U.S. CENTCOM TELLS REPORTERS THINGS WILL 'CONTINUE TO EBB AND FLOW'

FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Centcom Officials ‘Confident’ Iraqi Security Forces Will Recover Ramadi
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, May 20, 2015 – The loss of Ramadi is a setback, but U.S. Central Command officials are confident Iraqi security forces will take back the city in the near term, a Centcom spokesman said today.

During a conference call with Pentagon reporters, Air Force Col. Patrick Ryder provided an update on current operations against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in the combatant command’s areas of responsibility.

“From our perspective,” he said, “what happened at Ramadi was a setback -- certainly concerning, but the fact is it’s a tough fight. As we’ve said before, there’s going to be good days and bad days, and things will continue to ebb and flow.”

“We are confident that the Iraqis, with coalition support, will recover Ramadi,” Ryder said. “We will continue to work closely with the government of Iraq and Iraqi security force leadership as they plan their next move to take back the city.”

Success in Other Areas

Ryder pointed out Iraqi security forces have had success fighting in other areas of the country and said Ramadi is “one piece of a larger fight.”

Looking at the overall situation in Iraq, he said, security forces have achieved some “good effects” in simultaneous operations in Karmah, Tikrit and Baghdadi and while providing security in support of the Kadhimiya pilgrimage.

“In the north, the Peshmerga continue to conduct effective combat operations,” Ryder said. “Kurdish fighters in northeast Syria have done very well, and really represent a hostile force in ISIL’s backyard that has caused them some significant problems there.”

The colonel emphasized he was not minimizing the significance of the setback in Ramadi, nor suggesting it was not important.

“Every square inch of Iraq is important, and liberating every square inch of territory occupied by ISIL is important,” Ryder said. “But again, I’d ask you to look at the bigger picture here. Understand that combat is not always linear, and there will be setbacks, and there will be victories."

With a 60-nation coalition backing the Iraqis as they lead this fight, Ryder said there is confidence that they will retain the momentum against ISIL, and ultimately, defeat them.

U.S.-trained Iraqi Forces

Ryder noted 7,000 U.S.-trained Iraqi security forces have graduated and returned to the field -- primarily in the north and the south of Iraq, where they have conducted “effective” operations.

“They have performed as you would expect an army infantry maneuver unit to perform -- exercising good command and control in the field,” he said.

Of note, Ryder said none of those forces were at Ramadi, but “we have seen that the forces that have graduated have done well.”

“We are continuing to work with Iraq to help their forces develop and regenerate their combat capability,” he said, “and so in the days ahead, it will be important for the [Iraqi security forces] to continue to keep pressure on ISIL.”

Through training, the advise-and-assist mission, building partner capacity sites and coalition air power efforts, Ryder said, “we’re confident that we have the right strategy at this time to degrade and defeat ISIL.”

DOD UPDATE ON TARGET COUNTS FOR IRAQ-SYRIA

FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT

Right:  A U.S. Central Command chart provides a breakdown of Operation Inherent Resolve targets since Operation Inherent Resolve airstrikes began Aug. 8, 2014. U.S. Central Command graphic.  

Central Command Updates Iraq-Syria Target Counts
By Cheryl Pellerin
DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, March 19, 2015 – U.S. Central Command officials released an update today on the number of targets hit by the United States and the
international coalition in Iraq and Syria since Operation Inherent Resolve began, Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Steve Warren told reporters here today.
During a daily briefing, Warren said that through yesterday, the international coalition had struck 5,314 targets since operations began Aug. 8.

The coalition has conducted 2,893 airstrikes -- 1,631 in Iraq and 1,262 in Syria. Total U.S. airstrikes numbered 2,320 -- 1,151 in Iraq and 1,169 in Syria.
Warren said 2,875 U.S. forces were in Iraq as of yesterday.

Target Types

From the Centcom report, Warren highlighted some of the target types hit in Iraq and Syria.

In the target count as of yesterday, for example, coalition forces had hit 73 tanks, 282 Humvees, 408 staging areas, 736 buildings, more than 1,000 fighting positions and -- significantly, he said -- 87 oil collection points.

As of March 12, Warren said, the total cost of operations related to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, since kinetic operations began was $1.83 billion.

The average daily cost is $8.5 million, he added.

Events in Iraq and Syria

Also related to operations in Iraq and Syria, Warren discussed an ISIL drone destroyed near Fallujah yesterday and a remotely piloted aircraft downed in Syria on March 17.

On the ISIL drone, Warren said the department had assessed it to be a commercially available remotely piloted “model airplane,” and the sort of device that anyone could buy commercially.

“The drone was not shot down,” he said. “We observed it flying for about 20 minutes, we observed it land, we observed the enemy place the drone in the trunk of a car and we struck the car, destroying the vehicle and the model airplane,” and presumably killing the pilot.

“To my knowledge, this is the first time we have observed ISIL using this type of equipment,” Warren said, describing the drone as hand-held and small.

On the remotely piloted aircraft downed in Syria, Warren confirmed that at about 1:40 p.m. EST on March 17, U.S. military controllers lost contact with an unarmed U.S. MQ-1 Predator remotely piloted aircraft operating over northwestern Syria.

“We are looking into the incident and will provide more details when available,” he said.

COUNTER-ISIL PLANNING CONFERENCE ENDS

FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT 
Counter-ISIL Coalition Planning Conference Concludes
From a U.S. Central Command News Release

TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 21, 2014 – A counter- Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant operational planning conference featuring military planners from 33 nations and hosted by U.S. Central Command Nov. 12 to 21 concluded today at MacDill Air Force Base here.

The conference included nearly 200 coalition participants, who worked together to synchronize and refine coalition campaign plans designed to degrade and defeat ISIL.

“This conference brought the very best plans officers from nations within the Central Region and coalition partners from around the world," said British Army Brig. Gen. Gary C. Deakin, Deputy Director of U.S. Central Command Strategy, Plans and Policy. “What I experienced, as the officer tasked to lead the planning effort, was the strength, level of determination, and scale of commitment of these 33 nations to defeat ISIL. This is perhaps the strongest coalition I have had the privilege of serving in. Our regional partners were particularly impressed by the depth of coalition support and collective will to prevail against ISIL in order to stabilize the region.”

