POSTURE STATEMENT OF GENERAL RICHARD B. MYERS, USAF CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF BEFORE THE 108TH CONGRESS SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE SUBCOMMITTEE DEFENSE
12 MAY 2004
I am privileged to report to Congress on the state of the United States Armed Forces.
As they were a year ago, our Nation’s Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coastguardsmen are currently operating within our borders and around the globe with dedication, courage and professionalism, alongside our Coalition partners, to accomplish a variety of very demanding missions. Global terrorism remains a serious threat, and the stakes in the GLOBAL War on Terrorism remain high.
Over the past year, I have told you that with the patience, will, and commitment of our Nation we would win the War on Terrorism. The support we have received from the Congress has been superb. From Congressional visits to deployed personnel, to support for transformational warfighting programs, to funding for security and stability operations, to improved pay and benefits for our troops, your support for our servicemen and women has enabled us to make significant progress in the War on Terrorism.
In spite of the difficulties in Fallujah and the radical Sadr militants, we are making progress in Iraq. Saddam Hussein no longer terrorizes the Iraqi people or his neighbors; he is in custody awaiting justice. The Iraqi people are on their way to establishing a prosperous and peaceful future. It won’t come easy. Freedom never does, and events over the last month have been challenging. The list of important accomplishments in every sector—education, medical care, business, agriculture, energy, and government, to name a few—is long and growing.
We have made substantial progress in Afghanistan as well. The Constitutional Loya Jirga is an encouraging example of democracy in action. In both countries, as in the Horn of Africa and other areas, US and Coalition personnel work together to capture or kill terrorists, while at the same time improving infrastructure and economic conditions so that peace and freedom can take hold.
Despite the operational demands on our forces, we remain ready to support the President’s National Security Strategy and Secretary of Defense’s draft National Defense Strategy to assure our allies, while we dissuade, deter and defeat any adversary. The draft National Military Strategy (NMS), developed in consultation with the Service Chiefs and Combatant Commanders describes the ways we will conduct military operations to protect the United States against external attack and aggression, and how we will prevent conflict and surprise attack and prevail against adversaries. The strategy requires that we possess the forces to defend the US homeland and deter forward in four critical regions. If required, we will swiftly defeat the efforts of two adversaries in an overlapping timeframe, while having the ability to “win decisively” in one theater. In addition, because we live in a world marked by uncertainty, our forces must also be prepared to conduct a limited number of lesser contingencies while maintaining sufficient force generation capabilities as a hedge against future challenges.
We appreciate your continued support giving our dedicated personnel the warfighting systems and quality of life they deserve. Our challenge for the coming year and beyond is to stay the course in the War on Terrorism as we continue to transform our Armed Forces to conduct future joint operations. We cannot afford to let our recent successes cause us to lose focus or lull us into satisfaction with our current capabilities. The war is not over, and there is still dangerous work to do. To meet this challenge, we continue to focus on three priorities: winning the War on Terrorism, enhancing joint warfighting, and transforming for the future.
War on Terrorism
Thirty-Two months after the terrorist attacks on September 11, defeating global terrorism remains our military’s number one priority. We will continue to fight this war on many different fronts, because terrorism comes in many different forms. The stakes remain high, but our resolve remains firm.
The more experience we gain in this fight, the more we recognize that success is dependent on a well-integrated military, interagency and coalition effort. This means the coordinated commitment of the military, diplomatic, informational, economic, financial, law enforcement, and intelligence resources of our Nation – all instruments of our national power. On the international level, Coalition military and interagency cooperation has been remarkable. In Iraq, Coalition forces from over 30 nations are working hard to bring peace and stability to a country brutalized for 3 decades. In Afghanistan, 41 nations are working to secure a democratic government and defeat al Qaida and remnants of the Taliban regime, with NATO assuming an increasing role in stability and reconstruction efforts.
We have made significant strides coordinating US Government efforts within the interagency and with our Coalition partners. One of the ways we have been successful at coordinating interagency efforts is through venues such as the Strategy Working Group, the Senior Leadership Review Board and the Regional Combating Terrorism Strategies. Continued success in this war will depend largely on our ability to organize for a sustained effort and coordinate seamlessly among all government agencies. An even more demanding task is coordinating the efforts of our Coalition partners, now numbering more than 90 nations. Coalition contributions have been significant, ranging from combat forces, to intelligence, logistics and medical units. They have complemented our existing capabilities and eased the requirement for current US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. Coordinating the efforts of our Coalition partners is critical to combating the remaining terrorist threat.
