WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today along with Chairman Carl Levin (D-Mich.) successfully completed markup of the fiscal year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill includes numerous provisions that were authored and supported by Inhofe that will benefit U.S. national security; active-duty, retired and civilian personnel; and Oklahoma’s military installations and communities. The committee approved the mark by a 25-1 vote.

"This bill marks the culmination of a strong, bipartisan effort to ensure our military men and women and their families have the support they need to defend this country,” said Inhofe. “I am proud that we stayed within budget caps and fully funded military readiness. As we face an increasingly dangerous world, I am also pleased that we were able to increase funding for our nation's missile defense and ensured full funding for AWACS, an essential airplane for detecting enemy aircraft. Oklahomans and all of our military came out ahead with a provision that prevents a Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) next year, as conducting BRAC costs more in the near-term and it's a cost we cannot afford in the midst of historically steep budget cuts to our national security. I will fight to ensure these measures stay intact and others important to Oklahoma's military community as the NDAA proceeds through Congress."

What is in it for Oklahoma:

Base Realignment and Closure Prohibition

Inhofe supported language that makes clear that nothing in the FY’15 NDAA shall be construed to authorize a Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round next year. Inhofe believes that the United States has reduced force capability to an unacceptable level, and we should not bring it down any further in the near-term. He also recognizes that our national security has an immediate fiscal crisis and the defense community should not bear the near-term costs of a BRAC in this tough economic climate for savings that will not be realized until 20 years down the road.

Retaining AWACS

Inhofe supported language that will prohibit the Air Force from retiring or preparing to retire any Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft or making any significant changes in manning levels in AWACS until next year. For the past two decades, AWACS have been under constant, heavy demand, supporting overseas contingency operations as well as homeland defense missions.

The President’s budget proposal reduced the number of AWACS airplanes by 7 aircraft (or 25 percent), which will inactivate the 513th Reserve Control Group at Tinker Air Force Base and devastate a key military capability.  This 520-member unit is the only one in the Air Force Reserves that flies and maintains this aircraft. Inhofe's amendment prevents this from taking place.

“The E-3 AWACS has for decades been an Air Force First Responder to crises and conflicts across the globe.  It remains an essential ingredient in the Air Force’s capability and is a force enabler for all aspects of air power.  Reductions to the size and capability of the AWACS fleet could significantly impact our Armed Forces in future conflict and jeopardize America’s national security interests. I am very appreciative of Senator Inhofe’s efforts to maintain this aircraft with unique capabilities,” said retired Col. Mark Tarpley.

“After having experienced AWACS operations since 1980, to include line pilot group and wing commands, AWACS capability is important to our warfighting capability globally.  Any decision to reduce our AWACS capability worldwide should not be taken lightly.  I am very appreciative of Senator Inhofe’s work to save the AWACS and the unique capabilities provided by this aircraft,” said retiredBrig. Gen. Ben Robinson, former commander of the 552^nd Air Control wing.

C-130 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP)

The President’s FY’15 budget failed to include funding for the C-130 Avionics Modernization Program. AMP was the program of record for modernizing legacy C-130 aircraft until the FY’13 budget when the Air Force announced a decision to cancel AMP. The program was already in low-rate initial production and had delivered five aircraft, four additional kits and training devices. The proposed avionics modernization alternatives to the AMP program fail to fully comply with future air space restrictions and will impact the Air Force’s ability to use certain airfields as a result of the incompatible equipment. Inhofe included language that stresses strong support for continuing the modernization of this aircraft and recommends an increase of $25 million for procurement and installation of C-130 AMP kits.  It also directs the Air Force to obligate the FY’14 funds authorized and appropriated for the AMP program to conduct such activities as are necessary to complete testing, and transition the program to production and installation of the modernization kits.  This will allow companies such as Boeing in Oklahoma City to ensure an operational capability of the C-130 fleet.

“The C-130 Avionics Modernization Program has already proven its value to the warfighters and taxpayers by providing greatly enhanced reliability and operational flexibility to the C-130 fleet in a cost-effective way. Senator Inhofe’s support for continuing this important upgrade program ensures that Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard flight crews will be able to reliably and safely carry out vital missions utilizing the latest in avionics technology available at an affordable price,” said Jim O'Neill, president of Boeing's Global Services & Support.

Paladin Integrated Management Program (PIM)

The Paladin Integrated Management (PIM) program is key to the modernization of the Paladin Self-Propelled Horwitzer and the U.S. artillery force. Inhofe successfully included a provision that authored $247.4 million for modernization of 18 horwitzers. The modernization and integration is completed at the BAE System facility in Elgin, Okla.