Coalition Partners Tackle Train, Advise, Assist Planning

A major focus of the 10-day conference was to further develop coalition plans to help train, advise and assist Iraqi Security Forces so that Iraq is better able to regenerate its combat power, counter ISIL and ultimately provide for its own security. Attendees were able to solidify plans and discuss how best to synchronize and reinforce mutual efforts to aid the Iraqis. The conference also provided a unique opportunity for attendees to share their regional insights and perspectives on how best to combat ISIL and ultimately defeat the terrorist group.

“The strength of our regional campaign is the broad coalition that has come together with the common goal of defeating ISIL,” said Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, U.S. Central Command commander. “Over the past week, the best military planners from 33 nations met and developed plans to train, advise and assist Iraq's security forces. Today, I received their outbrief and was very pleased to see the enormous progress made. I am confident that their hard work will pay significant dividends going forward. It is through these kinds of collaborations and our continued cooperation that we will achieve our shared objectives, further strengthen relationships between our nations, and improve stability and security in that strategically important region of the world.”

1,500 ADDITIONAL TROOPS TO BE DEPLOYED TO IRAQ

FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT 
President Authorizes Additional Troops for Counter-ISIL Effort
By Claudette Roulo
DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2014 – As part of the strategy to defeat terrorists from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, President Barack Obama authorized Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to deploy up to 1,500 additional troops to Iraq, the Pentagon press secretary announced today.

Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said the troops will serve in non-combat roles by joining the existing advise-and-assist mission and initiating a comprehensive training effort for Iraqi and Kurdish forces.

The defense secretary recommended the troop increase following a request by Iraq’s government and an assessment of Iraqi units by U.S. Central Command, Kirby said.

Based on Evaluation of Iraqi Forces’ Progress

The decision also was based on an evaluation of the progress made by Iraqi security forces in the field, and it comes in concert with the development of a coalition campaign plan to defend key areas and go on the offensive against ISIL terrorists, the admiral said.

“U.S. Central Command will establish two expeditionary advise-and-assist operations centers in locations outside of Baghdad and Irbil to provide support for the Iraqis at the brigade headquarters level and above,” he said.
The admiral said about 630 of the newly authorized troops will be assigned to the expanded advise-and-assist mission. In addition, Centcom will establish several new training sites across Iraq that will accommodate the training of 12 Iraqi brigades -- nine from the Iraqi army and three Kurdish peshmerga brigades, Kirby said.

The remainder of the troops, about 870, will be assigned to this mission in various roles, including logistics and force protection, he added.

While site surveys are still being conducted, a senior administration official speaking on background said the training sites likely will be located in Anbar, Irbil, Diyalah and Baghdad provinces. The locations reflect the geographic areas in which the Iraqi security forces want to make progress, the official added.

Coalition Forces Will Participate

Several hundred coalition troops will join U.S. personnel at these locations to help build Iraqi capacity and capability, Kirby said. A number of coalition nations have agreed to contribute personnel to the training effort, he said, noting that Hagel met today with Danish Defense Minister Nicolai Wammen, and the Danes have agreed to provide 120 trainers.

The training will be funded through a request for a $1.6 billion fund that the administration will submit to Congress, as well as from the Iraqi government, the admiral said. It will take about two months to prepare the training sites, he noted, while the training itself is expected to be six to seven months in length.

“Ultimately, these Iraqi forces, when fully trained, will enable Iraq to better defend its citizens, its borders, and its interests against the threat of ISIL,” Kirby said, “and it is perfectly in keeping with the mission that we've been assigned there to assist the [Iraqi security forces] and peshmerga forces again as they improve their capability against ISIL.”

DOD SAYS AIRSTRIKES CONTINUE IN SYRIA

FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 

DOD Caption:  141014-N-CZ979-001 ARABIAN GULF (Oct. 14, 2014) Sailors launch aircraft from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). George H.W. Bush is supporting maritime security operations, strike operations in Iraq and Syria as directed, and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Card/Released.)

Inherent Resolve Airstrikes Continue in Syria

From a U.S. Central Command News Release

TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 16, 2014 – U.S. military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria yesterday and today, using bomber and fighter aircraft deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations to conduct 14 airstrikes, Centcom officials reported.

All 14 airstrikes took place near Kobani. Initial reports indicate the strikes successfully struck 19 ISIL buildings, two ISIL command posts, three ISIL fighting positions, three ISIL sniper positions, one ISIL staging location, and one ISIL heavy machine gun, Centcom officials said, adding that all aircraft departed the strike areas safely.

Interdicting reinforcement and resupply

These airstrikes are designed to interdict ISIL reinforcements and resupply and prevent ISIL from massing combat power on the Kurdish-held portions of Kobani, officials explained. Indications are that airstrikes have continued to slow ISIL advances, they added, but they acknowledged that that the security situation in Kobani remains tenuous.

The U.S. strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate ISIL and the threat the terrorist group poses to Iraq, the region and the wider international community, officials said.

DOD PHOTOS: U.S. AIRCRAFT INVOLVED WITH AIRSTRIKES IN SYRIA

FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gena Fedoruk and U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Marcel Trott take off in a KC-135 Stratotanker from a base in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to support airstrikes in Syria, Sept. 23, 2014. Multiple KC-135 Stratotankers were part of a large coalition strike package that was the first to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant targets in Syria. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Matthew Bruch.

A pair of U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles fly over northern Iraq after conducting airstrikes against ISIL targets in Syria, Sept. 23, 2014. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Matthew Bruch.

AIRSTRIKES GO ON IN IRAQ AGAINST ISIL

FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT 

U.S. Continues Airstrikes Against ISIL in Iraq

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20, 2014 – U.S. military forces continued to attack ISIL terrorists in support of Iraqi security force operations, using fighter, remotely piloted and attack aircraft to conduct 14 airstrikes in the vicinity of the Mosul Dam, according to a U.S. Central Command news release issued today.
The strikes destroyed or damaged six ISIL Humvees, three IED emplacements, one mortar tube, and two armed trucks, the release said. All aircraft exited the strike area safely.

These strikes were conducted under in support of Iraqi security forces and Kurdish defense force operations, as well as to protect critical infrastructure, U.S. personnel and facilities, and humanitarian efforts, according to the release.
The Department of Defense confirmed Aug. 18 that Iraqi forces have cleared and now hold Mosul Dam, and that Iraqi security forces and Kurdish forces are working together to further expand their control of the area, the release said.
Since Aug. 8, U.S. Central Command has conducted a total of 84 airstrikes across Iraq, the release said, and of those 84 strikes, 51 have been in support of Iraqi forces near the Mosul Dam.