The al Qaida network, though damaged, remains resilient, adaptable and capable of planning and executing more terrorist acts, such as the attacks in Saudi Arabia, Turkey and most recently in Spain. Al Qaida continues to receive support and recruit operatives from sympathizers around the world.
al Qaida will increasingly focus on Iraq as today’s jihad. As the network consolidates its efforts in Iraq, the threats of attacks will grow. In fact, four al Qaida audiotapes released in 2003 prominently mentioned Iraq, demonstrating Usama Bin Ladin’s emphasis on staging attacks there. Ansar al-Islam also remains a formidable threat in Iraq, despite damage inflicted by Coalition forces during OIF. Its key leadership remains at large and continues to plot attacks against US and Coalition interests.
The ceasefire with anti-Coalition militants in and around Fallujah is fragile. The Coalition is responding to attacks by militants who frequently fire upon Coalition forces and hide among the populace, and who fire from mosques and hospitals. The combatants in this area apparently are a combination of former regime elements, Islamic extremists, terrorists, foreigners, and other disenchanted Sunnis who oppose Coalition efforts to reconstruct Iraq. Delegations of Iraqi leaders continue efforts to mediate surrender and the turn-in of weapons. In the South, Muqtada al-Sadr’s armed backers largely have been forced by Coalition military pressure to coalesce within the city of An Najaf. They continue to engage Coalition forces with mortars and small arms, likely from inside or nearby shrines sacred to Shia. Al Sadr continues to intimidate the citizens of An Najaf, the majority of whom want to see this situation resolved and the shrines protected. Sadr has convinced some impressionable Shia youth to fight to legitimize his influence in Iraq. However, senior Shia intervention may push Sadr to concede to a political settlement.
Other terrorist groups also pose significant threats to US interests, and we believe that some of these terrorist groups have developed contingency plans for terrorist attacks against US interests abroad. The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia continue to conduct terrorist attacks throughout Colombia. They currently hold three US hostages captured in early 2003, and directly threaten efforts to bring peace, stability and an end to the drug trade in Colombia. Jemaah Islamiyah in Southeast Asia is another terrorist group that shares al Qaida’s goals and methods, adding to the transnational terrorist threat. The intelligence that led to recent heightened alert levels during the holidays in December show that the threat of a major terrorist attack against the US homeland remains very real.
Disturbingly, terrorist groups continue to show interest in developing and using Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) weapons in terrorist attacks. Terrorists have attempted to acquire military-grade materials, and interest in CBRN weapons and materials by several groups is well documented.
The Coalition’s efforts in the War on Terrorism (WOT) represent the significant first step in curtailing WMD proliferation. Our strategy for combating WMD calls for the Combatant Commanders to detect, deter, deny, counter, and if necessary, interdict WMD and its means of delivery. Combating WMD relies on a continuum of interrelated activities, employing both defensive and offensive measures, and confronting the threat through mutually reinforcing approaches of nonproliferation, counterproliferation, and consequence management. This multi-tiered and integrated effort will greatly reduce the threat of WMD falling into the hands of terrorists.
Following the liberation of Iraq and the collapse of Saddam Hussein’s brutal regime, the countries of Iran, and most recently, Libya have been more forthcoming about their illegal WMD programs to the international community. This should also help to apply international pressure on North Korea and its nuclear declarations.
To counter the potential threat of the proliferation of WMD, the President’s Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) is the most far-reaching attempt to expand our efforts to impede and interdict the flow of weapons of mass destruction, their means of delivery, and related materials, between state and non-state actors of proliferation concern. It is part of a larger effort to counter proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and missile-related technology by interdicting shipments of these materials by air, land, and sea. To date, there are 14 partner nations actively participating in PSI operations and exercises. Our goal is to expand PSI participation in order to be postured to respond quickly to assist in the interdiction of the proliferation trade. United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540, adopted by a vote of 15-0 on 28 April 2004, underscores the international importance of this issue and enhances the legal basis for PSI and related efforts to combat proliferation of WMD, related materials, and their delivery systems. OIF and OEF Operations
US Central Command (CENTCOM) is still center-stage in the WOT, and doing a magnificent job under difficult circumstances. The Iraqi Governing Council unanimously approved its Transitional Administrative Law (TAL) on March 8, providing the framework for elections and transition to a permanent constitution and an elected, democratic government in 2005. On 30 June, a fully sovereign Iraqi interim government will take office in Iraq. Iraqis recognized the need for a security partnership with the Multinational Force (MNF), under unified MNF command, in the TAL. The TAL provides that “consistent with Iraq’s status as a sovereign state … the Iraqi Armed Forces will be a principle partner in the MNF operating in Iraq under unified command” and that this arrangement will last “until the ratification of a permanent constitution and the election of a new government.” Furthermore, United Nations Security Council Resolution 1511 acknowledges the responsibility and authority of the MNF for the security of Iraq.