“BAE Systems is extremely pleased that Sen. Inhofe and the Senate Armed Services committee have expressed their support for the M109A7 (PIM) program.  As the M109A7 enters low rate initial production it leverages the latest technology and commonality within the Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) to ensure the long term viability and sustainability of the M109 family of vehicles. The M109A7 upgrade ensures that our Soldiers have the most advanced howitzer to provide timely, accurate, and responsive fire support for the ABCT,” said Erwin Bieber, president of BAE Systems Inc. Land and Armaments.

"Senator Inhofe has consistently been a strong supporter of the Paladin Integrated Management Program.  The city of Elgin is glad to see this program nearing completion and we are very thankful to have the Senator on our side.  Senator Inhofe played an integral part in providing the funding for this program and without his support this would not be a reality," said Mayor Larry Thoma of Elgin, Okla.

Camp Gruber

Due to Camp Gruber's limited maneuver training space on the west range and lack of duded impact area, Oklahoma Army National Guard (OKARNG) combat and support units training at the squad and below level are severely degraded. Some units cannot even perform training due to lack of maneuver space for heavy vehicles and lack of duded impact area for crew live fire certifications. The lack of training range availability at Fort Sill and Camp Chaffee has resulted in delays in training, inability to plan training events and missed training events. OKARNG is requesting reacquisition of East Range of Camp Gruber consisting of 31,284 acres of training space, including duded impact area of 6,000 acres. OKARNG sought Inhofe’s assistance in expanding their training capability at Camp Gruber. In response, Inhofe successfully included bill and report language that, upon a determination of the Secretary of the Army, authorizes the transfer of the administrative jurisdiction of East Range of Camp Gruber to the Department of the Army so that the OKARNG may train there permanently. 

"Camp Gruber is extremely important to the National Guard and has been for many years. This effort will greatly enhance our ability to provide Soldiers with the best quality training and ensures our capacity to provide the State of Oklahoma and the Army with the highest quality Citizen-Soldiers," said Maj. Gen. Myles L. Deering, adjutant general of the Oklahoma Army National Guard.

National Guard Counter Drug Program

Since 1989, the National Guard has worked with law enforcement agencies and community-based organizations to perform interdiction and anti-drug activities.  The National Guard Counter Drug Program (NGCDP) operates in 54 states and territories. Approximately 2,500 soldiers and airmen support more than 5,000 agencies at the local, state and federal levels to prevent illicit drugs from being imported, manufactured and distributed in the United States. Inhofe supported language that encourages DOD to continue to support the National Guard Counter Drug Program.

"NGAUS thanks Senator Inhofe for his unwavering support of the National Guard Counter-drug State Programs and regional Training Centers, and looks to his continuing leadership in keeping this well-established successful community-based program viable long into the future," said Gus Hargett, president of the National Guard Association of the United States.

Housing for Low-Income or Disabled Veterans (HAVEN Act)

This HUD program will allow organizations like Rebuilding Together Oklahoma City, a leading nonprofit, continue and expand its important mission, which is rehabilitating homes of disabled and low-income veterans.  Their work revitalizes lives and neighborhoods by making homes safe, warm and dry for Oklahoma’s older veteran community.  Senator Inhofe supported an amendment by Senator Reed that includes authorization of their HAVEN Act bill, S. 1387, which creates a pilot program to expand this meritorious and noble undertaking by organizations like Rebuilding Together.

“Rebuilding Together Oklahoma City greatly appreciates Senator Inhofe’s support of S. 1387 and efforts to ensure the HAVEN Act is part of the National Defense Authorization Act. Implementation of the HAVEN Act would allow Rebuilding Together Oklahoma City to better serve our veterans,” said Jennifer Thurman, executive director of Rebuilding Together Oklahoma City.

Military Chaplains

Chaplains have historical and present-day significance in the offering of spiritual guidance to our servicemembers.  Since the inception of the Chaplain Corps in 1775, over 25,000 chaplains have served as religious and spiritual leaders for 25 million soldiers and their families in every war that America has fought. Inhofe cosponsored a provision that acknowledges and commends chaplains of the military and urges DOD to support chaplains in their efforts to serve and minister to our men and women in uniform. 

Impact Aid

Inhofe successfully in ensured language that authorizes $25 million in supplemental Impact Aid to local educational agencies with military dependent children.  It also includes an additional $5 million in Impact Aid for schools with military dependent children with severe disabilities.