U.S. DOD OFFICIAL TELLS CONGRESS IRAQ MUST DEAL WITH EXTREMIST THREAT

FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT 

Iraq Must Do Its Heavy Lifting, Pentagon Official Says

By Terri Moon Cronk

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, July 23, 2014 – Though the United States must protect its people and is helping Iraq to face the threat posed by the extremist group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, it is up to Iraq to do the heavy lifting, a senior Defense Department official said today.

Elissa Slotkin, performing the duties of the principal deputy undersecretary of defense for policy, told the House Foreign Affairs Committee that the United States has a vital national security interest to ensure Iraq and other countries don’t become safe havens for terrorists who could threaten the U.S. homeland, its citizens or interests abroad, or its partners and allies.

The immediate goals are to protect American people and property in Iraq, gain a better understanding of how the United States might train, advise and assist Iraqi security forces as necessary, and expand the nation’s understanding of ISIL intelligence, Slotkin said.

All three factors are critical, she said, to any future U.S. strategy involving Iraq, and the nation has three measures in the strategy:

-- The United States added forces to protect its people in Iraq. “The safety of U.S. citizens and personnel throughout Iraq is our highest priority,” Slotkin said, adding that DoD is meeting all requests from the State Department for extra security for the U.S. Embassy and the airport.

-- Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel ordered the amphibious transport ship USS Mesa Verde into the Arabian Gulf. “Its presence adds to the other naval ships there, such as the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush and provides the president with additional options to protect American citizens and interests,” she said.

-- Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets are part of the U.S. ramping-up effort. “We’ve significantly surged ISR capabilities into Iraq, [to] over 50 sorties a day, compared to one a month in previous months,” Slotkin added.

“We are now capable of around-the-clock coverage of Iraq, and have been focusing particularly on ISIL-controlled territory and around Baghdad,” she said.
The small teams of 300 U.S. military advisors in Iraq are assessing and evaluating how the United States might potentially help Iraqi security forces, Slotkin said.
Hagel and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, received the draft assessment from U.S. Central Command last week, she told the panel.
“Department leaders are taking a deliberate approach and reviewing this lengthy assessment,” Slotkin said, adding that the assessments will be used to make recommendations to the president.

“Additional assessment work continues in and around Baghdad with respect to the developing situation on the ground,” she added.

DEFENSE SECRETARY HAGEL PROMOTES EXPANDED COOPERATION WITH GULF STATES

FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT 

Hagel Urges Expanded Cooperation in Gulf Region

By Claudette Roulo

American Forces Press Service

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, May 14, 2014 – The importance of expanded cooperation in the Gulf region was the theme of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel’s remarks here today at the Gulf Cooperation Council defense ministerial conference.

Defense ministers from all six member nations -- Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates -- joined Hagel at the meeting, which was hosted by Saudi Arabia.

Noting that this is his third trip to the Gulf in a little over a year, Hagel said the visits all have been aimed at encouraging greater collaboration in the region.
“I hope [this meeting] becomes an annual security consultation, and the backbone for renewed cooperation among all the nations of the GCC,” he said. And despite setbacks and challenges, he added, the Gulf Cooperation Council has fostered a common identity and common interests in the region.

“And it has helped protect your common security,” Hagel noted.

The United States is determined to support the Gulf countries as they continue to develop their roles on the world stage, the defense secretary said.

“This has been demonstrated by the United States Central Command’s continued forward military presence, which includes 35,000 personnel; our Navy’s 5th Fleet; our most advanced fighter aircraft; our most sophisticated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets; and a wide array of missile defense capabilities,” he said. “It has also been demonstrated by recent defense sales agreements, including some of the largest in American history.”

But bilateral ties with the United States and American military presence are not enough to guarantee regional security, the defense secretary told the council’s defense leaders. “As I said at the Manama Dialogue last December, America’s engagement with Gulf nations is intended to and facilitate, not replace, stronger multilateral ties within the GCC.”

The most pressing security challenges threaten the whole region and demand a collective response, the defense secretary said. By strengthening the GCC, he added, the member nations will ensure their collective defense is more than the sum of its parts.

“You will strengthen your ability to prevent and deter aggression,” the defense secretary told the ministers. “You will strengthen, not weaken, each of your nations’ sovereignty. And you will expand your common interests –- not just in defense, but in a more stable and prosperous future.”
This approach is also how the region must address threats posed by Iran, he said.
Today also marks the start of discussions in Vienna between Iran and P5-plus-1 member nations regarding Iran’s nuclear program, Hagel noted. “We got to Vienna thanks to our collective efforts to isolate Iran diplomatically and economically, and to deter it militarily,” the defense secretary said.

As negotiations in Vienna progress, he said, two things should be clear.

“First, these negotiations will under no circumstances trade away regional security for concessions on Iran’s nuclear program,” Hagel said. U.S. commitment to Gulf security and stability is unwavering, he added.

“Second, while our strong preference is for a diplomatic solution, the United States will remain postured and prepared to ensure that Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon -- and that Iran abides by the terms of any potential agreement,” the defense secretary said.

“No one nation can address these threats alone,” Hagel said. “Our efforts must be coordinated and complementary.”

Hagel made proposals today in several areas, each focused on this coordinated approach -- including integrated missile defense, maritime security and cybersecurity:

-- He proposed designating the Gulf Coordination Council’s Air and Air Defense Chiefs Conference as the GCC’s primary military forum for regional air and missile defense policy.

-- He called on the GCC to assume and maintain command of the Combined Maritime Force’s Gulf operations, Combined Task Force 152, and to commit to a regular heads-of-navy conference.

-- He proposed the establishment of a U.S.-GCC cyber defense cooperation initiative to jump-start collaboration.

-- He suggested that the GCC develop a Foreign Military Sales case, which could “advance regional defense priorities by accelerating the GCC’s progress toward greater interoperability and more sophisticated multinational force development.”
In addition, proposals to expand joint exercises and activities were part of a discussion led by Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commander of U.S. Central Command.

“At the conclusion of our dialogue,” Hagel said, “we should publicly declare our shared resolve, our shared goals, and our shared vision for stronger U.S.-GCC multilateral defense coordination. We must demonstrate our unity at a critical time. And we must send a message of strength to adversaries.”