Since the end of major combat operations, we have made steady progress towards meeting our objectives. Essential services are being restored, and a political transformation is already underway in Iraq. We continue to train and equip Iraqi security forces. It is important for the Iraqis to see Iraqi faces on their security forces, with the Coalition forces remaining in the background. Although a few countries are withdrawing their troops from Iraq, our Coalition remains strong, with over 30 other countries directly supporting stability and security in Iraq.
Today, Coalition forces continue to rout out remnants of the former regime attempting a desperate last stand. Using intelligence provided by Iraqi citizens, we are conducting thousands of raids and patrols per week alongside Iraqi security forces. We have seized massive amounts of ammunition, and captured or killed 46 of the 55 most wanted former Iraqi leaders, as well as thousands of other Saddam loyalists, terrorists and criminals. We have captured or killed all of the top 5, most notably Saddam Hussein and his sons, Uday and Qusay. The Iraq Survey Group is continuing its examination of Saddam’s WMD programs by interviewing Iraqi citizens, examining physical evidence, and analyzing records of the old regime. We know that this process will take time and patience, and must be able to stand up to world scrutiny.
Our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coastguardsmen in Iraq are now supporting over 203,000 Iraqi security forces. The Iraqi police continue to expand their training pipelines in Jordan and Iraq, producing hundreds of trained officers each month. We are well on track to meet our goal of 31,000 trained Iraqi police by August 2004, and a fully trained force of 75,000 by June 2005. The Facilities Protective Service has fewer training requirements and has already reached its goal of 50,000 members. They have taken over security from Coalition Forces at most fixed site locations, such as power lines and parts of the oil infrastructure – key targets for sabotage. Our goal for the Border Enforcement Force is to have 20,400 members by May 2005. They will relieve Coalition forces guarding checkpoints along Iraq’s border. US military forces continue to vet former members of the Iraqi military and other security services for employment in the new Iraqi security services, but Iraqis are formally in charge of de-Ba’athification efforts and have established guidelines for that process. The Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense and for the Reconstruction of Iraq and Afghanistan 2004 that Congress approved last year was instrumental in enabling our planned accelerated development of these security forces, and we are grateful for that support.
The New Iraqi Army continues to train additional battalions. Iraq’s Army needs more than just military skills. They must have a deep-rooted sense of professionalism, focused on protecting all Iraqis while operating firmly under civilian control. The new army will reflect Iraq’s religious, regional, and ethnic mix, will be apolitical, and indoctrinated in their role of defense and security. We will spend the time and resources necessary to ensure the Iraqi Army is a well-trained and highly capable force.
The linchpin of our security efforts during this transition period is the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps (ICDC), currently planned to be a fully trained force of 40,000 by September 2004. The ICDC is a light military force, created to deal with the current stability issues in Iraq. As we have done from the beginning, we continue to reassess the security environment in Iraq. These security assessments could change force goals for the various components of Iraqi security forces. ICDC units’ performance in recent counter-insurgency operations was mixed. In almost every case, the units that performed effectively had completed the prescribed training programs, were fully equipped, had a history of close integration with Coalition forces, served under effective chains of command, and had developed a high level of unit cohesion from having worked together for some time. The units that failed to perform well generally lacked several of these characteristics.
CJTF-7, the Coalition Police Advisory Training Team and the Coalition Military Advisory Training Teams, are all re-evaluating the security force training programs in light of the mixed performance over the last three weeks, and have identified a number of key enablers that should produce a cadre of trained and capable forces. These include acceleration of academy training programs, increasing the number of coalition advisors embedded into units, increasing the involvement of Iraqi security forces in Coalition operations and introducing former Iraqi officers as liaison officers to coalition units.
Equipment shortages remain one of the greatest obstacles to establishing capable security forces, but our recent efforts to energize the equipment procurement process are beginning to pay off. We should see the acceleration of equipment deliveries beginning in May. Because of losses associated with operations in early April, we will have to establish additional contracts for equipment above those already in place to get the Iraqi Security Forces up to the 100% equipped mark. If the additional contracts are awarded this month, we expect most of the forces can cross the 50% required equipment threshold in July, and 100% by September.
FY 2004 supplemental funds provided commanders with one of the most successful tools in winning the hearts and minds of the Iraqi and Afghan people, the Commander’s Emergency Response Program (CERP). These funds provide commanders and the resourceful young troops they lead with the means to respond to urgent humanitarian and stabilization and reconstruction needs such as water and sanitation projects, irrigation and small-scale agriculture assistance, school house repairs and civic cleanup projects. This program is an invaluable tool for establishing relationships with the Iraqi and Afghan people, assisting in economic development, and creating a safer environment.