“We appreciate the continued stewardship of Senator Inhofe of the Impact Aid program and the importance he places on this important federal program. The extension of the prompt payment provision is helpful to all federally connected children in Oklahoma,” said Pam Deering, president of the National Council for Impacted Schools and president and superintendent of Mid-Del School District.

Military Working Dogs

Military working dogs (MWDs) are an important element in support of U.S. Armed Forces and have been important to DOD in support of military training and combat operations.  The 341^st Training Squadron at Lackland Air Force Base consolidates training for MWDs across DOD and other federal agencies.  This current collaborative effort in the field of MWD training and research should continue, as well as coordinated efforts between DOD, federal agencies, the veterinary community, universities, and other research centers that provide useful mission support. Inhofe included language that encourages DOD to continue to develop its MWD training and research efforts and expand its interaction specifically with universities such as Oklahoma State University’s Canine Conditioning Program, which is on the cutting edge of MWD research and development in order to better serve our nation’s security and combat capabilities. 

Radiation Dosimeters

Exposure to radiation presents two principal health concerns to our soldiers: acute radiation sickness and an increased risk of developing cancer. Dosimetry can help forecast the type, severity and expected time of onset of symptoms, information needed to predict a soldier’s fitness for duty and provide combat readiness evidence.  The Army has 10,000 personal dosimeters in its inventory consisting of 2,000 dosimeters purchased in 2013 and 8,000 dosimeters based on 1960s technology that is no longer in production.  These 8,000 systems are unable to be repaired due to a lack of spare parts during a time of growing proliferation of weapons of mass destruction including nuclear weapons in the possession of state and potentially non-state actors in the future.  In response, Inhofe included language in the bill that directs the Secretary of the Army to submit a report or provide a briefing to him on the requirements and plan to upgrade and/or acquire new personal dosimeter systems.  This will have a great impact on Oklahoma State University, which has helped to develop state-of-the-art technology in the personal radiation dosimeter arena. 

“Oklahoma State University has a long, proud history of supporting America’s defense efforts through research that has saved lives and improved performance. We welcome the opportunity to use our veterinary center’s expertise in canine performance and our knowledge in radiation monitoring, in partnership with Landauer, to once again serve our nation’s military needs. Oklahoma State University appreciates the leadership of Sen. Inhofe and the Committee on Armed Services,” said Burn Hargis, president of Oklahoma State University.

Reforms in Small Business 8(a) Contracting

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ current two-phase selection process for design-build contracts results in Small Business Administration Section 8(a) certified firms not being able to be awarded more design-build contracts.  This greatly impacts the Corps district offices’ ability to service their customers and affects their ability to execute projects to ensure that the DOD is able to receive its mission-critical project.  There are a significant number of Oklahoma companies that are currently severely impacted negatively by this ACE directive.  Therefore, Inhofe included language that would direct the DOD to report on its use of the two-phased selection process for design-build contracts, including benefits and disadvantages, and the criteria that are used when making a determination that inclusion of more than five contractors in the second phase of such solicitations is in the best interests of the federal government.

Commissaries

In response to the proven primary benefit commissaries provide to servicemembers and their families, Inhofe prevented inclusion of a DOD proposal to reduce direct subsidies to commissaries, thereby preserving the full commissary benefit for military families and retirees.

Distributed Mission Operations

The Air Force is providing its warfighters the ability to train and operate in a realistic virtual environment --instead of a costly actual flight-training environment-- using the real world operational systems they would use in an actual combat situation under its Distributed Mission Operations (DMO) program.  The DMO facilitates networked unit-level training at the operational and strategic levels with a high degree of theater realism. Inhofe’s amendment directs the Secretary of the Air Force to provide a plan that identifies current and planned fielding of the DMO program across the total force, including locations and schedules for installation of DMO simulators and associated equipment.  This would allow for a simulator centers to be located in Tulsa, Okla., with the 138^th Air National Guard Fighter Wing.

Air Force Weather Training Modernization

The Air Force Weather Agency makes significant contributions in improving combat effectiveness for our war fighters. Inhofe successfully included language that stresses the importance of the Air Force’s need to continue to modernize its weather training programs to be able to continue that crucial contribution.  With this language, the Air Force is able to take advantage of different training regimes as it modernizes its training programs, including entering into or expanding cooperative programs with colleges and universities that have meteorological training program expertise.  This would impact schools, such as the University of Oklahoma, which has a renowned meteorology program. 

