U.S. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PANNETTA NOTIFIES CONGRESS OF CIVILIAN FURLOUGHS

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Panetta Notifies Congress DOD Preparing for Furloughs
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 20, 2013 - Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta has notified Congress that the Defense Department is prepared to implement furloughs for civilian personnel in response to the threat of sequestration.

In a memo to all employees, Panetta vowed to continue working with Congress to avoid sequestration, which would add $470 billion to the $487 billion in defense spending cuts the department already is making over the next 10 years. If Congress cannot agree on an alternative deficit reduction plan, the cuts go into effect March 1.

Panetta and every other defense leader have called the cuts dangerous. They would come on top of cuts imposed by operating under a continuing resolution. For fiscal year 2013, the effect will be further magnified, because the cuts must be done in the final six months of the fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30.

"In the event of sequestration, we will do everything we can to be able to continue to perform our core mission of providing for the security of the United States," Panetta wrote in the memo, "but there is no mistaking that the rigid nature of the cuts forced upon this department, and their scale, will result in a serious erosion of readiness across the force."

Panetta and DOD leaders long have expressed deep concern about the direct impact sequestration will have on military personnel, civilian employees and families. Flexibility in sequestration is limited, the secretary said in his memo, noting that while military personnel are exempt from direct impact, services on bases will deteriorate, and families may feel the pinch in other ways.

Civilian employees will be furloughed if sequestration is triggered. Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter said last week that civilian employees could lose 20 percent of their normal income through September.

"I can assure you that, if we have to implement furloughs, all affected employees will be provided at least 30 days' notice prior to executing a furlough, and your benefits will be protected to the maximum extent possible," Panetta wrote.

DOD will work to ensure furloughs are executed in a consistent and appropriate manner, the secretary said, and Pentagon officials also will continue work with employee unions.

"Our most important asset at the department is our world-class personnel," Panetta wrote. "You are fighting every day to keep our country strong and secure, and rest assured that the leaders of this department will continue to fight with you and for you."

FORMER SECRETARY OF STATE CLINTON HONORED AT PENTAGON

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Panetta, Dempsey Honor Clinton for Leadership
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 14, 2013 - Each generation of Americans must earn the responsibility to lead, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said at the Pentagon today as Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, presented her with awards and thanked her for her efforts to work with the military to extend America's leadership.

The threats Americans face require military power, but they also require diplomatic efforts and economic levers, Panetta said. Working together, he added, extends American power and influence.

Clinton joked that in the past, there was no love lost between the State and Defense departments. She praised former Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and former Joint Chiefs Chairman Navy Adm. Mike Mullen with reaching out to the diplomats in Foggy Bottom and stressing to Congress the need for fully funding the State Department.

Clinton took office in January 2009, and her time at State was tumultuous. During her term, she worked to reach out to new governments in wake of the Arab Spring. She helped to put together the coalition that toppled Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi, and she helped to build support for sanctions against Iran, Dempsey said.

Those in uniform very much appreciate this last, the chairman said, "so that we can avoid the use of force, although remaining ready to do so, if necessary."

The chairman said Clinton recognized the limits of military action, and that the United States needs both hard power and soft power. "You've harnessed innovative ways to accomplish engagement, including social media and global town halls, all the while remembering that it's the investment of your personal time that builds relationships," Dempsey said.

Panetta remarked that he has worked closely with Clinton for 20 years. "Because of her leadership, our nation's diplomats and our development experts are working toward a common mission with the men and women of the Department of Defense, and I'm confident that our successes will sustain the bonds that we have built between the Department of Defense and the State Department," he said.

DOD and State Department personnel serve side by side from Afghanistan to North Africa, from the Middle East to Asia Pacific, and are making "great personal sacrifices in order to prevent conflict, to advance the cause of peace and security, and to help achieve the American dream of giving our children a better life," Panetta said.

The U.S. national security apparatus must keep innovating and integrating, Clinton said. "We have to remain committed to upholding America's global leadership and our core values of freedom and opportunity," she said.

The United States is the indispensable nation, the former secretary said, and there is no real precedent in history for the role America plays or the responsibility shouldered. "But I often remind myself that our global leadership is not our birthright," she added. "It has to be earned by each successive generation, staying true to our values and living up to the best traditions of our nation. Secretaries and presidents come and go, but this responsibility remains constant. It truly must be our North Star."

Clinton told the junior officers and civilians in the audience that the country looks to them to carry the mission of American leadership forward.

"So thank you for this tremendous honor that has been bestowed on me by the chairman, and also the honor by the secretary," she said. "I thank you all for your service. ... Let's wish our country godspeed. And please extend to all with whom you serve my deepest gratitude, not as a retired public official, but as an American citizen."

SECRETARY OF STATE PANETTA'S STATEMENT ON WOMEN IN THE MILITARY

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Statement on Women in Service
As Delivered by Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta, Pentagon Press Briefing Room, Thursday, January 24, 2013

ood afternoon. One of my priorities as Secretary of Defense has been to remove as many barriers as possible for talented and qualified people to be able to serve this country in uniform. Our nation was built on the premise of the citizen-soldier. In our democracy, I believe it is the responsibility of every citizen to protect the nation. And every citizen who can meet the qualifications of service should have that opportunity.

To that end, I've been working closely with General Dempsey and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. We've been working for well over a year to examine, how can we expand the opportunities for women in the armed services?

It's clear to all of us that women are contributing in unprecedented ways to the military's mission of defending the nation. Women represent 15 percent of the force, over 200,000. They're serving in a growing number of critical roles on and off the battlefield. The fact is that they have become an integral part of our ability to perform our mission.

Over more than a decade of war, they have demonstrated courage and skill and patriotism. A hundred and fifty-two women in uniform have died serving this nation in Iraq and Afghanistan. Female servicemembers have faced the reality of combat, proven their willingness to fight and, yes, to die to defend their fellow Americans.

However, many military positions, particularly in ground combat units, still remain closed to women because of the 1994 direct ground combat definition and assignment rule. Military and civilian leaders in this department have been taking a hard look at that rule based on the experiences of the last decade.

In early 2012, we announced a series of modifications to that rule which opened up more than 14,000 new positions to women, including positions that were collocated with ground combat units and certain positions in ground combat units below the battalion level. These changes have been implemented, and the experience has been very positive.

Every time I visited the warzone, every time I've met with troops, reviewed military operations, and talked to wounded warriors, I've been impressed with the fact that everyone - men and women alike - everyone is committed to doing the job. They're fighting and they're dying together. And the time has come for our policies to recognize that reality.

The chairman and the Joint Chiefs of Staff and I believe that we must open up service opportunities for women as fully as possible. And therefore today, General Dempsey and I are pleased to announce that we are eliminating the direct ground combat exclusion rule for women and we are moving forward with a plan to eliminate all unnecessary gender-based barriers to service. In a few moments after we speak, we'll both sign a memo that will rescind the '94 barrier.