CENTCOM COMMANDER UNDERSCORES NATIONS COMMITMENT TO TROOPS AND THEIR FAMILIES

FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Centcom Chief Says U.S. Must Keep Faith With Troops, Families
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2013 - As more than a decade of conflict winds down in the U.S. Central Command area of operations, Centcom's commander paid tribute to the men and women who have sacrificed there and underscored the nation's commitment to them.

"At the end of the day, our most important assets are our people," Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III told American Forces Press Service in an interview conducted via email.

These are far more than platitudes from Austin, a U.S. Military Academy graduate and experienced combat leader. He gave the orders for the 3rd Infantry Division's lead elements to cross the border into Iraq to launch Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, and returned in 2009 to command Multinational Force Iraq. During Austin's third deployment to Iraq, in 2010 as commander of U.S. Forces Iraq, he oversaw the drawdown and transition, ultimately casing the colors that officially closed the campaign in December 2011.

Austin also commanded Combined Joint Task Force 180 in Afghanistan from 2003 to 2005, and served as Centcom's chief of staff from 2005 to 2006 before returning to the command's Tampa, Fla., headquarters as commander earlier this year.

"We absolutely could not have accomplished all that we have in Iraq and Afghanistan over the past 12-plus years were it not for the selfless service and sacrifices made by the outstanding men and women serving in our ranks," Austin said. He also noted the staunch support from families and loved ones that sustained the troops through long, challenging deployments.

Now, as U.S. forces return from combat and rejoin their families and communities, Austin said, the nation must live up to its obligation to stand by them.

"We owe it to them to make sure they are cared for properly, and that includes those individuals suffering from the wounds, injuries and illnesses incurred as a result of their service," he said. "In particular, we are focused on treating those suffering from what are often referred to as the 'invisible wounds' of war, namely post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury."

Meanwhile, Centcom has joined the rest of the Defense Department in working to reduce the incidence of sexual assault, sexual harassment and suicide within the ranks, he noted. All are top priorities of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, who has called on the entire department to eliminate these "debilitating and insidious threats" to the force.

"The fact is, the actions we take now will ultimately determine the readiness of our military for the next decade and beyond," Austin said. "We must do all that we can to keep faith with our troops and civilians and their families, recognizing that we still have a great deal of work to do in the coming days."

Austin said he worries that as U.S. forces return home from Afghanistan, the American people "will grow weary of supporting the military."

"We must all work together to make sure this does not happen," he said.

CENTCOM PROGRAM CENTERS ON BRIDGING SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL GAPS

FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Centcom Program Bridges Scientific, Technological Gaps
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 9, 2013 - Step onto an elevator beside Martin Drake, U.S. Central Command's chief science and technology advisor, and one might be surprised to hear him deliver to perfect strangers an unclassified tutorial he calls "Science and Technology 101."

The impromptu briefing completed, Drake is known to cajole his unsuspecting "students" into raising their right hands so he can deputize them as "honorary deputy science advisors for U.S. Central Command."

"I tell them, 'It takes a village to be the best and to be able to understand where technology is going,'" said Drake, who runs Centcom's dozen-member Science and Technology Division. "We can't do this by ourselves, and we need their help."

The elevator encounters are just one example of the team's unrelenting quest to identify better ways to support warfighters in the command's demanding and complex area of operations. The office members, an eclectic mix of active-duty forces, military retirees and civilian employees, scour the Internet, professional journals and technology expositions to seek out new and emerging technology-related capabilities, Drake told American Forces Press Service.

That boils down to taking gaps and requirements as identified by U.S. forces and partner nations in the theater, converting them into technical requirements, then going out to the science and technology community for solutions. It's a search that begins with the Defense Department's own advanced technology arms -- among them the Office of the Secretary of Defense's Rapid Fielding Directorate; the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency; the Army Research, Development and Engineering Command; the Office of Naval Research; and the Air Force Research Laboratory.

But it extends across the interagency, industrial, academic and international scientific and technological communities.

One staffer frequently visits businesses, garages, anywhere he might stumble on "that piece of technology that might not otherwise be discovered through normal Department of Defense processes," Drake said. Others are dedicated to analyzing the technologies they discover or that others bring to them to identify how it might translate to capability on the ground.

"We are looking for things that might fill the gaps and seams between our military departments in supporting forces in our operational battle space," Drake explained. "We are looking for that unique approach that may not be discovered or headed toward being discovered by the Department of Defense."

Centcom's effort, similar to those at U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Southern Command, focuses on requirements specific to its geographic area of operations. The idea, Drake explained, is to be able to look across the vast research and development programs taking place within military, government, private and international sectors.

"We think we have a unique perspective," he said. "We are looking across the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and our coalition partners. Because we are not tied to any one service approach, we look to see how we can bring them together, and what it might take to make it better." When a concept appears particularly promising, he added, Centcom promotes it through the Defense Department's research, development and acquisition channels.

"I characterize myself as a venture capitalist with no capital," Drake said. "I don't have any money, and U.S. Central Command is not an acquisition authority." All acquisitions in support of Centcom operations are funded by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Staff and the military services, he noted.

"So what I do is advocate for potential solutions," Drake said. "And through that advocacy, we try to help maneuver promising technology through our developmental and acquisition processes."

This approach has promoted far-ranging technologies that have proven to be winners on the battlefield. For example, Centcom's Science and Technology Division was a major advocate of the technologies used for battlefield forensics and biometric identification. Both are considered invaluable for warfighters operating against adversaries who don't wear military uniforms and often operate in the shadows.

"These have become absolute tools for our forces forward, to help them sort out the who's who in the battle space," Drake said.

But the division doesn't limit its scope to technologies, Drake emphasized. "We're also looking at concepts" to identify ways to improve current procedures and processes for future operations, he said. "This is a conceptual-type review of things we currently do and asking, 'Can we do them better?'

"So this is not only about building new things," Drake continued. "We are also improving the things we have, trying to make them better, more cost effective and easier for folks in the field."

For example, the team is researching better ways to operate in remote areas with little or no infrastructure to support those operations, Drake explained. Its members continue to explore smaller, more efficient power sources and new technologies that make it easier to communicate and push data.

"We have learned a lot over the past decade," he said. "The good news, from my seat, is that I have seen a lot of the processes, procedures and policies changing for the better. We are embracing technology earlier and more fully. And my belief is that if we were faced with a similar situation in the future, we would do it somewhat differently as a result."

