engagement on behalf of prosperity, democracy, and security.

The Polish people know how important and difficult it is to stand up to tyranny. We particularly appreciate Poland’s leadership in the Community of Democracies, and the tangible support Poland has provided for emerging civil societies from Eastern Europe to North Africa. We value our extensive security relationship with Poland, including as NATO Allies, and are proud to serve alongside Polish soldiers in Afghanistan.

As you celebrate Constitution Day, know that the United States stands with you. Ours is an alliance based on the ties of family, a love of freedom, and a shared vision based on common values.

This inspires both our nations as we work toward a free, prosperous, and democratic world.

U.S. EUROPEAN COMMAND CONTINUES "ROBUST EXERCISE PROGRAM"

FROM:  AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE 

An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 480th Fighter Squadron takes off from Konya, Turkey, during Exercise Anatolian Falcon 2012, March 12, 2012. U.S. and Turkish air forces exercise air interdiction, attack, air superiority, defense suppression, airlift, air refueling and reconnaissance capabilities. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Wilson  

Eucom Exercises Adapt to Operational, Fiscal Environment

By Donna Miles

American Forces Press Service

STUTTGART, Germany , May 9, 2012 - Budget tightening won't mean an end to U.S. European Command's robust exercise program, but it could bring big changes to the program that keeps U.S. and allied forces at the top of their game, Eucom officials here said.

In fact, as operations wind down in Afghanistan, Navy Vice Adm. Charles Martoglio, Eucom's deputy commander, told American Forces Press Service he expects an increase in U.S. exercises with NATO allies and other partners.

U.S. participation dropped measurably over the past decade because forces were tied up in real-world events in the Middle East, he said. But as those forces return, he said, the exercise program will become key to maintaining their combat edge and the interoperability developed working on the ground, in the air and at sea.

"We do not want to lose this muscle that we have built with our partners," agreed Navy Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery, Eucom's deputy director of plans, policy and strategy.

Building on those hard-earned skills will be critical to sustaining NATO into the future, Martoglio said. "So we have to look toward ensuring interoperability of those forces and routinely training together so that if we have to conduct high-end operations, we have the ability to work together from a technical perspective, and the skills to work together from a training perspective," he said.

Throughout its history, Eucom has aligned its exercise program to changing geopolitical conditions and challenges, said Marine Corps Col. Edward Bligh, chief of the command's joint training, readiness and exercise division.

During the Cold War, exercises focused on a land battle in the Fulda Gap. After the Berlin Wall fell, they shifted toward building partnerships with new Eastern European democracies.

Then, after the 9/11 terror attacks, exercise planners moved into high gear to prepare U.S. and coalition forces for deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq.

"The people who fight with us downrange are coming from our [combatant command area of responsibility]," Bligh said. "So to ensure they are capable and ready to go, our exercise program has been highly focused on International Security Assistance Force preparation."

Now, as Eucom continues to support that training mission, Bligh and his fellow planners are looking toward the next challenge. "How can we sustain that partnership capacity and build on it and go to that next tier, whatever that may be?" he said.

It's a question being asked within the context of looming budget cuts that will have a direct impact on the exercise program.

The simple answer would be to eliminate or scale back some of the command's 20-plus annual exercises. But Bligh said he sees another trend: more targeted engagements focused on specific capabilities and partners and directly in line with contingency plans.

That, he said, means basing scenarios not just on current threats, but also on emerging ones ranging from ballistic missiles to cyber-attacks.

Bligh also projected that some exercises will be combined, he said. This year, for example, Austere Challenge, an annual senior-level decision-making exercise, is being combined with Juniper Cobra, a combined air defense exercise between the United States and Israel.

Although doing so is a significant challenge for exercise planners -- who must build enough into the scenarios to keep all players engaged at both the tactical and strategic levels -- it stands to reduce costs and streamline planning efforts, the colonel explained.

Bligh said he also anticipates more regionally focused exercises and increased engagement with Turkey, Poland, Russia and Israel, nations specifically identified in the command's theater engagement plan.

The recent Anatolian Falcon 2012 exercise between U.S. and Turkish air forces, for example, was designed to test the two countries' military interoperability as they conducted a variety of air missions.

A new exercise for fiscal 2013, Saber Guardian, will bring together about 150 U.S. Army Europe soldiers and their Romanian counterparts as part of a broader effort to build partnerships in the Black Sea region.