Our purpose is to ensure that the mission is carried out by the best qualified and the most capable servicemembers, regardless of gender and regardless of creed and beliefs. If members of our military can meet the qualifications for a job - and let me be clear, I'm not talking about reducing the qualifications for the job - if they can meet the qualifications for the job, then they should have the right to serve, regardless of creed or color or gender or sexual orientation.

Having conducted an extensive review, the Joint Chiefs of Staff have developed a very thoughtful approach to integrating women into occupations across the force. I strongly agree with their guiding principles and the specific milestones that they propose.

We are all committed to implementing this change without compromising readiness or morale or our warfighting capabilities. Positions will be open to women following service reviews, using the Joint Chiefs' guiding principles, and following congressional notification procedures established by law.

For this change and policy to succeed, it must be done in a responsible, measured, and a coherent way. I'll let General Dempsey describe our plan of action in greater detail. But the bottom line is that further integration of women will occur expeditiously, even as we recognize the need to take time to institutionalize changes of this importance.

The steps we are announcing today are significant. And in many ways, they are an affirmation of where we have been heading as a department for more than 10 years. Nevertheless, it will take leadership and it will take professionalism to effectively implement these changes. I am confident in our ability to do that, because I am confident in the leadership that General Dempsey and the Joint Chiefs of Staff have demonstrated throughout this process.

This has truly been a team effort, and I deeply admire the extremely thorough and considerate approach that they have taken. I want to express my deepest thanks to Marty Dempsey for his leadership and all of the service chiefs who has been working on this issue and as a group came forward with the recommendation that we are implementing today.

Our men and women in uniform could not ask for more from their leaders in uniform. I fundamentally believe that our military is more effective when success is based solely on ability and qualifications and on performance.

When I look at my grandsons and my granddaughters - you know, I've got six grandchildren, three grandsons and three granddaughters - I want each of them to have the same chance to succeed at whatever they want to do. In life, as we all know, there are no guarantees of success. Not everyone is going to be able to be a combat soldier. But everyone is entitled to a chance.

By committing ourselves to that principle, we are renewing our commitment to the American values our servicemembers fight and die to defend. As Secretary, when I've gone to Bethesda to visit wounded warriors, and when I've gone to Arlington to bury our dead, there is no distinction that's made between the sacrifices of men and women in uniform. They serve, they're wounded, and they die right next to each other. The time has come to recognize that reality.

By opening up more opportunities for people to serve in uniform, we are making our military stronger and we are making America stronger. We deeply honor all of those past generations, combat soldiers and Marines, who fought and died for our freedom. And in many ways, their sacrifice has ensured that the next greatest generation will be one of men and women who will fight and die together to protect this nation. And that is what freedom is all about.

BAN ON WOMEN IN COMBAT TO BE LIFTED

FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Official: Pentagon to Lift Rule Excluding Women From Combat
American Forces Press Service


WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2013 - Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, are expected to announce the lifting of the direct combat exclusion rule for women in the military, a senior defense official said today.

The policy change will begin a process in which the services will develop plans to implement the decision, which was made by Panetta upon the recommendation of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the official said.

The official provided no further details and did not indicate when the announcement might take place.

RECENT U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PHOTOS

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, center, meets with members of Parliament in London, Jan. 18, 2013. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta visits Sir Thomas More's cell in the Tower of London with Dick Harrold, governor of the Tower of London, in London, Jan. 18, 2013. Panetta is on a six-day trip to Europe to visit with defense counterparts and troops. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo


　

U.S. DEFENSE SECRETARY PANETTA COMMENTS ON TERRORIST ATTACKS

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, right, holds a joint news conference with British Defense Secretary Philip Hammond at Lancaster House in London, Jan. 19, 2013. Panetta is on a six-day trip to Europe to visit with defense counterparts and troops. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Panetta Calls for 'Innovative' Allied Action
By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

LONDON, Jan. 19, 2013 - The hostage crisis in Algeria has ended, but information on what exactly happened and how many people were killed remain unclear, the U.S. and British defense chiefs told reporters here today.

During a news conference at Lancaster House, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and British Defense Secretary Philip Hammond said both their governments remain in close contact with Algerian officials, and are working to establish firm details of the assault, kidnappings and murders that took place at a remote natural gas facility in Algeria.

Panetta confirmed Americans were among those held hostage, but he said the possible number of U.S. deaths remains unclear. He pledged continued close consultation with Algerian authorities, and emphasized the attackers bear full and sole responsibility for all loss of life.

"Just as we cannot accept terrorist attacks against our cities, we cannot accept attacks against our citizens and our interests abroad," he said. "Neither can we accept an al-Qaida safe haven anywhere in the world."

Since 9/11, Panetta said, "we've made very clear that nobody is going to attack the United States of America and get away with it." The nation and its allies and partners have fought terrorists in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia and Yemen, and will take the fight to North Africa as well, he said.

Both Panetta and Hammond stated they have no plan to put their nations' troops on the ground in Mali, where French forces are fighting the advance of terrorist factions. Both nations are assisting French operations, the defense chiefs said, but they agree that the ultimate solution to countering terrorism in Africa is to train and assist forces on that continent to provide their own security.

Terrorists, particularly regional factions of al-Qaida, remain a determined enemy, Panetta said. It's important that the United States and its allies continue to work with developing militaries in the places where terrorists seek to establish operations, he added.

"What I care about is that [regional forces] do everything they can to ensure al-Qaida does not establish a safe haven. ... If we continue to pressure al-Qaida, we can keep them on the run. ... [But we] cannot be complacent," he said.

The secretary arrived here the evening of Jan. 17, and has attended meetings with Prime Minister David Cameron, other senior government officials and members of Parliament.

Panetta told reporters he also met with some British troops who recently returned from Afghanistan. "I expressed my deepest appreciation to them and to their families," he said.

The secretary expressed his sorrow for the families of Great Britain's troops killed in Afghanistan. "The American people will forever mourn the more than 400 fallen British heroes of this war," he said.

Sustaining Afghan forces beyond 2014 is crucial to ensuring those and all deaths in Afghanistan since 9/11 are not in vain, he said, and to ensuring Afghanistan can secure and govern itself into the future.

Panetta praised Britain's commitment to the coalition mission in Afghanistan, and his meetings with British leaders and defense officials, he said, "reaffirmed the continued strength of the historic relationship between our two nations."

Those discussions also underscored the numerous security challenges the United States, Great Britain and their partner nations face, the secretary noted.

He listed some of those threats: ongoing operations in Afghanistan, turmoil in the Middle East, a growing terrorist threat in Africa, Iran's focus on nuclear proliferation, the murder of Syrian citizens by Bashar al Assad's regime, ceaseless cyberattacks and the shadow of record deficits and growing budget pressures.

His discussions with Hammond addressed those issues and others, the secretary said. He praised Britain's leaders for their focus on sustaining and improving the NATO alliance, and in planning effective, allied approaches to common threats.