But the search is far from over, and Drake said his team is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to support U.S. forces in the region.

"We always have our eyes over the fence to see what is going on," he said. "As I tell my staff, 'We will go anywhere. We will listen to anything,' because I never know when the next, best technology is going to manifest itself."

THE LOGISTICS OF THE DRAWDOWN IN AFGHANISTAN

Army Sgt. Andrew Markley, materiel redistribution yard noncommissioned officer for Forward Operating Base Sharana, signals for a rough terrain container handler to move containers at his facility. U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Henry Chan

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Centcom Undertakes Massive Logistical Drawdown in Afghanistan

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
TAMPA, Fla., June 21, 2013 - Two years ago, as commander of U.S. Forces-Iraq, Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III was marching against a strict Dec. 31, 2011 deadline to complete the largest logistical drawdown since World War II.

It was a mammoth undertaking, involving troop redeployments and equipment retrogrades that had peaked at the height of coalition operations in 2007 and 2008. At that time, the United States had 165,000 service members and 505 bases in Iraq – all packed to the gills with everything from weapons systems and computers networks to bunking and dining facilities.

Austin had to reduce the force to zero, collaborating with U.S. Central Command to determine whether equipment should return to the United States or be transferred to the Iraqis or sent to Afghanistan to support the war effort there.

Centcom, in lockstep with U.S. Transportation Command and its service components, redeployed the 60,000 troops who remained in Iraq at the time and more than 1 million pieces of equipment ahead of their deadline.

Then-Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, commemorating the end of America's military mission in Iraq at a mid-December 2011 ceremony in Baghdad, praised Austin for conducting "one of the most complex logistical undertakings in U.S. military history."

"Your effort to make this day a reality is nothing short of miraculous," Panetta told Austin.
Today, as the Centcom commander, Austin is facing an even more-daunting challenge as he carries out a larger, more complex drawdown operation, in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan's geography, weather and security situation and its limited transportation infrastructure present bigger obstacles than planners ever faced in Iraq, Scott Anderson, Centcom's deputy director for logistics and engineering, said during an interview at the command headquarters at MacDill Air Force Base here.

Also, there's also no other combat operation to transfer the mountain of logistics to. Everything has to be transferred to the Afghans, sold to a partner nation, destroyed so it doesn't fall into the wrong hands, or returned to the United States, Anderson noted.

First and foremost among the challenges is Afghanistan's landlocked location. There's no ready access to a seaport, and no Kuwait next door, providing an initial staging point for retrograde operations as it did during the Iraq drawdown.

"Kuwait was our 'catcher's mitt,'" Anderson said. "If you were to ask me how long it takes to retrograde out of Iraq, I would say as long as it takes to get across the border to Kuwait."
In contrast, there's no similar "catcher's mitt" for Afghanistan, he said. "Leaving Afghanistan, you can't just go next door to Pakistan or up into Uzbekistan and park. Once the movement begins, you have to keep moving, and the velocity continues until [the shipment] gets home to the U.S."

Outgoing shipments -- about 1,000 pieces of rolling stock and more than 2,000 cargo containers per month -- are moving primarily by air or through ground routes across Pakistan, Eastern Europe and Western Asia known as the Northern Distribution Network, Anderson reported.

When flying equipment out from Afghanistan,"multimodal transport" is the most-favored option. It involves an initial movement to one country, usually by air, then a transfer to another conveyance such as a ship for the rest of the trip.

The shortest and least-expensive ground routes out of Afghanistan pass through Pakistan to its port in Karachi. Centcom and Transcom used the "Pakistan ground lines of communication" for about 70 percent of Afghanistan-bound shipments until the Pakistan government abruptly closed them in November 2011 for seven months over a political dispute, Anderson said.

That forced the United States to make greater use of the Northern Distribution Network, an elaborate network of rail, sealift and trucking lines established in 2009, to sustain forces in Afghanistan, he said. It continues to provide about 80 percent of all sustainment operations.

With agreements in place to channel an ever-increasing amount of retrograde cargo through Pakistan, Anderson said Centcom is satisfied that it has ample capacity to support the drawdown.

But recognizing lessons learned, he said the United States wants to keep every possible exit route open to ensure no single "point of failure" can disrupt the effort. "If you lose a route, you lose capacity," he said. "So you keep your options open. That's why we look to maintain redundant routes and we want to keep those routes 'warm' by using them."

Yet for now, only about 4 percent of retrograde equipment is flowing through the Northern Distribution Network.

One reason, Anderson explained, is that the vast majority of U.S. forces now are operating in eastern Afghanistan, which is closer to Pakistan than the NDN. "The majority of our cargo simply isn't leaving the northern part of Afghanistan," he said.

To get it across Afghanistan to the NDN involves crossing the towering Hindu Kush mountain range -- a logistical challenge that becomes monumental during the winter months.

But there are other complications to making greater use of the Northern Distribution Network, particularly for many of the shipments that initially entered Afghanistan via Pakistan or by air, Anderson explained.

Some of the physical infrastructure simply can't accommodate the heavy equipment being moved. Many of the countries involved have strict rules about what kinds of equipment can and can't transit through their territory -- with particular objection to weapons systems and combat vehicles. In some cases, nations will allow these shipments to cross into their borders -- but only if the contents are covered.

"For retrograde, we have had to renegotiate agreements with all the Central Asian nations" that make up the Northern Distribution Network, Anderson said. "It may not be as viable as route as we would like, but the bottom line is, we need it."

Anderson said he's optimistic that the retrograde is on schedule to meet President Obama's directive that the current force -- about 60,000 -- reduce to 34,000 by February.

"Between now and February, we are going to have a substantial amount of cargo move," he said. Calling the February deadline "achievable," he called it an important milestone toward the Dec. 31 deadline.

Meanwhile, Centcom leaders recognize the operational requirements that continue in Afghanistan, including upcoming elections next spring.

"Some of the equipment that we would otherwise be retrograding must remain because there is an operational imperative there," Anderson said. "So in everything we do, we are working to maintain this balance between operations going on in Afghanistan -- folks who need their vehicles and equipment -- and our ability to retrograde."

Emphasizing that Centcom will continue to sustain forces on the ground throughout drawdown operations, Anderson said signs of the transition underway will become increasingly evident over time.