“I would like to thank Senator Inhofe for his continued stewardship of the National Weather Center Enterprise.  His support of the nexus of national security and weather prediction training to our nation's armed forces in enhancing their war fighting capabilities are important keys to success. More broadly, Senator Inhofe understands well that being a Ready Weather Nation is central for national security and economic vitality. We deeply appreciate his steadfast support,” said Berrien Moore III, vice president, of Weather & Climate Programs and dean of the Atmospheric and Geographic College at the University of Oklahoma.

Cyber Security

Today’s weaponry is highly sophisticated and cyber-enabled, resulting in a distributed, yet connected battlefield.  The need for rapid communication and accurate situational awareness requires the warfighter to maintain guarantees that the weaponry is resistant to known cyber-attacks and resilient to unknown cyber-attacks. By accurately understanding and acknowledging the threat landscape of current and future weaponry, better safeguards and threat tolerant mechanisms can be created to adapt to legacy systems and be designed into future systems.  The University of Tulsa has a long history of excellence in cyber security research and education, and was designated by the NSA as a Center of Excellence in Information Assurance Education in 2000, in Information Assurance Research in 2009 and in Cyber Operations in 2012.  That makes TU one of only four institutions in the U.S. with all three designations.  Therefore, Inhofe included provisions that: (1) direct that funds available for cyber security research be prioritized towards certain entities including university centers, and (2) increases basic research, including cyber research, for universities by $80 million. 

“TU faculty and students are committed to the development of cutting-edge cyber security that improves the safety of all Americans.  We are pleased to learn of Senator Inhofe’s leadership and support along with the prospect of new funding for cyber defense research.  Advancement of this legislation will provide our research teams with the critical resources needed to protect Americans from threatening cyber-attacks,” said Steadman Upham, president of the University of Tulsa.

U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps

The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC) makes significant contributions in the development of our nation’s youth, the recruitment efforts of the U.S. Navy and the awareness of the Navy and its mission.  Since its inception in 1958, the USNSCC has trained over 170,000 young Americans.  Today it continues to prepare America’s youth to become productive and patriotic citizens.  The USNSCC also contributes directly to the recruiting mission of the U.S. Navy. Over 11 percent of the most recent class at the U.S. Naval Academy were former cadets, and a total of 626 cadets accessed into military service in 2013. Inhofe included language that stresses the significant role played by USNSCC in both the development of this nation’s youth and the mission of the U.S. Navy.  It also encourages the Secretary of the Navy to continue funding the USNSCC at current programmed funding levels, to be augmented with additional funds, should they become available. 

“The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps is very appreciative of the outstanding and sustained support shown by Senator Inhofe and his staff.  Full program funding ensures that our cadets receive unparalleled training in leadership and naval skills that will prepare them to be the next generation of leaders in our armed services, schools and communities.  We are tremendously grateful for Senator Inhofe’s support of our nation’s U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps,” said retired Capt. James Monahan, executive director of U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps.

Professional Credentials to Soldiers

Inhofe supported a provision that would establish a program in DOD that will enable servicemembers to obtain professional civilian credentials that relate to their specific training and skills acquired during their military service so they can be easily transferred into civilian occupations once they leave the military.  This program will assist with the expenses connected with a soldier obtaining a professional accreditation, federal occupational license or state-imposed professional license or professional certification. 

“Oklahoma and our industry benefit from Senator Inhofe’s strong leadership to streamline service member’s transition to the private sector. Chesapeake’s veteran employees have an unmatched work ethic, commitment to teamwork, and leadership skills which benefit our company on a daily basis,” said Jay Hawkins, vice president of Human Resources at Chesapeake Energy.

Bowe Bergdahl

Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, an American soldier, was taken prisoner by the Taliban-aligned Haqqani network while deployed to Afghanistan in June 2009. Inhofe has supported past efforts at raising awareness of Bergdahl’s capture and continues to support efforts to return him to the U.S.  Inhofe supported language in last year’s NDAA that called for a report from DOD on Sergeant Bergdahl’s whereabouts and the status of the search for him. This year, Inhofe cosponsored a provision that was included in the NDAA to require the DOD to semi-annually report on U.S.-Pakistan cooperation and include a section outlining the level of Pakistan's cooperation with the search of Bergdahl. Inhofe believes the United States must always remember one of the basic pillars of the Army’s Warrior Ethos: ‘I will never leave a fallen comrade.’