As he has throughout this trip, the secretary also spoke of budget crises facing American and many of its allies, and the resulting increased need for partner nations to cooperate in defense investments and operations. The United States and the United Kingdom, he noted, are pursuing a mutual aircraft carrier initiative that "will bring our navies closer together than ever."

Panetta repeated a message he has delivered consistently throughout his travels this week: "It is when resources are constrained and security challenges are growing that we need to be creative and innovative in ... [developing] alliances."

The secretary quoted the World War II British Prime Minister Winston Churchill: "This is no time for ease and comfort; this is a time to dare, and to endure."

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PANETTA VISITS ITALY

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, left, holds a joint press conference with Italian Defense Minister Giampaolo di Paola in Rome, Jan. 16, 2013. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo

FROM: U.S DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Panetta, in Italy, Addresses Global, Local Issues
By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

ROME, Jan. 16, 2013 - Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Italian government officials discussed a range of issues here today, from conflict in Africa to security transition in Afghanistan to Sicilian concerns about a proposed U.S. communications facility there.

The secretary met with government officials including President Giorgio Napolitano, Prime Minister Mario Monti, Foreign Affairs minister Giulio Terzi di Sant' Agata and Defense Minister Giampaolo Di Paola.

Panetta and Di Paolo, the secretary said during a joint conference, "had a very productive session covering a host of bilateral issues -- Afghanistan, our shared concerns about the situation in Mali, and how to strengthen our defense trade and cooperation for the future."

The secretary noted as the son of Italian immigrants to America, he has always felt a strong connection to Italy. "But as secretary of defense, I have gained a profound new respect for Italy's significant contributions to regional and global security," he added.

Italy is a key member of the NATO alliance and the lead nation for NATO's International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan's Regional Command West, Panetta said.

"In our session, Minister di Paola and I updated each other on the significant progress our forces are making in building an Afghanistan that can govern and secure itself," he said. "That progress will enable us to reach a key milestone this spring, when Afghan forces shift into the lead for security throughout the country."

The United States is very grateful to Italy for its "steadfast support" in the ISAF effort, he said.

"We will never forget the more than 50 Italians who have died carrying out the mission in Afghanistan," Panetta told the audience.

America is also grateful for Italy's "extraordinary hospitality" in hosting more than 30,000 U.S. service members, civilians and family members on U.S bases in Italy.

Panetta said Aviano Air Base, in northeast Italy; Caserme Ederle, near Vicenza; Naval Air Station Sigonella, in Sicily; and Camp Darby, in the province of Pisa, "enhance the collective security of the alliance."

The U.S. presence in Italy, he said, is "critical to our military's ability to respond to crisis, and to meet challenges in the region and beyond."

The secretary noted he will travel to Vicenza tomorrow, "to personally thank U.S. military personnel who are stationed there."

Together with their Italian military counterparts, he said, young American service members are helping to write a new chapter in the long history of friendship between the two nations.

"I know they are inspired by the same goal my Italian father always told me: we must work hard and protect those we love to build a better life for our children," Panetta said.

During a discussion today with Italian reporters and press traveling with him, the secretary responded to questions on the F-35 joint strike fighter, and on the previously mentioned communications complex in Sicily.

Panetta said the U.S. is fully committed to the fifth-generation F-35, which he called "the future in fighter aircraft."

Italy has partnered with the United States on the fighter since 1998, when the program was in its concept and development phase. Other international partners include the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Norway, Turkey, Israel and Singapore.

"We have made very good progress in the development of that plane," the secretary said.

"We believe it's a very good investment ... and we appreciate Italy's commitment and willingness to participate," he said. "We believe the F-35 is the plane of the future."

The planned communications facility in Sicily, Panetta said, is intended to provide U.S. forces with advanced defense communications capabilities. He noted Sicilian residents have expressed concerns about possible health hazards the installation may present.

"I understand the concerns of the people there," he said.

The secretary said he and Di Paola are working to address those concerns, and that studies performed to date indicate no risks to health will result from the installation.

"But I want to make sure that we do everything possible to address the concerns of those residents," he said. "They, too, have to be convinced that this is something that can be done without impacting their health or well-being."

HOSTAGES IN ALGERIA: DEFENSE SECRETARY PANETTA SAYS 'ALL NECESSARY STEPS' WILL BE TAKEN

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta arrives in Rome, Jan. 15, 2013. Panetta is on a six-day trip to Europe to visit with defense counterparts and troops. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo

 

FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMETN OF DEFENSE
Panetta Vows 'All Necessary Steps' for U.S. Hostages
By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

ROME, Jan. 16, 2013 - Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta confirmed that Americans are among those taken hostage in southern Algeria today when terrorists attacked and occupied a natural gas plant.

"The United States strongly condemns these kinds of terrorist acts," the secretary said during a previously scheduled discussion here with Italian media and reporters traveling with him. "It is a very serious matter when Americans are taken hostage, along with others."

Panetta said he does now know how many Americans the terrorists are holding, but that U.S. and British authorities -- the natural gas complex is partly owned by British Petroleum -- are in close consultation with their Algerian counterparts to learn as much as possible.

"I want to assure the American people that the United States will take all necessary and proper steps that are required to deal with this situation," he said.

Panetta said he does not yet know whether there is a link between the attack in Algeria and the French operation in Mali, where France began airstrikes against a dispersed force Panetta has identified as affiliated with al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb.

While he couldn't confirm a link, Panetta said, "it is for that reason that we have always been concerned about their presence in Mali -- because they would use it a base of operations to do exactly what happened in Algeria. That's the kind of thing that terrorists do."

On the operation in Mali, Panetta said the United States will support the French as soon as legal authorities are clear as to what support can be supplied.

"Frankly, we already are providing assistance in terms of information to ... help in this effort," the secretary added.

Panetta noted he has spoken with European government and defense leaders thus far in Portugal, Spain and now Italy about the way ahead in Mali.

"I believe that there is a consensus that France took the right step here to ... deter AQIM from taking even further action there," he said.

European defense ministers will meet tomorrow to discuss ongoing assistance in Mali, the secretary said.

"The United States is going through the same process," he added. "The goal, for all of us, is to do what we can to ensure that ultimately, the African nations ... come in and play a key role in providing for the security of Mali."

Panetta has said several times during his travels this week that forces from the Economic Community Of West African States, or ECOWAS, would ideally lead such an effort. He added, however, that he believes terrorism is a threat that the international community as a whole must address.

Of AQIM and al-Qaida in general, the secretary said his background as CIA director and then as U.S. defense secretary has proven to him that "they are a threat."

"They are a threat to our country. They are a threat to the world," Panetta said. "And wherever they locate and try to establish a base for operations, ... that constitutes a threat that all of us have to be concerned about."

U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE PANETTA ARRIVES IN SPAIN

Palace in Madrid.  Credit:  CIA World Factbook.

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Panetta Arrives in Spain on Second Leg of European Trip
American Forces Press Service

MADRID, Jan. 15, 2013 - Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta arrived here today on his week long visit to European allies.