Although the United States traditionally has sponsored exercises and invited other allies and partners to participate, Bligh said, U.S. forces will increasingly participate in other countries' exercises. This year, for example, U.S. Army Europe plans to send troops to a land-forces exercise hosted by Poland. As that program matures, Bligh envisions that U.S. Air Forces Europe also could participate.

"We are attending another nation's exercise at a fraction of the cost of us hosting our own," he said.

In another promising development, more partner nations are beginning to exercise together, independent of the United States. Bulgaria, for example, now hosts its own regional energy security exercise, Energy Flame, for its Balkan neighbors, using simulation capabilities the United States spent the past 10 to 15 years helping the Bulgarians build.

"They run it and do the whole show," Bligh said. "Not only do they have the capability to run a very sophisticated exercise out of their own simulation center, but they have graduated to a degree that they are able to share that capability in constructive ways with their Balkan neighbors. So that, to us, is a real success story."

Although sustaining partner-nation capacity will remain a command priority, Air Force Lt. Col. Phil Everitte, Eucom's exercise branch chief, said he expects the exercise program to also put increasing emphasis on putting contingency plans to practice.

"Since money is tight, we want to do things more smartly," he said. "That means being more focused on contingencies – basically our wartime tasking and our core missions. So we are trying to lead our program in that direction."

F-16'S ENGAGE MIG'S OVER BULGARIA DURING THRACIAN STAR 2012

FROM:  U.S. AIR FORCE
Col. David Walker, 31st Operations Group and Thracian Star 2012 detachment commander, and Capt. Petar Milkov, Bulgarian air force MiG-29 pilot, prepare to fly in an F-16 Fighting Falcon April 19, 2012, at Graf Ignatievo Air Force Base, Bulgaria. More than 500 people are deployed here from the 31st Fighter Wing in support of the month-long coalition training exercise aimed at increasing interoperability between NATO allies. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Katherine Windish)

F-16s, MiGs engage over Bulgarian skies 
by Senior Airman Katherine Windish
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

4/26/2012 - GRAF IGNATIEVO AIR BASE, Bulgaria (AFNS) -- U.S. pilots from the 555th and 510th Fighter Squadrons based out of Aviano Air Base, Italy, have been given a rare opportunity to train and share experiences with Bulgarian air force MiG-21 and MiG-29 pilots during their deployment here in support of Thracian Star 2012.

Since the start of the training mission on April 18, Bulgarian and American pilots have been flying together and working toward the goal of the exercise: to strengthen partnerships, increase interoperability between NATO allies and maintain a standard of excellence.

Throughout the month-long bilateral training exercise, Aviano F-16 Fighting Falcon pilots will spend more than 60 hours per week flying close air support, basic fighter and air combat maneuvers, tactical intercepts, defensive counter air and large force missions with Bulgarian MiG-21 and MiG-29 pilots.


"We are performing the same mission sets we do at home station, but we are integrating the Bulgarian pilots into the training," said Capt. Bryan Faughn, 555th FS F-16 pilot. "It gives us an opportunity to see how another country's air force works. They are a professional air force just like we are and they take pride in what they do. We are gaining experience while working with an international partner - it's a unique opportunity."

To gain better insight into both the tactics of the pilots and the capabilities of the different aircraft, pilots have gone on ride-along flights in the other country's jets.

Capt. Kirby Sanford, 555th FS F-16 pilot, was the first American pilot to get the opportunity to ride in a MiG.

"It was truly an awesome, once-in-a-lifetime experience," Sanford said about his flight. "It really highlighted the advantages of both aircraft and showcased the mindset, skills and techniques of the Bulgarians."

"Though the MiG is an older aircraft, it is still a very capable aircraft," he continued. "It just goes to show that even an older aircraft can be a formidable adversary with the right pilot."

Bulgarian air force Capt. Petar Milkov, was the first MiG-29 pilot to fly in an F-16 during Thracian Star 2012. The aircraft was piloted by Col. David Walker, 31st Operations Group and Thracian Star detachment commander.

"I was very impressed by the cockpit ergonomics, ease of flight and mission complexity," said Milkov. "This bilateral training with my American colleagues is a great chance to extend our partnership in a professional, cultural and personal manner. I also hope to enrich my personal experience and make new contacts."