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OPENING
STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN JIM SAXTON
HEARING ON ARMY AND AIR FORCE
INITIATIVES
TO IMPROVE ANTI- AND COUNTER-TERRORISM
OPERATIONS |
This morning, the Special Oversight Panel on Terrorism convenes in open session to hear from the Army and Air Force as to how each Service is transforming itself to better conduct anti- and counter-terrorism operations abroad in the post 9/11 combat environment.
Two weeks ago, the Panel heard from the Navy and Marine Corps on this same question. The hearing was quite successful, having given Panel Members a better understanding and appreciation for what the Navy-Marine Corps team is doing. We plan on holding a similar hearing on July 25 with Special Operations Command and Joint Forces Command.
As with each of these hearings, the Panel is interested in hearing about the doctrinal, operational, logistical, force structure, and other institutional changes being implemented or studied by the Army and Air Force. We also want to hear about any new weapons or equipment that are being researched, developed, or procured to enhance your warfighting effectiveness. And the Panel has a particular interest in intelligence matters, namely collection, analysis, and dissemination within the services.
Finally, we are interested in any "lessons learned" to date from combat operations in Afghanistan, including those that might have interservice implications. For example, the committee has heard of alleged problems between the Army and Air Force regarding close air support on the Afghan battlefield.
Our witnesses today have led distinguished careers in their respective branches of the military. They are:
. Major General Randall Schmidt, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Air and
Space Operations, United States Air Force; and
. Lieutenant General David D. McKiernan, Director of Operations, United States Army.
Gentlemen, thank you both for being with us this morning, especially given your hectic schedules over at the Pentagon. We are eager, however, to hear how the Army and Air Force are making improvements, adjustments, and changes to enhance their force protection, warfighting, and interoperability in the new global war on terrorism.
While many Members and Committees in Congress are now focused on the establishment of the new Department of Homeland Security, the Special Oversight Panel on Terrorism has remained fixed on the problem of terrorism, the ongoing fighting in Afghanistan and elsewhere, and the accomplishments and needs of our armed services and military personnel. This, after all, is one of the core oversight responsibilities of the House Armed Services Committee.
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