The secretary told reporters traveling with him that Spain is an important NATO leader and a vital ally to the United States.

"In my discussions, I'll have an opportunity to touch on a full range of issues, including greater cooperation with Spain on cyber and the cyber arena," he said.

Spain has maintained a strong commitment to the NATO International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, Panetta said, and he also will discuss with Spanish leaders the ongoing transition to a noncombat role for ISAF forces there.

Panetta noted that on his first trip to Europe as secretary, he announced the deployment of four Aegis ships to Rota, Spain. "The purpose of that is to fulfill our commitment to the European ballistic missile defense system," he said. "The deployment is important, because it demonstrated how this alliance is making investments to meet the new challenges that we're confronting."

The secretary left Lisbon, Portugal, the first stop on his visit, earlier today. While here, he is scheduled to meet with Crown Prince Felipe at Zarzuela Palace, the chief residence of King Juan Carlos.

Panetta also has separate meetings scheduled with Spanish President Mariano Rajoy Brey and Defense Minister Pedro Morenes Eulate. The two defense leaders are scheduled to hold a joint news conference later today.

U.S. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PANETTA ANSWERS QUESTIONS ON MALI

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

Panetta Answers Mali Questions in Europe
By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

MADRID, Jan. 15, 2013 - Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta discussed U.S. assistance to the French in Mali during news conferences today in Lisbon, Portugal, and here in the Spanish capital.

On Jan. 10, France began airstrikes against forces in Mali affiliated with al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb.

During a news conference in Lisbon this morning with Portuguese Defense Minister Jose Pedro Aguiar-Branco, Panetta expressed support for France's action.

"We have commended the French for this effort to ... stop the AQIM -- these terrorists and members of al-Qaida -- from being able to develop a base of operations in Mali, and we have always been concerned about efforts by al-Qaida to establish that kind of base," the secretary said. "And our commitment ever since 9/11 has been to go after al-Qaida wherever they are and to make sure that they have no place to hide."

Panetta also noted that the international community and the United Nations support the effort. A reporter asked whether U.S. officials are considering sending ground forces to Mali. "There is no consideration of putting any American boots on the ground at this time," the secretary replied.

Later, during his joint appearance here with Spanish Defense Minister Pedro Morenes Eulate, Panetta repeated the basic points he first made yesterday about U.S. support for the French action in Mali.

The U.S. and French governments are discussing a range of possible assistance the United States can offer, he said. Panetta yesterday told reporters the French had requested intelligence, logistics and airlift support.

"We are in discussions with the French, and we are discussing in Washington some of the requests that have been made, to determine exactly what assistance we can provide," the secretary said. "Our goal is to ... do what we can to provide whatever assistance is necessary."

Panetta told reporters he can't yet offer a likely timeline for French military action in Mali.

"[We are following] events, trying to get a read as to what efforts they're committed to taking there and what their objectives are. I can't really give a full analysis ... as of this moment," he said. "Any time you confront an enemy that is dispersed ... makes it challenging."

In Mali, stopping a scattered enemy advance across a large area is a difficult but necessary task, the secretary noted.

"For that reason, we've commended France for taking that step," he said. "And I believe the international community will do all we can to try to assist them in that effort."

Morenes, speaking through a translator, noted that Panetta's meetings with Spanish leaders "laid the foundations for significant cooperation in the future."

"We specifically talked about Afghanistan and Mali," he added.

European defense ministers have been monitoring the situation for more than a year, Morenes said, and in December they had reached preliminary agreements to train Malian and Economic Community of West African States forces. The movement of extremist forces toward Mali's southern regions was "sudden, in a way," he said, which meant that a new response had to develop quickly.

Talks he held with the French minister Jan. 11 and last night indicated the French plan is to prevent terrorist groups from reaching Mali's capital of Bamako, which would create chaos, Morenes said. "The French minister told us that they wanted to stop that offensive and to ... [proceed with] the Mali training mission," he added.

Morenes said that at a meeting of NATO's foreign ministers Jan. 18 in Brussels, "we had planned to get ahead of the offensive."

"Now, [we are] adjusting to a new situation, post-offensive," he noted.

The Spanish minister added that Spain already has agreed to a French request that Spain allow overflights of its maritime airspace. Panetta and Morenes agreed it is vital to world security to prevent terrorists fro developing a safe haven in Mali.

"[The] objective is to make sure AQIM never establishes a base for operations – in Mali, or for that matter, anyplace else," Panetta said.

U.S. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE ARRIVES IN PORTUGAL

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta departs Joint Base Andrews, Md., Jan. 14, 2013. Panetta is on a six-day trip to Europe to visit with foreign counterparts and troops. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo

 
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Panetta Arrives in Portugal, First Stop on Europe Tour
By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

LISBON, Portugal, Jan. 14, 2013 - Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta landed here today on the first leg of what he said is likely his last international trip as secretary.

While here, the secretary is scheduled to meet separately with Foreign Minister Paulo Portas and Defense Minister José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, with whom he is scheduled to hold a joint news conference.

Panetta also will visit Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, known as STRIKFORNATO. Alliance officials said the organization is NATO's premier maritime battle staff and the alliance's primary link for integrating U.S. maritime forces into NATO operations.

During the flight here, Panetta told reporters traveling with him that Portugal is a key NATO ally and an important strategic partner in the Mediterranean and beyond.

"I am told that I'm the first [U.S. defense] secretary to visit Portugal in at least 30 years," he said.

The U.S. and Portuguese militaries have a history of close cooperation, particularly in the Azores, he said. The Azores are a group of nine volcanic islands, belonging to Portugal but strategically located some 900 miles west of Lisbon in the mid-Atlantic.

Panetta acknowledged DOD will reduce operations at Lajes Field, an air base that houses Portuguese and U.S. Air Force elements and a regional air passenger terminal,
located on Terceira Island in the Azores.

The number of U.S. and Portuguese service members based there will drop by at least half from the current 1,100 population, DOD officials said Dec. 13. Aircraft operations support also will be reduced, and the United States will return about 300 of the 400 buildings on the base to the Portuguese government, officials said.

U.S. forces have been in the Azores since 1943, when World War II saw troops at Lajes first protecting allied shipping lanes and later hunting German submarines.

Panetta said while DOD will reduce operations at Lajes because of budget constraints, his goal is to tell Portuguese leaders how the United States intends to broaden and transform the U.S.-Portugal defense relationship through increased military-to-military engagement and exercises, and to try to focus on the challenges of mutual interest, such as maritime security.

Later this week, Panetta will travel to Madrid, Rome and London.

U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE PANETTA COMPLAINS ABOUT FISCAL CRISIS

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, brief the press at the Pentagon, Jan. 10, 2013. Panetta and Dempsey discussed the effects of sequestration if it were to take effect at the end of March. DOD photo by Erin Kirk-Cuomo.

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Panetta: Fiscal Crisis Poses Biggest Immediate Threat to DOD
By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2013 - The "perfect storm of budget uncertainty" howling around his department is the biggest immediate threat facing the U.S. military, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta told reporters here today.