U.S. bases, which once numbered more than 600, are down to about 100, some closed but most now transferred to the Afghan National Security Forces. Much of the equipment is being shared as well, although strict U.S. laws dictate what kinds of equipment can be transferred to the Afghans or any other partners, Anderson noted.

There's another consideration to weigh: leaving equipment the Afghans can't maintain over the long haul does them no good. "If we know there will be challenges in maintaining what we give them, then giving them more equipment is not going to help," Anderson said.

Meanwhile, Centcom will strive to maintain the highest quality of life for U.S. forces on the ground throughout the drawdown, he said.

One seemingly small change, however, is sending a big signal of what's ahead. Rather than three hot meals each day, U.S. forces in Afghanistan are now getting Meals, Ready to Eat for their mid-day rations.

The idea, Anderson explained, is to use up what's already available in the theater, particularly when shipping it home costs more than it's worth.

"Every day, [Marine] Gen. [Joseph F.] Dunford [Jr., commander of U.S. and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan], sits down at lunch like everyone else and eats his MRE," Anderson said. "It sets a tremendous example." In a small way, he said, it sets the tone for the entire drawdown process.

"We are doing the drawdown in a balanced way, and with concern about the taxpayers' money," Anderson said. "We want to do this in the most economical, most efficient way possible, without causing excess or waste." 
 

GEN. AUSTIN SAYS AFGHANISTAN REMAINS ONE OF CENTCOM'S PRIORITIES

Morning In Afghanistan.  Credit:  U.S. Army.

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Afghanistan, Engagement Remain Centcom Priorities
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla., March 22, 2013 - The war in Afghanistan and maintaining contacts throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility will be Centcom's continuing mission, Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III said here today after taking the command's reins.

Austin received the Centcom flag from Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis, who will retire after a four-decade military career.

The general assumes command at a time when American troops are still in combat in Afghanistan and the outcome of the Arab Spring remains unknown.

Austin praised the men and women of the command for their expertise and professionalism, noting that in the last decade, the command has fought two wars thousands of miles from America's shores. He also thanked the representatives of 60 nations who have fought alongside America's finest.

"All 60 nations are continuing to play an integral role in what we do at this unique headquarters and throughout the Centcom area of responsibility," he said.

All that the military has accomplished in Iraq and Afghanistan is incredible, Austin said, but he added that he'll leave the final word to historians.

"The fact is, the full story has not been written," he said. "That said, these are historic times and challenging times, and much more will be required of us in the days ahead, for the world that we live in remains complex and extremely volatile." Much of that instability is in the Central Command region.

Calling Afghanistan his top priority, Austin pledged to do all he can to ensure the success of the mission there. The United States and its allies will continue to work with the Afghans so their security forces can protect their own people, and this commitment will continue beyond the end of 2014, when Afghan forces will have full security responsibility for their country and the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force mission ends.

The United States must remain engaged in the Middle East and Central Asia, Austin said. "We must remain mindful of the fact that success in our various critical endeavors will require the efforts of many -- indeed, all -- of us, working together," he added, noting that the leaders and people of the region want to help to find solutions for the problems.

The general cited the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council as just two organizations that can work toward peace in the region. "The U.S. will continue to play an important role as a key partner to our friends and allies," Austin said. "We will provide them with the necessary support, and we will stand ready and willing to hold accountable those who would threaten the regional stability and security through their actions or through the actions of proxies."

GEN. MATHIS SAYS TRAINING HAS REDUCED INSIDER ATTACKS IN AFGHANISTAN

Marine Corps General James N. Mathis

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Training Reduces Insider Attacks, Mattis Says
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 6, 2013 - Effective counterintelligence training and vigilance has helped to reduce the threat of insider attacks to one this year, the commander of U.S. Central Command said here today.

Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis testified before the House Armed Services Committee on the decline of "green-on-blue" violence in Afghanistan, where Afghan soldiers attack U.S. military personnel and their coalition partners.

As of September 2012, 45 International Security Assistance Force members had been killed during insider attacks.

"It goes to the very heart of trust," Mattis said. "So far this year, [there's only been] one attack. Now, I do not get complacent. I think I know why it's gone down. It has to do with training.

"It has to do with counterintelligence training we've given to the Afghans so they have ferreted out some of these people inside their ranks, and caught them," he added. "And we have very good techniques for doing that."

Despite the decline in attacks, Mattis said there has been very little change in interaction with Afghan troops.

Mattis said if contrasted to two years ago, "you would probably find very little difference in what you saw as far as our troops interacting with their troops."

"We are very much involved with them, integrated with them," he said. "We are obviously taking what you would consider prudent measures in the field to protect ourselves."

Mattis noted Afghan troops have lost more of their own in "green-on-green" than U.S. forces have in green-on-blue attacks.

"So we have had wholehearted support from the Afghan leadership in addressing this problem," he said. "And it appears to be paying off."

PRESIDENT OBAMA TO PICK ARMY GENERAL LLOYD J. AUSTIN III TO HEAD U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND

President Barack Obama intends to nominate Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III [pictured], who's currently serving as the vice chief of staff of the Army, to succeed Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis as the next commander of U.S. Central Command. U.S. Army photo

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Obama Intends to Nominate Austin as Centcom Chief

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2012 - President Barack Obama intends to nominate Army Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, currently the vice chief of staff of the Army, to succeed Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis as the next commander of U.S. Central Command, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta announced today.

Austin is "one of the military's most seasoned combat leaders," the secretary said, and will "bring an important combination of strategic thinking, regional knowledge and proven judgment to one of the most critical posts in the department."

Austin was the final commander of U.S. Forces Iraq, holding that position from Sept. 1, 2010, until the command was disestablished Dec. 18, 2011.

"During his final deployment to Iraq, Gen. Austin led our military efforts at a particularly important time, overseeing the drawdown of U.S. forces and equipment while simultaneously helping to ensure that hard-fought security gains were preserved and that Iraqis could secure and govern themselves," Panetta said.

Austin's previous commands include the 3rd Infantry Division, with whom he earned a Silver Star for valor for actions in the early months of the war in Iraq. He also served as commander of the 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan, and as commander of Multinational Corps-Iraq from February 2008 through April 2009.

Mattis has commanded Centcom since Aug. 11, 2010, having previously served as commander of U.S. Joint Forces Command.

"[Mattis] will go down as one of the most celebrated battlefield leaders and strategic military thinkers of our time," Panetta said.

Austin's nomination is subject to Senate confirmation.