The United Nations and the international community are also playing vital roles in the political and economic transformation of Iraq. Over 70 countries and international organizations including the US, pledged $33 billion at the Madrid Donors Conference. UN Security Council Resolution 1511 called upon Iraqis, initially through the Iraqi Governing Council, to determine the course and speed of their political reformation. In response, the Iraqi Governing Council has submitted its plan and timetable for selecting a transitional National Assembly and interim government, drafting a constitution and holding elections. It is an ambitious schedule, but one that they can accomplish with our help.
In addition to security and political progress, we continue to help Iraq rebuild the infrastructure required for economic progress and a stable democracy. The Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) and Gulf Region Division - Restore Iraqi Electricity (GRD-RIE) are managing a comprehensive maintenance and upgrade program designed to improve power generation, transmission, efficiency and capacity to meet the future needs of the Iraqi people. Through the coordinated efforts of the Army Corps of Engineers and the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity, we met the initial October 2003 goal of 4,400 MW of peak power generation. The next goal is 6,000 MW of power by 1 June 2004. In order to meet this goal the CPA developed the Power Increase Plan to offset recent system failures from severe weather and continuing sabotage and looting. This plan increases electrical power generation through an increase of generator rehabilitation and maintenance projects, the increase of new power generators to the national power grid, increasing electrical power imports from other nations, and improving system-wide power transmission and distribution. Other progress continues throughout Iraq in potable drinking water projects, supplying hospitals with medical supplies, providing school supplies for Iraqi school children and rebuilding classrooms. Living conditions are improving everyday in Iraq, as many of you have seen for yourselves on recent trips to Iraq.
In Afghanistan, our military strategy combines both combat and stability operations. US and Coalition forces are conducting combat operations to rid Afghanistan of al Qaida and Taliban remnants, and stability operations to assist in building Afghan security institutions, governing bodies, and economic prosperity. In January, the interim Afghan government held their first Constitutional Loya Jirga, approving a new constitution for Afghanistan. In September, Afghanistan will hold its first presidential and parliamentary elections in over three decades. This is extraordinary progress, by any measure.
Security and stability operations are being conducted by 13 Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) operating throughout Afghanistan, with at least 5 more PRTs planned for this year. Coalition and NATO PRT representatives are making great strides improving the quality of life for the Afghan people by building schools, clinics, wells, roads and other community infrastructure projects. Reopening the Kabul-to-Kandahar road was a major success. Our efforts have increased security and stability in Afghanistan. In August 2003, NATO assumed responsibility for the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. In October 2003 the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution extending ISAF’s mission in Afghanistan for one year, and authorizing ISAF to operate outside Kabul and its environs. In February 2004, a Canadian officer assumed command of the NATO ISAF headquarters from the German commander. NATO’s role in Afghanistan is expanding. Germany now leads the NATO PRT at Konduz. NATO is planning future ISAF expansion across northern and western Afghanistan. The Afghan National Army (ANA), now numbering over 8, 000 trained personnel, is at the forefront of efforts to improve security and stability and establish a strong national identity among the Afghan people. To date the ANA has performed well, fighting side-by-side with US and Coalition forces during recent successful combat operations to capture or kill Taliban, Hezb-I-Islami-Gulbiddin, and al Qaida elements. In January 2004 training capacity was increased to graduate 10,800 ANA trained personnel per year. Most of the funding provided in the Afghanistan portion of the FY-04 Emergency Supplemental has strengthened ANA efforts, including the acceleration of training and improved retention and recruitment.
Congress has demonstrated its commitment to the future of Afghanistan, but there is still much more the international community could and should contribute to the reconstruction of Afghanistan. The Berlin Donor’s Conference was a significant success with $4.5 billion pledged for this fiscal year and $8.2 billion for the next 3 years. The Afghan government, with the help of the US government, is seeking more donations for several infrastructure projects such as a new Ministry of Defense headquarters, a hospital in Kabul, and a military academy, as well as donations of certain equipment, weapons and ammunition.
In neighboring Pakistan, working closely with President Musharraf, we have been able to increase coordination among US, Coalition, Afghan and Pakistani forces along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The Pakistani government has taken some initiatives to increase their military presence on the border, such as manned outposts, regular patrols and security barriers. From time to time they have aggressively confronted Taliban and al Qaida supporters in the areas of the Pakistan Federally Administered Tribal Areas and suffered casualties in the process. The Tripartite Commission consisting of US, Afghan and Pakistan representatives concluded its seventh session in mid-April. Among the many accomplishments of the Tripartite Commission has been the establishment of a sub-committee to investigate means to prevent cross-border conflict. US/Pakistani military cooperation continues to improve, and we are helping Pakistan identify equipment requirements for their counter-terrorism efforts.