Panetta and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stressed during a regular Pentagon press conference that unless Congress acts, the nation's military readiness will be compromised.

The United States has a number of adversaries around the world, Panetta said, "but the most immediate threat to our ability to achieve our mission is fiscal uncertainty: not knowing what our budget will be; not knowing if our budget will be drastically cut; and not knowing whether the strategy that we put in place can survive."

Panetta emphasized that DOD "is doing its part" by implementing over the next decade the $487 billion spending reduction set by Congress. "We designed a strategy; we know what the elements of that strategy are; we built a budget based on that, and we achieved our savings by virtue of that strategy," he said.

But the additional half-trillion-dollar "meat-axe cuts" sequester would trigger still loom "less than 50 days away," the secretary noted.

"While we appreciate ... that both parties came together to delay sequester, the unfortunate thing is sequester itself, and the sequester threat, [was] not removed," Panetta said. "And the prospect ... is undermining our ability to responsibly manage this department."

Two other fiscal crises are meanwhile converging on the nation's forces, he added:

- Because Congress didn't approve an appropriations act for fiscal 2013, DOD has been operating under a continuing resolution and will do so at least through March 27. The continuing resolution funds operations at fiscal 2012 levels, instead of the higher proposed fiscal 2013 levels Pentagon officials had anticipated.

- The debt-ceiling crisis, Panetta said, "could create even further turmoil that could impact on our budget and our economy."

Looking at all three factors, the secretary said simply, "We have no idea what the hell is going to happen." But DOD leaders do know that the worst-case scenario would mean "serious harm" to military readiness, he said.

Panetta noted defense strategy places the highest priority on operations and maintenance funding as the key to a ready force. He described the triple threat facing those funds:

- If Congress fails to pass an appropriations bill for fiscal 2013 and instead extends the continuing resolution through the fiscal year, "overall operating accounts would decrease by about 5 percent ... about $11 billion that would come out of [operations and maintenance funds]."

- If sequester occurs, "We would have to cut, in this fiscal year, another 9 percent, almost $18 billion from ... these operating accounts as well."

- To protect funding for the war in Afghanistan from required cuts, "We would again have to cut another 5 percent, another $11 billion, from readiness money available in the active-duty base budget, and more for the Army and the Marine Corps."

Panetta summed up: "We're looking at a 19 to 20 percent reduction in the base budget operating dollars for active units, including a cut of what looks like almost 30 percent for the Army."

The secretary said practical results of these cuts would be less training for units not imminently deploying to Afghanistan; less shipboard training for all but the highest priority missions; less pilot training and fewer flight hours; curtailed ship maintenance and disruption to research and weapons modernization programs.

Civilian employees would also take a hit, he said: unpaid layoffs, which the government calls furloughs, would put civilian employees temporarily out of work. This "would further harm our readiness, and create hardship on them and their families," Panetta noted.

A plan is in place to implement such layoffs if sequester happens, the secretary said. "This action is strictly precautionary," he said. "I want to make that clear: It's precautionary. But I have an obligation to ... let Congress know that we may have to do that, and I very much hope that we will not have to furlough anyone. But we've got to be prepared to do that if we face this situation."

Panetta said the net result of sequester under a continuing resolution would be "what I said we should not do with the defense budget, which is to hollow out the defense force of this nation." Rather than let that happen, Panetta added, DOD leaders have decided to take steps to minimize the damage that would follow Congressional inaction.

"We still have an obligation to protect this country," the secretary said. "So for that reason, I've asked the military services and the other components to immediately begin implementing prudent measures that will help mitigate our budget risk."

Panetta said he has directed any actions taken "must be reversible to the extent feasible and must minimize harmful effects on readiness."

But, he added, "We really have no choice but to prepare for the worst." First steps to containing budget risk will include cutting back on facility maintenance, freezing civilian hiring and delaying some contract awards, the secretary said.

Panetta has also directed the services to develop detailed plans for how they will implement sequester-triggered cuts, if required, he said, "because there will be so little time to respond in the current fiscal year. I mean, we're almost halfway through the fiscal year."

The secretary said the intensive planning effort now under way will ensure the military is prepared to accomplish its core missions.

"I want to emphasize, however, that ... no amount of planning that we do can fully offset the harm that would result from sequestration, if that happens," he added.

Panetta said U.S. service members are working and fighting, and some are dying, every day.

"Those of us in Washington need to have the same courage as they do to do the right thing and try to protect the security of this country," he added. "We must ensure we have the resources we need to defend the nation and meet our commitments to our troops, to our civilian employees, and to their families, after more than a decade of war."

Congress must pass a balanced deficit reduction plan, de-trigger sequester, and pass the appropriations bills for fiscal 2013, he said.

"I'm committed to do whatever I can in the time I have remaining [in office] to try to work with the Congress to ... resolve these issues," Panetta said. "We have a vital mission to perform, one that the American people expect and that they are entitled to, which is to protect their safety and to protect our national security. Congress must be a partner in that mission. I'd love to be able to do this alone, but I can't."

Dempsey offered his view of what wreckage the fiscal "storm" would leave behind.

"As I've said before, sequestration is a self-inflicted wound on national security," the chairman said. "It's an irresponsible way to manage our nation's defense. It cuts blindly, and it cuts bluntly. It compounds risk, and it ... compromises readiness. In fact, readiness is what's now in jeopardy. We're on the brink of creating a hollow force, the very thing we said we must avoid."

Dempsey noted sequestration may now "hit" while the department, under a continuing resolution, is also implementing "the deep cuts already made in the Budget Control Act" and fighting a war in Afghanistan.

"Any one of these would be a serious challenge on its own," Dempsey said. "Together, they set the conditions for readiness to pass a tipping point as early as March."

DOD won't shortchange those in combat, and will resource those who are next to deploy while still caring for wounded warriors and their families, the chairman said.

"But for the rest of the force, operations, maintenance and training will be gutted," Dempsey said. "We'll ground aircraft, return ships to port, and sharply curtail training across the force. ... [W]e may be forced to furlough civilians at the expense of maintenance and even health care. We'll be unable to reset the force following a decade of war."

Military readiness will begin to erode immediately, Dempsey said, telling reporters, "Within months, we'll be less prepared. Within a year, we'll be unprepared."

The crisis "can and must be avoided, the sooner, the better," the chairman said.

"We need budget certainty; we need time to absorb the budget reductions; we need the flexibility to manage those reductions across the entire budget," he said. "We have none of these things right now. And without them, we have no choice but to steel ourselves for the consequences."

REMARKS: DEFENSE SECRETARY PANETTA AND AFGHAN PRESIDENT KARZAI

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Presenter: Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and Afghan President Hamid Karzai January 10, 2013
Remarks by Secretary Panetta and President Karzai at the Pentagon

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LEON E. PANETTA: If I could have your attention, please.

First of all, let me express how honored we are to welcome you, Mr. President, and your distinguished delegation here to the Department of Defense and to the nation's capital.