Acoustic Munition Mixing

The Army currently uses low-frequency, high-intensity sound waves in a technology called acoustic mixing during the manufacturing of some munitions.  Acoustic mixing makes it possible to mix efficiently a wide variety of materials, including highly viscous substances and this process could have the potential to improve industrial efficiency and productivity.   This technology is currently in use at the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant in McAlester, Okla.  Sen. Inhofe included language that encourages the Army to continue to evaluate acoustic mixing capabilities that could increase industrial productivity, decrease adverse environmental impacts, and enhance safety. 

“Acoustic mixing is on the cutting edge of complex explosive mixing. It has the potential to save a lot of time and space, which in turn can save DOD a lot of money. McAlester is leading the way in acoustic mixing technology. Sen. Inhofe understands the importance of modernizing explosive mixing in today’s world and we appreciate his advocacy for this essential process," said Mark Jordan, chairman of the McAlester Defense Support Association.

Mental Health

In response to the still high rates of suicide in our Armed Forces, Sen. Inhofe supported bill language that requires a policy for the development of a standard method for collecting, reporting, and assessing suicide data and suicide attempt data of members of the National Guard and Reserves.

Autism Early Intervention

Inhofe cosponsored report language encouraging the DOD to continue efforts to ensure military families have access to the appropriate autism spectrum disorder services, intervention and treatment services.  The availability of these services is vital to the military families of Oklahoma and the nation, including those that live in rural or underserved communities.  Inhofe also supported bill language that directs DOD to include in its fiscal year 2016 budget request funding to provide behavioral health treatment and applied behavior analysis for treatment of developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, or to submit a report explaining why funding is not included in the budget.

Africa:

AFRICOM and the Lord’s Resistance Army

The Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) has wreaked havoc upon hundreds of thousands for more than two decades throughout central Africa.  The LRA’s atrocities have included murder, rape, and the abduction of thousands of children to serve as child soldiers.  In 2009, Sen. Inhofe led the successful congressional effort to pass the Lord’s Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act, which authorizes U.S. efforts to search out and remove the LRA from the battlefield.  In the following years, Congress has provided supporting legislative authorities and associated funding for U.S. military assistance, known as Operation Observant Compass, to regional partners combating the LRA.  Most recently Inhofe’s language was included in section 1208 of last year’s NDAA. In this year’s NDAA, Inhofe included language that expresses the strong support of Operation Observant Compass and how it has enabled notable progress in the removal of key LRA commanders from the battlefield and increased defections.  The language also urges DOD to continue its assistance, specifically the provision of key enabling support, such as mobility and targeted intelligence collection and analysis resources.

"Thanks to strong and sustained US support for regional efforts to stop the Lord's Resistance Army, communities in central Africa are closer than ever before to living free of Joseph Kony's violence. Senator Inhofe's longstanding commitment to ending the LRA crisis has made this progress possible, and his support for funds in next years' defense authorizations bill is critical to seeing Kony's violence ended once and for all," said Ben Keesey, chief executive officer of Invisible Children.

Boko Haram

Boko Haram’s brutal tactics have included dozens of violent terrorist attacks against both the Nigerian Government and civilian targets, including over 200 young girls abducted in northeastern Nigeria in April.  Boko Haram (which translates into “western education is a sin”) is a violent, extremist organization that taps into grievances regarding governance, corruption and underdevelopment in northern Nigeria.  This terrorist group is a direct threat to the Government of Nigeria, stability in northern Nigeria and has a direct bearing on U.S. national security interests in the region because of its terrorist ties with Al Qaeda and reported involvement in transnational organized crime activities such as illicit trafficking in narcotics, arms and wildlife.  Nigeria is an important partner of the United States, but there are deficiencies in the Nigerian Government’s current approach to confronting Boko Haram, undermining its ability to ensure the security of the Nigerian people.  Therefore, Sen. Inhofe supported language that expresses the belief that broader cooperation with the Nigerian Government should be considered carefully in the context of the Nigerian Government’s progress in addressing underlying grievances, discontinuing heavy-handed security tactics, and expanding political and economic opportunity in northern Nigeria. 

This language is a continuum of Inhofe’s efforts in the Senate recently to free the 234 girls kidnapped by Boko Haram.  On May 6, Inhofe was part of a bipartisan effort in successfully passing a Senate resolution (S. Res. 433) condemning the kidnapping of the Nigerian girls from a Christian Secondary School and calling for their immediate and safe return.   

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