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

FROM: U.S. NAVY
121120-N-ZZ999-006 VENTURA, Calif. (Nov. 20, 2012) An E-2C Hawkeye aircraft assigned to the Wallbangers of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117 fly over the Pacific Ocean near Ventura, Calif. VAW-117 is a command and control and airborne early Warning Squadron dedicated to deliver time critical situational awareness to warfare commanders and coalition partners. (U.S. Navy photo by Command Master Chief Spike Call/Released)

121123-M-VZ265-062 CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait (Nov. 23, 2012) Marines assigned to Sniper Platoon, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (15th MEU), practice Military Operations on Urban Terrain. The 15th MEU is deployed with the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force, providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Timothy R. Childers/Released)

 

U.S. DOD 'DISTRIBUTION SYNCHRONIZER'

U.S. Transportation Command's global campaign plan for distribution will ensure the command is postured to ensure warfighters have the transportation and logistical support required to conduct future missions around the world. Here, Army Spc. Chance Alwin with 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, takes the lead during a combat patrol in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, Dec. 9, 2009. Courtesy photo

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Transcom Charts Future as DOD's 'Distribution Synchronizer'
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill., Nov. 14, 2012 - For years, tiny Morón Air Base in Southern Spain appeared to be headed to the chopping block. The base, established with the Spaniards in the early 1950s, had for decades been relegated to standby status for U.S. deployments in support of exercises or crisis response.

U.S. Air Forces in Europe leaders, looking for ways to cut operations that don't directly support their contingency plans, were prepared to close its gates. However, officials at U.S. Transportation Command, working with U.S. European Command, helped them realize that although Morón may no longer be vital to activities in the European theater, it's a key node for operations within both U.S. Central Command and U.S. Africa Command.

The decision to maintain Morón offers a snapshot of Transcom's work as the Defense Department's officially designed "distribution synchronizer," Navy Rear Adm. William "Andy" Brown, the command's director of strategy, policies, programs and logistics, told American Forces Press Service

That mission, assigned in early 2011, charges Transcom to look horizontally across the combatant commands -- rather than vertically, through individual combatant command stovepipes -- to synchronize planning for global distribution operations, Brown explained.

The idea is to help DOD "knit the distribution seams among the combatant commands to better support their theater campaign and contingency plans," Air Force Gen. William M. Fraser III, the Transcom commander, told the Senate Armed Services Committee earlier this year.

This, in turn, will help ensure access to the places vital to Transcom's transportation and distribution mission, Fraser said, ensuring sufficient distribution lines across multiple theaters for it to project and sustain forces around the globe.

A big consideration, Brown said, is to continue posturing Transcom to react to simultaneous events with the transportation and distribution network in place to support them. "What happens if we had to [respond to] a hurricane over here and another operation over there?" he said, pointing to two opposite ends of the globe. "What happens to the global transportation network, and how do you maintain that resiliency and ability to react quickly to changes?"

Transcom's global campaign plan for distribution, expected to be completed by late 2013, will provide the framework for addressing these issues, Air Force Col. Carol Johnson, a plans officer in Brown's directorate, reported.

The campaign plan will help Transcom identify what measures need to be taken now to provide the infrastructure, relationships and other requirements to support the defense strategic guidance, she said. That includes the department's pivot toward the Asia-Pacific region, the drawdown of combat operations within Centcom, natural disasters and other contingencies.

Recognizing that requirements will always outweigh capability, Johnson said the global campaign plan will help DOD identify redundancies, establish priorities, weigh risks and recommend solutions for reducing them.

Working with an initial concept, Transcom brought together stakeholders from across its distribution community to war-game it in July. "Everybody agreed it was feasible and would work," Johnson said of the concept. Now, the Transcom staff is waiting for Undersecretary of Defense for Policy James N. Miller to give that concept the green light, most likely in early December, so they can begin drafting the official plan.

If that plan is approved as expected by the end of next year, Transcom officials plan to spend a year fine-tuning the processes.

Then, once each year, the Transcom commander will sit at the table with defense senior leaders and the other combatant commanders to review their theater distribution plans and identify ways to shore up any gaps.

"Our job will be to look across the spectrum and make recommendations to the chairman," Brown said. "From a national perspective, our No. 1 priority is to get this global campaign plan for distribution right."

The annual review will help keep Transcom's global distribution plan in line with the changing strategic environment and COCOM requirements, Johnson said.

"Most people write plans, get them approved, then put them on the shelf until it's time to pull them off and execute," she said. "But ours is consistently going to be evolving and updating, because we do this every day. Our plan will be updated based on the strategic environment and the strategic needs of the Defense Department."

Ultimately, she said, the new plan will help DOD develop a more strategic posture for the future.

"In the past, we have been reactionary in supporting folks when things happen, and we haven't had that strategic look at distribution," Johnson said. "But with the global campaign plan for distribution, we can be more strategic in the planning effort of distribution. And that will make us more effective in everything we do."

ASHTON B. CARTER ON MIDDLE EAST







FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

U.S. Must Stay Committed to Middle East, Carter Says

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Oct. 18, 2012 - It is important for the U.S. to maintain its commitments to the Middle East, even as the nation's defense strategy starts to shift focus away from the region, the deputy defense secretary told troops on a military installation here today.

Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter spoke to approximately 200 U.S. service members about the transition of the nation's defense strategy, but emphasized remaining engaged in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

"You, right here, right now, are at the fulcrum of so much of our national security thinking," he said. "We did put together a good defense strategy last year. We're going from the era of Iraq and Afghanistan where we all were totally riveted [daily] on supporting the fight in Iraq and Afghanistan."

Carter noted that Afghanistan operations continue.

"We're still in there, and will be now for two [more] hard fighting seasons, and then an enduring presence there after," He said.

The secretary called the drawdown in Afghanistan "a realistic plan" requiring "us to keep going hard for another couple of years."

"You all are an important part of that effort. But, this is where the transition comes in. You can see the ending of that era. [The] first, post-9/11 era of focus on Iraq and Afghanistan. You can see that era coming to an end," Carter said.

"So all of us are picking our heads up out of that foxhole, and looking around, looking forward, looking ahead," he said. "[We're] asking ourselves what are the security challenges that are going to define our future?"

Carter said many people are familiar with the shift in focus toward the Asia-Pacific, but added "there's a second part of that."