(CROSSTALK)

Have we got everybody? Okay.

Again, Mr. President, let me express our honor at the opportunity to welcome you here to the Pentagon. We -- we sometimes are accused of having a great deal of power and I just want to assure you that the weather was nice because I prayed a lot.

But we -- we enjoyed the opportunity to be able to honor you as a distinguished visitor to the United States.

This is a -- this is a wonderful opportunity, and it comes after 10 years of war, of blood, of battle, the loss of many on both sides. But -- after -- after a long and difficult path, we finally are, I believe, at the last chapter of establishing an Afghanistan -- a sovereign Afghanistan that can govern and secure itself for the future.

I want to thank you in particular, in light of the sacrifices that have been made, of your taking the time to visit our wounded Afghan and American comrades at Walter Reed Hospital. That -- that, I believe, is a reflection of your kindness and your appreciation.

When I traveled to Afghanistan last month, as I told you, I had the opportunity to meet with all of our military key leaders there. And it was clear to me from them and from the Afghans that I spoke with that what we are doing together -- what we are doing in partnership is indeed succeeding.

It was equally clear to me that our partnership, forged as I said through almost 11 years of shared sacrifice, is a key to our ability to achieve the final mission. We've come a long way towards a shared goal of establishing a nation that you and we can be proud of, one that never again becomes a safe haven for terrorism.

This next year in Afghanistan will be a very important one, as we continue to transition security responsibility to the Afghan forces. And this coming year, we will complete that transition with tranche five.

I want to commend you on the bravery and the skill of your forces. They are demonstrating, alongside the United States and coalition forces, every day the bravery, the courage and the capability to provide the security you need in order to ensure a safe future for your nation.

I also want to assure you, my friend, that the United States and the Department of Defense are fully committed to helping the people of Afghanistan secure and govern your own country.

We -- we have sacrificed together. That has created a bond that will not be broken in the future.

PRESIDENT HAMID KARZAI: Thank you very much, dear friend, Secretary Panetta, for the very warm welcome today by you personally and for the very beautiful honor guard that was presented, and for receiving me and my delegation today at the Pentagon in your office.

Thank you also, Mr. Secretary, for being a friend of Afghanistan for all these years you were working at the Pentagon.

Indeed, Afghanistan and the United States have come a long way in the past 11 years, with sacrifice on both sides, of your men and women in uniform and civilians, and also of the Afghan security forces and the Afghan police.

As we move forward toward the completion of the transition, I'm glad we are going to announce the final and fifth tranche mid 2013: Afghanistan will be taking over responsibility for its own security.

And I thank you and all our allies for providing Afghanistan the assistance that was needed in the past 11 years and for training and equipping the Afghan forces.

I can assure you, Mr. Secretary, that Afghanistan will, with the help that you provide, be able to provide security to its people and to protect its borders; so Afghanistan would not ever again be threatened by terrorists from across our borders.

And I'm sure during this trip, Afghanistan and the United States will work out a modality for bilateral security agreement that will ensure the interests of Afghanistan and also the interests of the United States.

Thank you, Mr. Secretary.

SEC. PANETTA: Thank you very much, Mr. President

SEC. OF DEFENSE PANETTA SAYS U.S. IN SECOND TO LAST STAGE IN AFGHANISTAN SECURITY TRANSITION

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Panetta Praises Security Transition Progress in Afghanistan
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 31, 2012 – Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta lauded Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s announcement that Afghanistan has entered the second to last stage of the transition of security responsibility from NATO’s International Security Assistance Force to Afghan security forces.

"It is another sign of steady progress that the Government of Afghanistan has announced the fourth tranche of the transition process," Panetta said in a statement issued today.

Afghanistan's security transition is designed to take place in five tranches, or stages. The transition is in line with the plan set forth at the Lisbon summit, ISAF officials said in a news release issued today.

"I congratulate President Karzai, his national security team, and the Afghan National Security Forces for their commitment to taking even more of a lead role for the security of the Afghan people," Panetta said.

As part of the fourth tranche, 12 Afghan provinces entered the security transition process, ISAF officials said. Afghanistan now has 23 of its 34 provinces entirely in the transition process. The provinces added in tranche four are primarily in the north and interior of the country, said officials, noting that one district in Helmand province is also included in the announcement.

"This step demonstrates the success of our strategy and the progress that the men and women of ISAF, working closely with our Afghan partners, are achieving every day in Afghanistan," Panetta said.

"President Karzai's announcement of the fourth group of provinces to enter transition is another historic step for Afghanistan as it gets closer to taking full responsibility for security of the entire country," said Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, the commander of ISAF and U.S. Forces-Afghanistan.

"With the addition of these 12 full provinces to the transition process, Afghan National Security Forces are now taking the security lead in areas where 87 percent of the Afghan people live," Allen said.

This is a strong indicator that Afghanistan is on the path to full self-governance, Panetta said.

"Going forward, our efforts in Afghanistan will continue to ensure that the Afghan people can secure and govern themselves, and to deny safe haven to al-Qaida. Today's announcement marks another major advance toward those goals," he said.

It is expected that all parts of Afghanistan will have begun transition by the summer of 2013, ISAF officials said, putting the Afghan forces in the lead for security nationwide.

Ambassador Maurits R. Jochems, NATO’s senior civilian representative in Afghanistan, recognized that the progress made in professionalism and confidence by the Afghan National Security Forces has enabled the transition strategy to succeed.

Speaking about NATO and ISAF's commitment to Afghanistan, Jochems said, "ISAF will continue to support the Afghan National Security Forces until the end of 2014, and after that NATO and its partners remain committed to Afghanistan's future stability through a new mission to train, advise and assist the Afghan National Security Forces."

U.S. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PANETTA IS ANGY OVER CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER'S PROBLEMS

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Panetta 'Disappointed, Angry' at Child Development Center Lapses
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2012 - Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta is "deeply disappointed and angry" at lapses at the Fort Myer, Va., child development center, Pentagon spokesman George Little said today.

Two workers at the Fort Myer facility were arrested Sept. 26 for assaulting children under their care. An investigation revealed that other workers had derogatory information in their background that called into question their suitability for working with children, officials said.

"The Army has launched an investigation into hiring processes not only at Fort Myer, but throughout the United States Army military child care system," Little said.

Panetta learned of the problems at the facility yesterday, and immediately ordered the other services to examine their hiring procedures as well.

Little said he has no information that the problems are more widespread. "But let me be very clear: the secretary believes that the care of our children is paramount, ... and he will settle for nothing less than the highest standards of care for our military children," he added.

More than 1 million children belong to U.S. military families throughout the world. "They are part of the DOD family, and we will do whatever we can to protect them, wherever they may be," Little said.

The press secretary said he expects the investigation to move beyond child development centers and cover youth activities programs and the DOD Education Activity facilities on bases and installations around the world.

In addition to looking at the hiring practices, Little said, the secretary is looking into why it took three months for news about the Fort Myer situation to reach him.

