"The panel wanted to hear from the Navy and Marine Corps as to how they are transforming themselves to better conduct both anti- and counter- terrorism operations in the post 9/11 combat environment," said Saxton, a ranking member of the Armed Services Committee. "We want to hear about the new tactics, techniques and procedures being implemented or considered by each service, as well as by the Navy and Marine Corps team, to enhance war-fighting capabilities. We would also like to hear about what research, development and procurement plans they are also pursuing toward this same goal."

Members of the panel heard from Rear Admiral Joseph J. Krol, Jr., Assistant Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Plans, Policy, and Operations, and Lt. Gen. Emil R. Bedard, Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies, and Operations for the United States Marine Corps.

Krol offered specific areas that needed attention, including maritime boarding teams, linguists and analysts.

"We need to continue to improve several areas, including interoperability with allies for networking, particularly aboard ships, intelligence, surveillance, recognizance to both theater decision-makers and trigger- pullers, and command and control capabilities," Krol told the panel.

Bedard stated that although today's Marine capabilities are mainly low-level, blunt-impact munitions designed for incapacitating impact, new technologies are on the horizon, including "directed energy" and laser weaponry.

"The good news is that we have identified several promising directed energy capabilities that will transform current non-lethal weapon capabilities to robust long-range capabilities," Bedard said. "Specifically, I'm referring to the Active Denial System- a millimeter wave technology that provides a painful heating sensation of the surface of the skin without permanent damage."

Having promoted understanding of terrorism and the need for anti-terrorism efforts in Congress for 15 years, Saxton was selected by House Speaker Dennis Hastert and Armed Services Committee Chairman Bob Stump to chair the Special Oversight Panel on Terrorism. Saxton said Congress has a responsibility to make sure the Armed Forces have the resources they need to meet new and emerging threats.

"It is with these obligations and authority in mind that this Panel will hold a series of hearings regarding the transformation of our military relative to these new threats and requirements," Saxton said at the hearing.