"[It] is to retain our commitment to this CENTCOM [area of responsibility], and it's changing set of issues which are just as weighty as Iraq and Afghanistan," he said. "They're just different."

Yes, we still have to continue to support Afghanistan, Carter said, because it's still happening. This means both sending stuff in there, and getting stuff out.

"But looking beyond that, what do we have?" Carter asked. "Iran – very serious. All of the problems that you see didn't begin with the Arab Spring. They are made visible by the Arab Spring. All the tension in this region."

The secretary talked about changes in the military's approach to dealing with conflict from the "old days" to now.

"In the old days, you could wind up real slowly before you delivered a punch," Carter said. "That was okay. For Desert Storm, we took months getting ready, bringing stuff in. All the while saying 'brother, in six months, you're going to be sorry you messed around with the United States.'"

"Now you have to be postured," he said, "where it's 'brother, you're going to be sorry in six hours that you messed with the United States.'"

Carter said the "velocity of conflict" has increased, but so has the opportunity to "snuff" that conflict out.

"[It's] got to happen very fast, and so the presence, what we have here daily, matters in a way, strategically, that it didn't matter 20 years ago," he said. "So, you all are in a critical place, at a time where when we're asking you to do an entirely new set of things."

"A hugely important set of things, Carter said. "And we're counting on you back in the [United] States. We'll come as soon as we can, but the reality is you're it."

The secretary said it's "trivial" to talk about jointness, but it is "truly impressive" to see such team effort.

"The fact that you're able to operate as a joint force is a huge advantage," Carter said. "It's something that is like anything else in life, particularly, military affairs."

"It doesn't come for free – it comes from working at relationships," he said. "Practicing, making the whole sum of the parts do that."

This, Carter said, is why the U.S. has the best military in the world.

"Thanks to you all for what you're doing here," he said. "It is much appreciated. And that's why ... Kuwait looks to us for security."

"We have an excellent relationship with the Kuwaitis, and I thank you all for what you do to keep that going," Carter said.

THE OSPREY IN AFGHANISTAN

FROM: U.S. NAVY, V-22 OSPREY
091106-N-8132M-120 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Nov. 6, 2009) An MV-22B Osprey from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, takes off from the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). The aircraft were flown to Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, where they will be transferred to VMM-261 and used to support the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. This is the first time the aircraft will be used in Afghanistan. The 22nd MEU is serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kiona Miller/Released)

101217-N-5549O-295 NAWA, Afghanistan (Dec. 17, 2010) A V-22 Osprey prepares to land at forward operating base Nawa. Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Ray Mabus is in the area visiting with Marines and Sailors. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin S. O'Brien/Released)

120515-N-UH337-059 FARAH PROVINCE, Afghanistan (May 15, 2012) Rear Adm. Mark A. Handley, Commander of 1st Naval Construction Division (NCD) and his staff disembark a V-22 Osprey in the Bakwa District of Farah Province, Afghanistan, during a visit to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11. With Handley are Capt. Kathryn A. Donovan, commodore of the 22nd Naval Construction Regiment (NCR); Cmdr. Lore Aguayo, commander of NMCB-11; 1st NCD Command Master Chief John F. Mulholland; 22nd NCR Command Master Chief Mark E. Kraninger; and NMCB-11 Command Master Chief Christopher Levesque. NMCB-11 is deployed to Afghanistan to conduct general, mobility, survivability engineering operations, defensive operations, Afghan National Army partnering and detachement of units in combined and joint operations area-Afghanistan in order to enable the neutralization of the insurgency and support improved governance and stability operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jonathan Carmichael/Released)

NAVY WORKING TO KEEP STRAIT OF HORMUZ OPEN

The following excerpt is from a U.S. Department of Defense American Forces Press e-mail:

Navy Looks to Bolster Capabilities in Persian Gulf

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 16, 2012 - The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global choke point and the U.S. Navy is ensuring it has all the capabilities needed for this transit point to remain open, Navy Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, chief of naval operations, said today.

The admiral told the Defense Writers' Group that the Navy is beefing up capabilities in the Persian Gulf, through which much of the world's oil flows.

On one side of the strait are U.S. allies Oman and the United Arab Emirates. On the other side is Iran, whose leaders have threatened to shut down the strategic body of water.

Greenert spoke with Marine Corps Gen. James N. Mattis, commander of U.S. Central Command, soon after he became CNO in September 2010. Mattis said there were capabilities he needed more of, the admiral recalled.

Greenert went to the region and assessed what the Navy needed "to set the theater." He was aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis as it exited the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz.

"I got a good look at the situation," the admiral said. "A lot of the Iranian navy was out there ... not really threatening, but being vigilant, and I thought through that."

He met with Central Command and Navy leaders and laid out what more is needed in the region.

Greenert said he will double the number of mine warfare assets in the region, including mine sweepers -- going from four ships to eight -- and anti-mine aircraft in the form of four more CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters.

The admiral also wants to increase the readiness of the forces in the region. "If I have four out there, how many are ready to go on any given day?" he said. "I wanted to make sure we are good on that and it includes spare parts, maintenance and contractor support."

Greenert said the Navy also is sending more underwater unmanned autonomous mine neutralization units to the region. "They are effective, they work well and our British partners know how to use them as well," he said.

For ships sailing through the strait, the Navy is providing more infrared and electro-optical capabilities. "We want to make sure that all the ships that deploy have the same configuration on board and the crews are proficient," the admiral said.

Navy forces need more short-range defenses in the region, Greenert said. It is a constrained area, he noted, and while carrier battle groups have excellent long-range defenses, they need something more. "It's like being in an alley with a rifle, and maybe what you need is a sawed-off shotgun," he said.

The Navy is looking at placing Mark 38 Gatling guns aboard the escorts or the carriers themselves, the admiral said.

"We have five patrol craft. They are 200-foot vessels that are armed with small arms. There are relatively short-range missiles out there -- roughly four miles -- and they are pretty effective according to special operations command," he said. "I want to look and see if they are compatible with our [patrol craft] ... so they are a more effective, more lethal vessel."

There are five patrol craft in the United States, three more coming back to the Navy from the Coast Guard and five in the Persian Gulf, Greenert said

"I want to move toward upgrading the PCs in the United States with Gatling guns and put them in Bahrain, ultimately, and we'll have 10 [in the Gulf]," the admiral said.

Within a year, most of the capabilities will be in place in region, he said.