"No one likes to be surprised," Little said. "I don't know where the breakdown [in communications] was. It's something we're looking into, and clearly this information didn't get reported up the chain of command as quickly as we think it should have."

U.S. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE AND CHAIRMAN OF JOINT CHIEFS MOURN PASSING OF SENATOR INOUYE

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Panetta, Dempsey Mourn Hawaii Senator
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18, 2012 – The Defense Department’s top civilian and military officials issued statements paying tribute to U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye of Hawaii, a World War II veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, who died at age 88 yesterday at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said the senator’s life "embodied the essence of the American Dream and the heroism of the greatest generation."

"A World War II veteran of the legendary 442nd Regimental Combat Team, his display of leadership and valor in a gun battle that cost him his arm rightfully earned him the Medal of Honor," Panetta said. "His determination to recover and his extraordinary career that followed continue to inspire wounded warriors today.

"In the U.S. Senate," the secretary continued, "he was one of the most stalwart and effective advocates of the Department of Defense, and a relentless champion of our men and women in uniform and their families. I was honored to have the opportunity to work closely with him when I served as a member of Congress, and in the Clinton and Obama administrations."

Inouye’s legacy will endure in the better quality of life he helped to bring to generations of service members and their families and the people of Hawaii, and for his contributions to a stronger national defense, Panetta said. "The thoughts and prayers of all of us at the Department of Defense are with the Inouye family in this time of grief and remembrance," he added.

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Inouye "exemplified the role of servant-leader, both in and out of uniform, and served as a role model for so many Americans."

"As a member of the greatest generation, he gave what many would consider the best years of his life to oppose tyranny in Europe, where he received the Medal of Honor while serving with the famed 442nd Infantry Regiment," the chairman said. "After losing his arm, he could have finished his service to our nation, but that was just the beginning."

While serving in the Senate since 1962, Dempsey said, Inouye was a friend to the military and to those who have served the nation in uniform. "His tireless efforts on support for our veterans, particularly in health care and education, will greatly benefit thousands of military service members and our families for years to come," he said.


BRIEF MILITARY HISTORY OF MEDAL OF HONOR WINNER SEN. DANIEL K. INOUYE
By Rudi Williams
American Forces Press Service

First Lt. Daniel K. Inouye,
was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism on April 21, 1945, in the vicinity of San Terenzo, Italy. While attacking a defended ridge guarding an important road junction, Inouye directed his platoon through a hail of automatic weapons and small arms fire to capture an artillery and mortar post and brought his men to within 40 yards of the hostile force. The enemy, emplaced in bunkers and rock formations, halted the advance with crossfire from three machine guns.

Inouye boldly crawled up the treacherous slope to within five yards of the nearest machine gun and hurled two grenades, destroying it. Before the enemy could retaliate, he stood up and neutralized a second machine gun nest with submachine gun fire.

Although wounded by a sniper's bullet, he continued to engage other hostile positions at close range until an exploding grenade shattered his right arm. Despite intense pain, he refused evacuation and continued to direct his platoon until enemy resistance was broken and his men were again deployed in defensive positions.

 

U.S. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PANETTA MEETS WITH AFGHAN LEADERS

Morning In Afghanistan.  From:  U.S. Army

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Panetta Meets with U.S., Afghan Leaders
By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 13, 2012 - Over two days in Afghanistan, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta has met with U.S. and Afghan leaders here and in Kandahar, gathering information he says will help inform the decision President Barack Obama will soon make on troop levels there after 2014.

Last night here Panetta spent an hour-long meeting with Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, commander of the International Security Assistance Force and U.S. Forces Afghanistan.

Afterward, Panetta and Allen attended a dinner with other military leaders. The event was closed to press but according to a pool report Panetta and Allen each made comments while photographs were being taken before dinner.

Panetta walked around the table, shaking hands with each general officer in attendance, including Army Maj. Gen. Anthony Thomas, commanding general at Special Operations Joint Task Force-Afghanistan; Army Maj. Gen. William C. Mayville, ISAF Regional Command-East commander; Army Lt. Gen. Daniel P. Bolger, commander of the NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan; Army Maj. Gen. Robert B. Abrams, commander of ISAF Regional Command-South and others.

Allen said the leaders here were honored to have Panetta with them for a candid conversation and to hear the secretary's guidance and views.

Panetta wished them all the best for the holidays, adding that the people of the United States appreciate their service and sacrifice.

The secretary said he traveled to Afghanistan to understand the "situation on the ground" and plans to meet with Afghan leaders in advance of President Obama's upcoming decision about future troop levels in post-2014 Afghanistan.

This morning, Panetta met with Afghan Minister of Defense Bismillah Khan Mohammadi and Afghan Interior Minister Mujtaba Patang here, then flew to Kandahar Air Field to meet with the leadership of Regional Command-South, including Abrams.

Afterward the secretary spoke with and took questions from troops who serve at RC-South headquarters.

The RC-South area of responsibility includes Kandahar, Uruzgan, Zabul and Daykundi provinces. The U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Division soldiers at headquarters are joined by troops from NATO member nations Albania, Bulgaria, Canada, France, Romania, Slovakia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Non-NATO member nations Australia, Jordan and Singapore also have troops there.

Panetta stood in near-freezing temperatures with the troops around him, talking about the progress made in Afghanistan.

"As far as I'm concerned, 2011 was a real turning point. We've seen levels of violence go down. We've seen that the Taliban has found it almost impossible to regain any of the territory that they lost during that period," he said.

The Afghan army now conducts 85 percent of patrols, he said.

"That's moving it in the right direction," Panetta said. "They're taking over more and more of the responsibility, which has to happen if we're eventually going to have an Afghanistan that can secure and govern itself."

Every country that has troops in Afghanistan has spilled blood over nearly 11 years to complete the mission there, the secretary said.

"The bottom line is that those sacrifices -- all of those sacrifices -- are not in vain," Panetta said. "We have made good progress in achieving the mission that we're embarked on, and it's because of all of you."

"That's why I'm here -- to say thank you for all of your service and for your sacrifice. Thank you for giving back -- giving back in duty is the kind of service that is at the heart of our strength," he added.

"Military strength, as far as I'm concerned ... none of that would be worth a damn without the men and women in uniform who serve this country. You are the real strength of our military power," Panetta said.

In response to a question from one of the troops, Panetta said his proudest achievements as defense secretary include working with the Joint Chiefs and other military leaders to formulate a new defense strategy for the future, and helping open up service in the military to anyone who wants to serve by expanding roles for women and in 2011 ending the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy.

"I think that when it comes to serving the United States of America, anybody who wants to serve this country ought to have the opportunity to do it," he said.

After Panetta and his group left Kandahar and returned to Kabul, insurgents detonated a vehicle bomb near Kandahar Airfield, killing one service member and wounded three others and several Afghans.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PANETTA SPENDS TIME WITH TROOPS IN AFGHANISTAN

 

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta addresses troops on Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Dec. 12, 2012. Panetta thanked them for their service while also wishing them holiday greetings. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo.

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Panetta Arrives in Kabul to Thank Troops, Meet With Commanders
By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service

KABUL, Afghanistan, Dec. 12, 2012 – After spending time with U.S. troops and officials in Kuwait, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta has landed here today to thank troops for their exceptional service, especially during the holidays when it’s harder to be far from family and friends.

This is Panetta’s fifth trip to Afghanistan as defense secretary and his eighth trip to the war-torn nation in the last four years.

"My main goal is to thank the troops," Panetta said, "but beyond that it’s to consult with military commanders, to consult with leadership in Afghanistan, talk to President [Hamid] Karzai and be able to get a better sense of just exactly what’s happening in Afghanistan."

The secretary said the campaign is on a better path than it was four years ago despite real challenges that remain in the region.

"We’ve got a strong campaign plan in place supported by the United States and [the International Security Assistance Force], confirmed by the NATO nations [during the NATO summit this summer in] Chicago," Panetta said, adding that a strategic partnership agreement signed June 1 by President Barack Obama and Karzai "pretty much affirms our enduring presence in Afghanistan in the long run."

Violence levels have trended downward in the last two years after five years of steady increases beginning in 2006, the secretary noted, and the Taliban have been unable to regain territory they’ve lost over the past few years.

"On insider attacks, an area that remains a concern, we have a downward trend, … and populated areas have grown more secure," Panetta said. "In 2012, violence dropped significantly in Kabul, [by] 22 percent, and in Kandahar by almost 62 percent."

The Afghan national security force is becoming more capable, the secretary said. They have reached the 352,000 end-strength goal on schedule and now are in the lead in about 85 percent of the operations. They’re also leading some large-scale operations, he added.

Seventy-five percent of the Afghan population now lives in areas that are undergoing transition to Afghan security, Panetta said, and 100 percent of the population should be in transition by mid-2013.

Progress in other areas includes health care and education, he added.

"Eighty-five percent of the population in Afghanistan now has ready access to health care, compared to 9 percent in 2002," the secretary said. "[And] more than 8 million students are enrolled in schools, compared to 1 million in 2002, and 35 percent of the kids in school are girls."

Significant challenges remain, he said, "involving governance, continuing corruption, the problem with insurgent safe havens in Pakistan, economic challenges and a resilient Taliban that continues to challenge our security in Afghanistan."

On the problem of enemy safe havens in Pakistan, the secretary said, the Pakistani government understands. "I think as a result of recent meetings with Pakistan that we are more encouraged with the fact that they want to take steps to try to limit the terrorist threat within their own country and the threat that goes across the border."

Panetta said his sense is that the Pakistanis are in a better place.

"They understand their responsibility," he added. "They certainly have cooperated with us in a better fashion with regards to opening up the [ground lines of communication between Pakistan and Afghanistan]."

The Pakistanis also have expressed a greater interest in helping with reconciliation of Taliban soldiers into Afghan society, and Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, chief of the Pakistani army, has indicated a willingness to try to put more pressure on the terrorist safe havens, the secretary added.

"As always, actions have to speak louder than words," he said. "But I do believe that they’re in a better place in the sense that they understand the kind of threat that they should deal with."

As security improves and the Afghan national security force steps into the lead, "the opportunity to focus on these challenges and hopefully strengthen governance and the rule of law and the Afghan economy is a goal we’re after," Panetta said.

The secretary said he looks forward to getting a firsthand view of Afghanistan’s status by speaking with ISAF Commander Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen and other commanders, and with the Afghan leadership.

"This will help me as we set the groundwork for the decisions that have to be made by President Obama with regard to the enduring presence [in Afghanistan]," Panetta added.

The secretary said he and others will present options to Obama for the nature of the enduring presence in Afghanistan, , "and hopefully he’ll make a decision within these next few weeks."

Afterward, Panetta added, the president’s decision will allow Allen to figure out what the drawdown in Afghanistan ought to be and over what period of time.

U.S. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PANETTA MEETS WITH KUWAIT'S AMIR

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta meets with Kuwaiti heads of state before a meeting with Kuwait’s Amir in Kuwait City, Kuwait, Dec. 11, 2012. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Panetta Meets With Kuwait’s Amir, Stresses Strong Relationship
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2012 – In a meeting with Kuwait’s amir in Kuwait City today, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta expressed strong confidence in the longstanding U.S.-Kuwaiti defense relationship and in the ability of both countries to work together to address common security challenges in the Gulf region and beyond.

Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said in a statement that in the meeting with Amir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jabir al-Sabah, Panetta underscored the importance the U.S. defense strategy places on the Middle East, and commended the emir for Kuwait's leadership role in fostering peace and security in the region.

The secretary and the amir also discussed the crisis in Syria, the problem of cyber threats, and Kuwait's recently completed parliamentary elections and ongoing commitment to the rule of law, Little added.

Panetta’s first official visit to Kuwait is also the first for a U.S. defense secretary in five years.

U.S. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PANETTA BELIEVES KUWAIT IS AN IMPORTANT PARTNER FOR THE U.S.

"Mushrooms" in the desert: water towers in Kuwait. From: CIA World Factbook.

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Panetta Calls Kuwait Important U.S. Partner
By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service

KUWAIT CITY, Kuwait, Dec. 11, 2012 – On his first official visit to Kuwait, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said today that the nation is an important partner with a longstanding U.S. bilateral defense partnership.

More than 13,500 U.S. forces serve in Kuwait, the secretary told reporters traveling with him. The last visit to Kuwait by a U.S. defense secretary was almost five years ago, he added.

Kuwait is strategically located at the head of the Persian Gulf between Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The United States and Kuwait "share a history of cooperation that goes back to the first Gulf War," Panetta said, "and I look forward to discussing with the government of Kuwait how can we enhance that partnership in the face of regional security challenges in the area."

Together, U.S. and Kuwaiti troops conduct security cooperation activities and are involved in joint exercises and training, the secretary said.

"Our presence in Kuwait and throughout the Gulf helps enhance the capabilities of partner nations, deters aggression and helps ensure that we’re better able to respond to crises in the region," Panetta added.

The new U.S. defense strategy makes clear the United States will maintain a force presence in the Middle East, he said, and the department is maintaining a very strong and flexible presence there.

With nearly 50,000 U.S. troops in the region, the United States is in a position to be able to respond to any contingency that arises there, the secretary said.

"Kuwait," he added, "plays a critical role in our ability to do that."

Panetta said one of the main reasons for the trip is to visit troops during the holiday season, "and to express on behalf of the nation our best wishes for the holidays to all of them."

It’s a tough time of year to be away from loved ones, he added.

"Since 9/11, so many have spent so many holidays away from home, the secretary said. "I want them to hear directly from me how much I appreciate their dedication, their commitment, their sacrifice and their willingness to put their lives on the line to keep our country safe so far away from their families.

"Our hope," he added, "is that ultimately, one day soon, they can be home with their families for Christmas."